Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar Appointed Associate Editor of Section “Energy and Catalysis” in Nanomaterials

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar has been appointed Associate Editor of the Section “Energy and Catalysis” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role.

Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar is a distinguished researcher with over 20 years of experience in chemistry, applied chemistry, and engineering. He has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in top journals, including Advanced Energy Materials, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ACS Applied Energy Materials, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. His research covers a broad spectrum of topics, such as nanocatalysts, metallic and bimetallic aerogels, energy systems, and electrochemical sensors, with applications in alternative power sources, batteries, and fuel cells, including direct alcoholic (hydrogen) fuel cells and biofuel cells. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in electrochemical techniques, advanced instrumentation, and spectroscopy, and his contributions to advancements in energy storage, fuel cells, and environmental chemistry and health. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, leading to the development of innovative technologies that address critical challenges in sustainability and health. Actively fostering international collaborations, he drives research that leads to groundbreaking advancements and the creation of methodologies with far-reaching applications. These contributions have earned him recognition among the World Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier, as well as the World Top 3% of Scientists based on the AD Scientific Index, particularly in chemistry, energy, and environmental chemistry.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research area:

1. What motivated you to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for this journal?
I was motivated to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for the journal of Nanomaterials because of my strong commitment to advancing research in nanomaterials and their diverse applications in areas such as energy and catalysis. Over the years, I have witnessed the transformative potential of nanomaterials, and I believe that this journal provides an excellent platform for sharing groundbreaking research in these fields. As someone with extensive experience in nanotechnology, particularly in the development of novel nanocatalysts and energy storage materials, I am eager to contribute to shaping the future of nanomaterial research by ensuring that high-quality, innovative, and impactful research is published. The opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the field allows me to stay at the forefront of advancements while also fostering the development of emerging researchers and cutting-edge technologies. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to help facilitate the dissemination of research that addresses global challenges, such as sustainability and health, which aligns with my own academic and professional interests.

2. How do you envision the evolution of this research field in the coming years?
I envision the field of nanomaterials evolving in several exciting directions over the next few years, driven by advances in both material science and interdisciplinary research. First, I expect to see significant progress in the development of more sustainable and efficient nanomaterials, particularly for energy and environmental applications. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, nanomaterials will continue to play a crucial role in the development of next-generation batteries, fuel cells, and solar technologies, with a focus on improving performance, reducing costs, and increasing recyclability. I foresee an increasing convergence of nanomaterials with artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies will enable more precise design and optimization of nanomaterials, accelerating their development and application in real-world scenarios. This integration will likely lead to smarter, self-assembling, and multifunctional materials that can adapt to environmental changes or user needs. Overall, the next few years will witness a deeper integration of nanomaterials into industries ranging from energy to environmental applications, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, performance, and integration with digital technologies. As the demand for more efficient and eco-friendly solutions continues to rise, nanomaterials will play a key role in advancing energy storage systems, renewable energy technologies, and pollution control measures, paving the way for more sustainable and innovative industrial processes.

3. What are your thoughts on the progress of the open access model within the publishing realm?
The progress of open access within the publishing realm has been remarkable, and I firmly believe it is reshaping the way scientific knowledge is shared and disseminated. Open access provides an invaluable platform for researchers, especially those in underfunded institutions or developing regions, to share their findings with a global audience. By removing paywalls, it democratizes access to cutting-edge research, enabling a broader range of scientists, policymakers, and the public to engage with the latest advancements. One of the most exciting developments in open access is the growing number of high-quality journals embracing this model. As more publishers adopt open access, there is an increased emphasis on maintaining rigorous peer review processes and ensuring that the quality of published content remains high. This has allowed the open access model to become a viable alternative to traditional subscription-based publishing, without compromising scientific integrity. However, while progress is evident, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring sustainable funding models for open access, particularly for high-cost research articles. Additionally, there is a need to address the potential for predatory journals that undermine the credibility of open access publishing. Moving forward, I believe continued collaboration between institutions, publishers, and funding agencies will be essential to ensure that open access continues to grow in both scope and impact, ultimately improving the accessibility and transparency of research.

4. What advice or principles would you offer to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence?
My advice to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence is rooted in three key principles: curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance. First, maintain a deep curiosity and a passion for discovery. The best researchers are those who are genuinely curious about how things work and are driven to explore new ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask fundamental questions, challenge existing paradigms, and explore interdisciplinary approaches. Innovation often comes from asking questions others might overlook. Second, foster strong collaborations and engage with a diverse community of researchers. Research is rarely a solitary endeavor; great advancements are often made when diverse perspectives are brought together. Build networks, collaborate across disciplines, and embrace opportunities for cross-institutional and international partnerships. Not only will this enrich your research, but it will also open doors to new methodologies, technologies, and approaches that you may not encounter in your own area of expertise. Finally, be prepared for challenges and remain persistent. Research is a long-term commitment, and you will face obstacles, whether it’s in terms of experimental difficulties, funding challenges, or unexpected results. Stay resilient and maintain a problem-solving mindset. Focus on your long-term goals, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Excellence comes with sustained effort and the ability to learn from both successes and failures. In addition, aim to communicate your work effectively to both the scientific community and the public. Great research deserves to be shared, and effective communication—whether through publications, conferences, or outreach—ensures that your work has the impact it deserves.

5. What was it like to serve as an Associate Editor for the “Energy and Catalysis” Section? What are your expectations and goals in this role?
Serving as an Associate Editor for the “Energy and Catalysis” Section was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to engage deeply with cutting-edge research in energy and catalysis, areas that are pivotal to addressing global challenges such as sustainability and climate change. Being involved in reviewing high-quality manuscripts and collaborating with top-tier researchers provided a unique perspective on the current state of the field and emerging trends. I found it both challenging and fulfilling to ensure that only the most impactful and rigorous research was published, while also mentoring authors through the review process to enhance the quality of their work. In this role, I had the opportunity to shape the direction of the Section by identifying key areas of research and facilitating discussions around topics that are crucial for the advancement of energy technologies. I also valued the opportunity to help build a robust network of researchers, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering the exchange of ideas. Moving forward, my expectations and goals for this role are to continue promoting high-quality research, expand the journal’s influence in the energy and catalysis community, and help bridge the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. I also hope to encourage more innovation in energy systems and catalysis, especially with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and the development of novel materials. Additionally, I aim to ensure that the journal remains at the forefront of addressing critical issues like renewable energy, carbon capture, and energy storage, while fostering a welcoming space for emerging researchers in the field.