Interview with Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović—Winner of the Pharmaceutics 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Pharmaceutics Outstanding Reviewer Award: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi, Dr. Zhengwei Huang and Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

Name: Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović

Affiliation: University of Novi Sad, Serbia

Research interests: pharmaceutical technology; solid dispersion; ASD; compounding; formulation development; drug permeability

Below is a short interview with one of the winners, Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your current research area?

My name is Mladena Lalić-Popović. I am a full professor teaching pharmaceutical technology and pharmaceutical practice within the broader scientific field of pharmaceutical technology, industrial pharmacy, and cosmetology at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad. I am a healthcare specialist in the field of pharmaceutical technology and am involved with the Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Investigations and Quality Control (CEMPhIC).

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

I believe that science is increasingly focused on applicability. We face great challenges, especially in medicine and pharmacy. Research aimed at improving the utilization of existing drugs is important from clinical, ecological, and economic perspectives. Technological solutions that enable the effective and safe use of drugs are crucial not only from a scientific standpoint but also from the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry. In this regard, research into modern pharmaceutical forms such as 3D-printed and nanodrugs will be the focus of scientific investigations in the coming years.

3. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

Pharmaceutics is a pertinent journal in the field to which I belong. I believe that MDPI has developed one of the most efficient systems currently, appropriate for authors, scientific audiences, and reviewers. I am always impressed by the speed of the entire process and the quality of the published papers. It is a pleasure to collaborate with journals such as Pharmaceutics.

4. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

During the review process, I had the opportunity to stay updated on current developments in the field of pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutics receives a significant number of high-quality and up-to-date papers, addressing topics of great scientific importance using contemporary scientific methods. The respect for my decisions in the subsequent decision-making process concerning the publication of papers is of special significance.

5. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?

First, I look for originality and then novelty. The manuscript should be well-organized and easy to follow in terms of the research. The aim should be clearly defined, and the methodology should be presented in a way that logically supports the achievement of the aim.

6. What are your opinions about the scientific publication market, and what do you think about the open access model?

The economic aspects of publishing papers are undoubtedly a challenging circumstance for every researcher. Paying for paper publication is as difficult as paying for access to information from other colleagues. For these reasons, I believe the MDPI system is fair and fosters competitiveness of researchers who lack financial and institutional support.

7. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

Any success should be supported by a team. Human resources are the most important part of scientific research. The transfer of knowledge and experience is essential for the improvement of individuals. I am deeply grateful to all my mentors, professors, and colleagues who have contributed to my undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as to my scientific collaborations.