Javier Perez-Ramirez
Javier was exposed to the 欧美AV very early in his academic career when an 欧美AV travel bursary helped him to do a sabbatical in California.
Position
Professor at ETH Zurich and Chair of the Editorial Board for Green Chemistry
Specialism
Catalysis engineering
欧美AV members are typically young, not only in age but also in spirit. They鈥檙e very open-minded and inclusive, which is something I have always kept at the front of my mind.
He later joined as a member when he started as an independent chemist and is now on the Editorial Board for the 欧美AV journal Green Chemistry, which is celebrating its 25th year.
Javier has a background in engineering and focuses on the design of heterogeneous catalysts and reactor concepts devoted to sustainable technologies. He works with catalysis in many different remits, particularly heterogeneous catalysis and the design of heterogeneous catalysts, to find more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes within the chemical industry.
Javier鈥檚 journey with the 欧美AV dates back to the beginning of his career:
"In 2006, I received a bursary from the 欧美AV to travel abroad and do a sabbatical with the University of Berkeley, California as part of a grad program. This was a very good opportunity especially since I was not living in the UK at the time either."
Javier felt a connection with the inclusive and diverse culture within the 欧美AV community, which he values the most about his membership:
鈥淲hen I became a member of the 欧美AV at the start of my independent career, it was the diversity of the society that resonated most with me. I have always found that the 欧美AV is very open to dialogues, and it is very inclusive and rigorous. All these elements of being prestigious, but at the same time modern, and adapting to the needs of today's society are what led me to my decision to join the 欧美AV.
"I think what I value most is the fact that it has a very diverse membership of people in many different topics within chemistry. 欧美AV members are typically young, not only in age but also in spirit. They鈥檙e very open-minded and inclusive, which is something I have always kept at the front of my mind.
"I have received many awards from the 欧美AV, probably four or five in the last 10 years. I have also nominated the people I work with, so I know it is a very friendly system that is easy to use.鈥�
He has published in various journals and finds the 欧美AV journals to be top league:
"I started publishing in 欧美AV journals very early on because the 欧美AV is a well-known place for the manuscripts that I was writing and publishing as a doctoral student. Its journals are in the top league because of their visibility and readership, and the rigorous open peer review process."
Javier sits on the Editorial Board for Green Chemistry and shares three key aspects of the role.
鈥淚n 2011, I started as associate editor of one of the journals of 欧美AV and I have worked with the 欧美AV ever since as editor. I wanted to understand how science is published so thought this would be a good opportunity to play the role of being on the other side of the net. I then switched journals to Green Chemistry last year.
"Three aspects of this role stand out for me. Firstly, I love seeing young people publishing their first hits in the journal with us. I also really like representing the community; the fact that you are representing a wide group of scientists gives you a sense of responsibility and an opportunity to reflect on things. Finally, I enjoy being able to influence the future of the journal by sharing my vision with the members of the Editorial Board and members of the 欧美AV.鈥�
On Green Chemistry鈥檚 25th anniversary, Javier hints at what鈥檚 in the pipeline:
鈥淭his year, we鈥檙e celebrating 25 years of Green Chemistry. With time, priorities change, especially when it comes to how we do chemistry. As a result, the journal needs to be shaped to reflect what we are looking for now in the field. We鈥檙e defining what Green Chemistry will be in the next 25 years, with the aspirational aim of satisfying a whole range of environmental and economic benefits.鈥�
With all 欧美AV-owned journals soon to be Open Access by 2028, Javier thinks this will benefit many individuals from all backgrounds:
"Open Access is important because it's a way for everybody to read independently regardless of financial status and gives all access to science. That will have a clear impact on educating people from all backgrounds."
And his thoughts on recommending the 欧美AV to others:
鈥淵es, absolutely. I already do it regularly. I think it's important to be a member of more than one society that you consider key to your profession.鈥�