Join us as we engage with our third Outstanding Reviewer Award winner, Dr. Simone Battaglia, to discuss his scholarly insights and journey as a reviewer for Biomedicines (ISSN: 2227-9059).

Name: Dr. Simone Battaglia
Affiliation: ^1. Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; ^2. Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Research Interests: NIBS techniques; TMS; skin conductance; heart rate variability; fear conditioning; fear learning; learning; neuropsychology; prefrontal cortex; amygdala; hippocampus; anxiety; depression; working memory; PTSD; skin conductance responses; psychophysiology; error-related negativity; EEG; tDCS; Alzheimer’s disease; PIT; stress-related disorders; Parkinson’s disease; resilience; memory; neurologic patients; cognitive decisions; fMRI; translational and molecular psychiatry

The following is an interview with Dr. Simone Battaglia:

1. Could you please tell us a little more about yourself and your current research?
Currently, I hold the position of assistant professor in psychology and neuroscience at the Center for studies and research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna. My academic journey began in 2015 when I enrolled at the University of Bologna as a Ph.D. student, subsequently transitioning to the role of postdoctoral researcher, focusing on the investigation of neural, physiological, and behavioral correlates of emotional learning and memories in humans and its implications for psychopathology. My research experience focuses on investigating the intricate functional interplay of different brain areas involved in emotional learning, action control, brain plasticity, decision-making, and a variety of cognitive tasks. To this end, my research activities primarily revolve around the utilization of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in addition to employing various neuroscientific techniques to record physiological measures, including EEG, SCR, HRV, and EMG. I have conducted extensive research involving healthy individuals, where I examine intra/inter-individual differences, and patients with acquired brain injuries. In my investigations, I employ a multimodal approach that integrates behavioral assessments, electrophysiological measurements, and neurostimulation techniques. The overarching aim of my research is to develop innovative therapeutic protocols, with a particular focus on utilizing the cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) method to facilitate neuroplasticity and enhance functional recovery.

2. How do you anticipate that winning this award will influence your research experiences or personal outlook?
Winning this award is incredibly meaningful to me, and I believe it will have a profound impact on both my research experiences and personal outlook. Firstly, receiving this recognition validates the hard work and dedication I've poured into my research endeavors. It reinforces my confidence in my abilities and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits. Moreover, winning this award opens up new opportunities for collaboration and networking, not only within my field but also with other professionals with different backgrounds, thus promoting translational research. I anticipate that these interactions will not only enrich my research experiences but also broaden my perspective on various topics. On a personal level, winning this award instills a sense of pride and fulfillment. It serves as a reminder of the impact that perseverance and determination can have in achieving one's goals.

3. What aspects of your experience as a reviewer for Biomedicines have you found most rewarding or fulfilling?
Being a reviewer for Biomedicines has been both a pleasure and a means to broaden my horizons by being exposed to a wide range of research topics. The most rewarding aspect of this role is the feeling of having provided a contribution to research, achieved by providing feedback to fellow colleagues. Furthermore, the opportunity to peer-review these articles also coincided with a sense of personal growth, as it led to an enhancement of my critical thinking as well as analytical and communication skills, all required to appropriately share my expertise to foster excellence in research.

4. Can you share any positive interactions or experiences you've had with the editorial team at Biomedicines during the review process?
My interactions with the editorial team at Biomedicines during the review process have been overwhelmingly positive. They have consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to facilitating a smooth and fair review process. Additionally, I appreciate the open communication channels established by the editorial team. They have been proactive in addressing any queries or concerns that arose throughout the review process, fostering a collaborative environment.

5. In your opinion, what are some of the qualities necessary for being a reviewer?
In my opinion, several qualities are necessary for being an effective reviewer. Naturally, the most important one may be expertise. In order to provide a meaningful and coherent revision, a solid understanding of the subject at hand is essential. Alongside this feature, a good reviewer must be objective and impartial, focusing solely on the quality and validity of the research presented. Furthermore, critical thinking is necessary to assess the strenghts and weaknessess of a manuscript, including the methodology, data analysis, and the interpretation of the results. Attention to detail is also crucial, in order to find inaccuracies and imprecisions that may go unnoticed upon a more superficial read. Finally, communication skills are key in order to convey the relevant suggestions with both respect towards the authors and authority, as well as timeliness in order to promote a smooth review process for both authors and the editors.