Rahim Barzegar, Canada, Editorial Board Member since 2021

Serving on the Editorial Board since 2020 has been both intellectually rewarding and professionally transformative. As my academic path progressed—especially with my appointment as an Assistant Professor at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) in 2023—this role has continued to influence how I engage with science and scholarship. In handling manuscripts that span disciplines such as hydrology, water quality, climate science, and artificial intelligence, I have had the opportunity to engage with some of the most exciting and innovative research in environmental sciences. Reading and handling diverse manuscripts has regularly exposed me to fresh perspectives that challenged my assumptions, sharpened my thinking, and opened new directions in my own research. Notably, several of these insights directly contributed to the development of my NSERC Discovery Grant (2025) proposal, “AI-powered water modeling in boreal forests after wildfires”—a five-year project that was successfully funded through one of Canada’s most competitive research programs.

What sets Communications Earth & Environment apart is its unwavering commitment to publishing rigorous, interdisciplinary research that delivers real-world impact—especially in regions and communities historically underrepresented in global scientific discourse. I have seen how the journal consistently amplifies research that not only advances knowledge but also supports local priorities and voices that might otherwise go unheard. That mission continues to inspire and inform my own work, especially a project I’m proud to co-lead in Chisasibi, a northern Cree Nation community in Quebec, Canada, where we are investigating the impacts of isostatic rebound and climate change on regional water resources.

My editorial experience has deepened my commitment to principles such as transparency, reproducibility, and the broader societal responsibilities of research. It has reinforced my belief that science should go beyond publication: it should inform decision-making, serve communities, and create pathways for others to build upon. Being part of this editorial community has shaped not only how I conduct research but also how I teach, mentor, and lead collaborative efforts toward a more inclusive and impactful research culture.

Rahim Barzegar. Credit: Rahim Barzegar

Aliénor Lavergne, United Kingdom, Senior Editor 2022–2025

Since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to stepping outside my comfort zone to explore new horizons, meet diverse people, and immerse myself in different cultures. As a teenager, I spent an entire year living with a local family in Argentina, attending high school, and learning a new language and culture. This desire to broaden my knowledge and embrace the diversity of the world has shaped my own professional life. I have developed my research projects on a range of topics covering paleoclimatology and plant physiology research in different countries and have collaborated with scientists from all continents.

Over the past three years as an editor in climate and environmental science for the journal, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a wider range of research areas, engage with cutting-edge studies, and grow professionally while satisfying my intellectual curiosity. I also contributed to shaping the journal’s voice by promoting content through social media and issuing press releases for impactful, newsworthy papers.

What I enjoy most is reflecting on others’ work to spark new ideas and guide editorial direction. To that end, I have written editorials on current topics that featured prominently at conferences I attended, including the shift to plant-based diets as a sustainable food strategy, the principles of effective climate change adaptation, and, more recently, strategies to avoid cascading climate tipping points. These pieces not only spotlight key scientific advances but also help raise awareness of broader global environmental and sustainability challenges.

Working eye climate energy. Credit: Laurence Dutton

Olusegun Dada, Nigeria, Editorial Board Member since 2023

I joined the Editorial Board in 2023 and consider it not just as a role, but as an honor and a valuable learning experience. As an author, I used to feel frustrated by delays in manuscript decisions. Now, on the other side of the desk, I have come to see that these delays are not a matter of inefficiency—they reflect a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the process. While every handling editor strives to make prompt decisions, the complexity of academic publishing often necessitates patience. Each manuscript that crosses my desk tells a larger story—not just of data and findings, but of perseverance and collaboration. What is often invisible to the public is the careful thought and dialog that goes into every decision made behind the scenes. As a handling editor, I navigate the intersection of scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is finding qualified reviewers. Many experts are overcommitted, and securing reliable, thoughtful feedback can take longer than expected. This can delay the process by days or even weeks. Once we do have the reviews in hand, the work is not over. Often, the feedback is contradictory or leaves more questions than it answers. As an editor, I am left to interpret these comments and decide how best to move forward, always mindful of maintaining the journal’s standards and the integrity of the work.

Ultimately, I have learned that the editorial process is not a quick fix, but a measured approach to ensuring quality. Every decision—whether it involves accepting a paper, requesting major revisions, or recommending rejection—is made with consideration not only for the individual manuscript but also for the long-term credibility of the field. In the end, what people see in the journal is just the result of a much longer journey. It is a journey that involves constant negotiation between scientific rigor and human judgment, fostering the trust and respect essential to academic publishing.

Person reading a book with study materials on desk. Credit: Ekaterina Goncharova

Alice Drinkwater, United Kingdom, Associate Editor since 2024

I come from a family of teachers, so lifelong learning has always been one of my guiding principles. This led me all the way to my PhD studying atmospheric metrology. Now, working as the atmospheric and ocean science editor for the journal, I am constantly learning and hearing stories of new science advancements, which makes for an exciting and fulfilling career.

As scientists, I believe we have a key responsibility to make science accessible to all. It is only by encouraging and engaging with the next generation of scientists that we can ensure science is protected for the future. Ultimately, I see this role as an opportunity to champion new science and to learn from our authors, reviewers, and my teammates. I truly admire scientists who are willing to examine new theories and pioneer new methods. To try something new, to fail, to grow, fail again, grow again, and to ultimately bring new knowledge to the world is how science moves forward. I feel honored to play my small role in the advancement of our collective understanding.

Beachy Head Lighthouse and The English Channel. Credit: Tim Grist

Somaparna Ghosh, India, Associate Editor since 2024

The uncertainty of “what’s next” during the final phase of a PhD is a very real and shared experience—and I was no exception. After spending nearly six years immersed in water quality research within an analytical chemistry lab, I began searching for opportunities that would allow me to remain actively engaged in science. Shortly after submitting my doctoral thesis, I joined Communications Earth & Environment as an Associate Editor—an opportunity that, in hindsight, has proven to be one of the best decisions of my career.

In my role as editor, I manage a wide spectrum of manuscripts across areas such as groundwater and terrestrial water pollution, plastic contamination, soil science, and contaminant remediation. Every day, I have the privilege of engaging with research that addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The opportunity to read cutting-edge studies that have the potential to positively impact ecosystems and human well-being is both humbling and inspiring.

My interactions with authors and reviewers have greatly expanded my understanding of emerging scientific advancements across disciplines. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sending that final acceptance email after a manuscript has successfully undergone rigorous and transparent peer review. With each submission I handle, I continue to grow, both as a scientist and as an editor.

Environment engineer Collect samples of wastewater from industrial canals in test tube. Credit: Onuma Inthapong

Mengjie Wang, China, Associate Editor since 2024

“Whoever has a good command of math and sciences will have no fear of his future career.” This was a popular saying in China. I heard it from elders when I was a child. Following this advice, I chose STEM subjects and pursued a degree in science with the expectation of securing a good job. One day, I came across a story about the French entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre. I still remember one scene where the man walks alone at night across a dark plateau, holding a small lamp. The light doesn’t reveal the entire path at once, but it lights each step as he moves forward. The image captured the spirit of scientific exploration: uncertain, patient, and quietly determined. It was likely the first time I saw research not just as a career, but as a journey of discovery.

After completing my academic training, I chose a different path. Instead of continuing as a researcher, I joined the journal as an editor. It was a new exploration for me, staying close to science while contributing in a different way. As an editor, I’m glad to be engaged with research across diverse fields and collaborate with authors and reviewers to bring important work to light. What excites me most is uncovering the unique spark in each manuscript, whether it’s an insight, a question, or a potential impact, and helping it get noticed. I’ve worked with PhD candidates improving their first submissions, and with experienced researchers refining complex ideas. Each experience reminds me that being an editor can be a support for the growth of ideas and the people behind them.

Narrow alley in Yangzhou’s old city, China. Credit: Xia Yuwan

Yann Benetreau, United States, Deputy Editor, Communications Sustainability since 2025

My interest in editorial work, reproducibility, and open-access publishing was a strong draw toward this profession. I have since spent almost seven years working in open-access advocacy and as an editor, in journals with different editorial criteria and levels of selectivity. I have assessed works across the behavioral and social sciences and, more recently, in sustainability. I have found my experience as an editor to be continuously challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. This work is highly collaborative; requires intellectual agility, attention to detail, and big-picture thinking; and is very operational in nature. I spend much of my time reading, giving, or receiving critical comments on research authors care deeply about. It is sometimes easy to forget, after a few thousand papers and surrounded by rejection and criticism, how fortunate I am to spend my days interacting with skilled and considerate individuals working toward rigorous, reproducible, and meaningful science, for a global community of authors and readers.

Women Scientists. Credit: DrAfter123

Nandita Basu, India, Associate Editor, Communications Sustainability since 2025

After gathering nearly a decade of experience in academic research and teaching, I decided to step into the role of an Editor, which felt like an exciting evolution of my career. I realize now that this was not a decision I suddenly made, but this is exactly where I wanted to be.

As a researcher, I dedicated years to developing nano- and micro-level surface fabrication strategies and self-organized structure-property relationships. I enjoyed problem-solving, the thrill of learning scientific observations from a fundamental level. But over time a question started to appear in my mind: is there anything more that I can do for science except just publishing my own work?

That brought about the change in my thought process of looking at science not as a personal pursuit but rather a collective effort that depends on how good we collaborate, communicate and evaluate new and innovative research ideas critically. I started to believe that as Editor I can support new ideas at a broader scale by helping researchers to share their work which may have much impact than doing my own research. Becoming a Consulting Editor at Communications Earth & Environment brought me the opportunity.

I am proud that at the journal, we support high-quality research work that addresses various global challenges—from climate change to resource management. I get the opportunity to work with researchers from all over the world, helping them to present their scientific innovations with care and responsibility. We also make sure that the publications are not only scientifically strong and innovative but also relevant as real-world solutions.

Nandita Basu. Credit: Nandita Basu

For me this role is not just about dealing with papers but about being a part of protecting our planet by supporting research that is addressing real-world environmental challenges and proposing solutions. Joining as an Editor fulfills me as a scientist.