Announcements

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Francesco De Francesco has been appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of the “Hand Surgery and Research” Section in Surgeries (ISSN: 2673-4095).

Dr. Francesco De Francesco, MD, PhD, is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and esthetic surgery, currently working at the SOSD Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit of the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche in Ancona, Italy. In addition to his medical specialization, he holds a PhD in biomedical sciences, with a focus on translational research in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Dr. De Francesco is academically qualified to teach plastic and reconstructive surgery, histology, and translational medicine. His work bridges clinical excellence and scientific innovation, with a strong focus on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, as therapeutic tools in reconstructive surgery.

His translational research spans a variety of clinical applications, including chronic non-healing wounds, osteoarthritis, nerve regeneration, and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Dr. De Francesco is particularly active in the study and application of biomaterials, scaffold-based tissue regeneration, and cell-assisted lipotransfer, contributing to the advancement of minimally invasive regenerative strategies in plastic surgery.

Dr. De Francesco is also involved in interdisciplinary collaborations across cellular biology, bioengineering, and nanotechnology, and has participated in both national and international research consortia. He contributes regularly to scientific publications and conferences and is engaged in surgical education and mentorship.

His overarching goal is to integrate cutting-edge research into everyday surgical practice, improving outcomes for complex reconstructive challenges through a precision medicine approach grounded in robust scientific evidence.

The “Hand Surgery and Research” Section serves as a leading platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative clinical practices in the field of hand surgery. Our mission is to promote innovation, support high-quality research, and foster clinical excellence across all disciplines involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of hand disorders.

In close collaboration with prominent professional organizations—such as the Italian Society for Surgery of the Hand (Società Italiana di Chirurgia della Mano, SICM)—the Section is committed to reflecting the most current standards, breakthroughs, and best practices that are shaping the future of hand surgery. Furthermore, we aim to encourage international and interdisciplinary exchange to stimulate global dialogue and collaboration within this evolving field.

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

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to also take on the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
I was particularly drawn to Surgeries due to its dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to surgical science, combined with its commitment to open access and the global dissemination of knowledge. The establishment of the “Hand Surgery and Research” Section presents a unique opportunity to consolidate both clinical expertise and scientific innovation in one focused platform. This is particularly important in a field such as hand surgery, where microsurgical precision, biomechanics, and regenerative strategies converge. I felt this was the ideal context in which to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the field while fostering international scientific dialogue.

2. What is your vision for the journal and Section?
I aim to promote a wide spectrum of contributions—from basic science and experimental models to clinical trials and surgical techniques—focusing especially on innovation, reproducibility, and translational value. I also envision the Section as a space for interdisciplinary exchange, where researchers, clinicians, and bioengineers can share knowledge and shape the future of hand surgery and rehabilitation. Special attention will be given to regenerative medicine, biomaterials, nerve reconstruction, and digital technologies. The Section will be equally dedicated to consolidating current knowledge in hand surgery, hand rehabilitation and projecting its evolution toward the future, with a particular emphasis on regenerative medicine as a transformative force in clinical practice.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of hand surgery will be shaped by the integration of regenerative medicine, microsurgical advancements, and emerging digital technologies. Innovations in tissue engineering, advanced biomaterials, and precision surgical techniques are opening new horizons for functional and esthetic restoration. At the same time, developments in artificial intelligence, intraoperative navigation, and robotic-assisted surgery are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and procedural efficiency. The field is evolving toward more personalized, minimally invasive, and outcome-driven approaches. I believe that interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together surgeons, researchers, engineers, and rehabilitation specialists—will be essential to transforming these innovations into real-world clinical solutions.

4. Do you have any suggestions for young researchers in this field?
Yes—be curious, be rigorous, and stay interdisciplinary. Hand surgery and related research are rapidly evolving and require a solid foundation in anatomy and surgical principles, but also openness toward emerging fields such as bioengineering, cellular biology, and computational medicine. I encourage young researchers to participate in international networks, seek mentorship early, and always align their scientific work with clinical relevance. Publishing is important, but what truly advances the field is research that translates into real benefits for patients.

5. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
Open access is essential for accelerating scientific progress and democratizing knowledge. It ensures that high-quality research reaches clinicians, scientists, and patients regardless of institutional or geographic boundaries. In a field like surgery—where timely dissemination of techniques, outcomes, and innovations can directly impact patient care—open access publishing plays a vital role. I strongly support transparent, peer-reviewed open access platforms that uphold rigorous standards while fostering global visibility and collaboration.

The editorial team warmly welcomes Dr. Francesco De Francesco as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the “Hand Surgery and Research” Section and looks forward to his contributions to the continued success of Surgeries. For further information on the journal Section, please click here.