Announcements

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib as the new Editor-in-Chief of Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105).

Name: Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib
Affiliation: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve, Montréal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
Interests: Li-ion batteries and beyond; solid-state batteries; energy storage; photo-batteries; electrochemical generator; smart windows and electronic materials; hydrogen storage; carbon-supported catalysts

Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib studied electrochemistry and earned his MS.c. (1987) and Ph.D. (1990) in electrochemistry at the Institute National Polytechnique de Grenoble, France. His Habilitation à diriger la recherche in physics was conferred by the Université de Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris (2002).Prof. Dr. Zaghib has played a determining role in research on lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles for over 30 years. As Director of Research at Hydro-Québec for 28 years, Prof. Dr. Zaghib oversaw its development of materials for lithium-ion batteries and led it to become the world’s first company to commercialize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes. He was also one of the pioneers of the first photo-battery with two electrodes, and of megawatt-hours (MWh) high-capacity energy storage based on LFP/graphite, and he has made enormous contributions to the electrochemistry of ionic liquids for lithium-ion batteries.

Prof. Dr. Zaghib is currently the Director of the Collaborative Centres on Energy and its Transition (C2ET) at Concordia University, Canada, which aims to become the benchmark for the design and industrialization of energy systems based on renewable energy. Its mission is to design integrated systems based on electrochemical devices, new generations of batteries, and hydrogen production, in order to bring those systems equitably and affordably to market. Prof. Dr. Zaghib is also the CEO of Concordia’s $123M CFREF program, Volt-Age, where his focus is on attaining the net-zero electrification of transport both in urban environments and, in partnership with the Indigenous Clean Energy consortium, in northern, remote, and indigenous communities across Canada.

Prof. Dr. Zaghib’s leadership in battery development and electrochromics is undisputed globally. He is a co-author of 420 scientific publications (h-index 92, >28557 citations) and co-inventor on 973 patents for over 200 inventions associated with 63 licenses. He was chair of the 15th International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, the premier international conference on lithium battery science and technology, in 2010, as well as of the first International Conference on Olivines for Rechargeable Batteries in 2014. Most recently, Prof. Dr. Zaghib was named the chair of the 23rd International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, to be held in 2026, and was the driving force behind the successful bid to host the meeting in Montreal. His field-transforming research and innovation have also earned him numerous awards and distinctions. A Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and a recipient of its Battery Technology Division Award (2013), Prof. Dr. Zaghib is also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the only person ever to have received both the Research Award (2010) and the Technology Award (2017) of the International Battery Association. Among many other honors, he is the recipient of the Prix du Québec Lionel-Boulet (2019), the highest distinction for industrial and applied research and development awarded by the Government of Québec, and the Kalev-Pugi Award of the Society of Chemical Industry Canada (2022). Named a “Personality of the Year” by the magazine L’actualité in 2023, we are confident that his vision and leadership will steer Batteries towards new heights of success.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role of its Editor-in-Chief?
Batteries, published by MDPI, stands out due to its commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed research in the rapidly evolving field of energy storage. The journal's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation aligns perfectly with my own passion for this research area. The opportunity to lead a platform that brings together leading researchers and disseminates cutting-edge findings is incredibly appealing.

2. What is your vision for the journal?
My vision for Batteries is to establish it as a leading energy storage and battery technology publication. I aim to increase the journal's impact factor by attracting groundbreaking research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. We will prioritize high standards of scientific rigor, promote innovative methodologies, and ensure the rapid dissemination of significant findings to advance the field.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of energy storage research and energy transition is exceptionally promising. We are on the brink of significant advancements in battery technology, which will be crucial for the transition to renewable energy sources and the development of sustainable energy solutions. Innovations in materials science, electrochemistry, and engineering will drive the next generation of batteries, making them more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly. Our research community will be vital in addressing global energy challenges and enabling a greener future.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
Open access is a transformative development in academic publishing. It democratizes knowledge by making research accessible to a broader audience, including scientists, industry professionals, policymakers, and the public. This increased accessibility accelerates the dissemination of scientific discoveries and promotes greater collaboration across disciplines. I strongly support open access publishing as it aligns with the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the widespread sharing of knowledge, which are essential for the progress of science and society.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib to his new role as Editor-in-Chief, and we look forward to him leading Batteries to many more milestones.