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His research focuses on the development of advanced catalytic materials, waste valorization, light–matter interaction, and the design and modelling of thermo-photo catalytic reactors and processes. He has authored more than one hundred peer-reviewed publications, co-authored book chapters, edited scientific volumes, and is co-inventor of two patents. Prof. Muñoz-Batista has led and participated in numerous competitive research projects and collaborations with industrial and institutional partners. In the academic field, he has supervised several PhD theses and numerous MSc and BSc dissertations. He is also an active member of the Spanish Society of Catalysis and the Royal Spanish Chemical Society and has contributed to international conferences as well as science dissemination and public outreach activities such as Science Week, Open Days, and the European Researchers’ Night.

The following is a short interview with Prof. Dr. Mario J. Muñoz-Batista:

1. What motivated you to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief for this journal?
Since its foundation in 2017, ChemEngineering has demonstrated great potential for growth and, with the support of a highly prestigious editorial team, it has steadily increased its visibility and impact. I was motivated by the opportunity to build on this positive trajectory, helping the journal continue to strengthen its international recognition and serve as a reliable platform for high-quality research. At the same time, I see an important challenge and opportunity in aligning the journal’s scope with the latest trends in chemical engineering, such as sustainability, digitalization, catalysis, circular economy, process intensification, and multi-energy systems, so that ChemEngineering reflects the dynamic evolution of the discipline and its central role in addressing global challenges.

2. What is your vision for the journal’s future?
My vision for ChemEngineering is to consolidate its position as a high-quality, open access journal that not only disseminates excellent research but also sets the agenda for future directions in chemical engineering. In the coming years, I would like the journal to become a recognized reference for both fundamental advances and applied innovations, strengthening the bridge between academic research and industrial practice. We will continue to highlight core areas such as catalysis, process intensification, and the circular economy, while also opening the door to emerging topics such as multi-energy systems that integrate light, heat, and electricity, etc., as well as digital tools, modelling, and artificial intelligence applied to chemical engineering. In addition, I see ChemEngineering playing a stronger role in interdisciplinary dialogue, where chemical engineering connects with materials science, energy technologies, and environmental sustainability.

3. What are the key future directions you see for this field of research?
Chemical engineering is moving towards a future where sustainability, energy efficiency, and technological integration will be the driving forces of innovation. The development of advanced catalysts and functional materials, together with new reactor concepts and process intensification strategies, will enable cleaner and more efficient processes. Digitalization, modelling, and artificial intelligence are also becoming indispensable, accelerating the design of catalysts and processes and making scale-up from the laboratory to industry more reliable and cost-effective. Ultimately, the future of the field lies in strengthening its interdisciplinary character, connecting chemical engineering with materials science, biotechnology, and energy technologies to respond to global challenges such as climate change, sustainable energy, and clean water.

4. What are your perspectives on the development of open access publishing?
The perspective on open access publishing has changed significantly over the past decade. Initially, there was some skepticism regarding its sustainability and quality standards, but today it is clear that open access has become a central pillar for the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Most major publishers now include open access journals in their portfolios, and access to the latest scientific advances by both the research community and the general public has become more natural and immediate. This broader accessibility fosters collaboration and accelerates innovation across disciplines and regions. For open access to be truly effective, publishers must guarantee clear peer-review processes, robust editorial standards, and transparent publication practices. Researchers and institutions are increasingly attentive to these elements, which is helping to build trust and strengthen the credibility of the model. In my view, the trend is clearly towards valuing open access as the most equitable and impactful model of scientific communication. The challenge now is to continue improving its credibility, affordability, and inclusivity so that it serves the entire scientific community, while ensuring that the highest standards of quality and integrity are maintained.

We welcome Prof. Dr. Mario J. Muñoz-Batista as our Editor-in-Chief and look forward to his contribution to the continued success of ChemEngineering.