Meet the mind behind the journal: A conversation with our new Editor-in-Chief

  1. What are you most looking forward to in your role as Editor-in-Chief?
    I am most looking forward to shaping a journal that not only reflects the highest standards of scientific excellence but also responds dynamically to the evolving needs of the research community. I see this role as an opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices, foster interdisciplinary connections and promote transformative ideas that might otherwise be overlooked. I am particularly excited about mentoring the next generation of researchers through our editorial policies and creating a platform where innovation meets responsibility - scientifically, ethically, and societally.
     
  2. What scientific discovery or innovation first sparked your passion for research?
    My passion for research was sparked by the strong innovation of advanced ceramics in the middle of the nineteen eighties. At that time, advanced ceramics experienced a hype in materials science for various applications in the fields of technology of the 21st century.  In particular, during these times I was involved as a postdoctoral researcher at the May-Planck-Institute for Metal Research in Stuttgart, Germany, with the idea to design and fabricate innovative complex functional and structural ceramics via molecular approaches. These methods included liquid sol-gel and gaseous vapor phase processes as well as the polymer-derived ceramic technology to produce novel ceramics and ceramic nanocomposites with properties far beyond that of the traditional materials.
     
  3. What is a major challenge in your field that you hope the journal can help tackle?
    One persistent challenge is the fragmentation of knowledge. Valuable insights often remain siloed in sub-disciplines or hidden behind paywalls. I hope our journal can serve as a bridge - connecting fields, encouraging open science and making innovative research widely accessible. A major challenge is bridging the gap between innovation and scalability. Many groundbreaking ideas in advanced manufacturing remain stuck in the lab. Our journal aims to highlight not only novelty but also pathways toward real-world application - be it in the fields of advanced ceramics and metals, smart electronic devices, sustainable materials or medical implants.
     
  4. What is a misconception about being a researcher or Editor-in-Chief that you would like to debunk?
    There is a common belief that research is a straightforward path from question to answer. In reality, it is nonlinear, filled with false starts, surprises and constant learning. One misconception is that editors act as gatekeepers who prioritize prestige over content. I see my role as championing rigorous, impactful work - regardless of its origin or authorship. As a researcher, another myth is that we work in isolation. In truth, our field thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration.
     
  5. What emerging area of research do you think will shape the future of your field?
    Materials matter not only for the development of specific devices such as super turbines for aeroengines and power plants or batteries and capacitors for electromobility but also for all aspects to overcome the tremendous societal and technological challenges mankind is faced in future. In this context I believe new materials and processes - especially the convergence of synthesis, processing and materials properties - will significantly shape the future. We are moving toward personalized and functional materials developed more and more by machine learning and artificial intelligence rather than just experimentally explorative and that is truly transformative. The integration of artificial intelligence with traditional scientific methods holds immense promise. When applied responsibly, AI can help us uncover patterns, generate hypotheses and accelerate discovery in ways we could not imagine just a decade ago.
     
  6. What is one habit or mindset that has been key to your success in research?
    Persistence rooted in curiosity. I have learned that asking ‘why?’ and being willing to follow that thread - despite setbacks - is far more important than rushing to publish the next result. Maintaining a systems-level perspective. It is easy to get lost in material details or processing parameters, but the most impactful research connects fundamental insights with broader functionality, whether in devices, living systems or industrial settings.
     
  7. If you could change one thing about how science is done today, what would it be?
    I would foster a greater culture of translational thinking. We need to encourage researchers to think not just about what can be discovered, but how those discoveries can be implemented—technically, economically and ethically. And I would rethink the incentive structures. We need to move beyond citation counts and impact factors, and toward a culture that values reproducibility, collaboration and long-term contributions to knowledge.
     
  8. Who has had the biggest impact on your career and what did they teach you?
    My doctoral advisor had a profound influence. He taught me to treat failures not as obstacles but as data - to view them as necessary steps in the process of discovery. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career. And a mentor during my postdoctoral work taught me to view materials not just as substances, but as solutions. That shift - from focusing on properties to focusing on problems - transformed how I approach research and editorial decisions.
     
  9. If you could collaborate with any scientist - living or historical - who would it be and why?
    I would love to collaborate with a scientist who is passionate about fundamental research, but who also sees discovery as a means to a greater end - developing materials that can help solve real human problems. Ever since I first realized how a single material innovation can change lives - by enabling clean water, safer medicine or greener energy – I have felt a deep sense of purpose in my work. Collaborating with someone who shares that belief and who sees materials science not just as a discipline but as a responsibility, would be truly meaningful to me. This kind of attitude of an interdisciplinary approach resonates deeply with the mission of our journal.
     
  10. Why would you encourage authors to submit to the journal?
    We are committed to advancing not just knowledge, but meaningful innovation in materials and biomaterials manufacturing. Our journal offers a platform where rigor, relevance and originality are equally valued. For authors seeking visibility, integrity and a community passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing, this is the right place. We see ourselves not just as a publication venue, but as part of a broader scientific conversation. We are committed to fair and transparent peer review, support for early-career researchers and to fostering work that pushes boundaries - whether methodologically, conceptually, or socially. If you are looking for a journal that values both excellence and integrity, we welcome your contribution.