Advancing Knowledge and Collaboration: Dr. Ahmet Deniz Ba? Takes on MetSoc’s Publications Chair Role

A. Deniz Ba?, Ph.D. , Associate Professor at Mugla Sitki Kocman University, the newly appointed Publications Chair for the Metallurgy and Materials Society (MetSoc), brings a wealth of editorial experience from his work with the Minerals Engineering Journal and CIM Journal. Passionate about advancing scientific knowledge, Dr. Ba? aims to enhance the quality, visibility, and impact of MetSoc’s publications. His goals include attracting high-quality submissions, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and promoting research that addresses industry challenges. With a focus on digital strategies and engaging with the global scientific community, Dr. Ba? is dedicated to ensuring that MetSoc’s publications remain at the forefront of research in metallurgy and materials science.

As the new Publications Chair for MetSoc, what do you see as your main goals for the role, and how do you plan to enhance the Society’s publications?

Response: As the new Publications Chair, my main goals include increasing the quality and impact of the Society's publications, enhancing the visibility and reach of the Society's publications within the scientific community, implementing new strategies to attract high-quality submissions and increasing readership, and collaborating with researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure the publications are relevant and valuable to the field. Co-publishing special issues/themed collections, using digital platforms to promote the Society's publications and engage with readers, and offering training and resources to authors are all essential.

With your editorial experience at Minerals Engineering Journal and CIM Journal, what do you believe are the most important qualities of an impactful research publication?

Response: Several important qualities contribute to an impactful research publication. The research should present new and/or groundbreaking findings that add to the existing body of knowledge in the field. The research should address an important and timely research question with implications for industry or society. I believe that collaboration with experts in related fields can enhance the multidisciplinary nature of the research and increase its impact. Of course, the study should be conducted using robust methodologies and techniques, with careful attention to the validity and reliability of the results.

In your experience, how has the field of extractive metallurgy changed over the years, and what role do you think publications can play in shaping its future?

Response: The field of extractive metallurgy has evolved over the years, with innovations in technologies, processes, and sustainability practices. These advancements have led to improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced resource recovery. Publications play a crucial role in shaping the future of extractive metallurgy by facilitating knowledge sharing, promoting research findings, and fostering collaborations among researchers and industry professionals. Publications make a significant contribution to the field's advancement by disseminating new ideas, best practices, and cutting-edge developments. Furthermore, publications are an opportunity to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and highlight emerging trends in extractive metallurgy. Through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and industry publications, researchers and practitioners can stay in the know about the latest advancements and contribute to the collective knowledge base.

What role do you think technological advancements, like AI or machine learning, will play in the future of scientific research and publications in metallurgy?

Response: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already significant in scientific research in various fields, including metallurgy. In the future, these technologies are likely to continue to revolutionize the way research is conducted, and findings are published in the metallurgy field. AI and machine learning can be used to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions in metallurgical research. They can help researchers process complex information more efficiently, leading to quicker and more accurate results. The use of these tools can aid in modelling and simulating materials at the atom or molecular level, which can yield valuable insights for designing new alloys or improving existing materials. In terms of publications, AI can assist in data analysis, enabling researchers to stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field. It can identify gaps in existing research and generate new hypotheses for further investigation. It is important to be cautious and verify that the information is accurate and not misleading.

As someone who has contributed to both academic journals and conferences, what advice would you give to early-career researchers looking to publish their work?

- ? Make sure your research aligns with the scope and focus of the journal or conference you are targeting.

- ? Clearly articulate the significance of your work, methodology, results, and conclusions. Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors to improve the quality of your manuscript.

- ? In case of revision, revise your manuscript thoughtfully and provide detailed responses to each comment to improve the quality of your paper. The review process offers a great opportunity as well to learn.

- ? Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field and consider how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

- ? Network with peers and mentors. Seek advice and mentorship from experienced researchers in your field. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with fellow researchers, and present your work.

- ? Be persistent and resilient. Rejection is a common part of the publication process. If your paper is rejected, use the feedback to improve your work and consider submitting it to another journal or conference.

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In sum: I am honoured and grateful to have been appointed as the new Publications Committee Chair for the Metallurgy and Materials Society of The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. I am excited to serve on the MetSoc Board of Directors and contribute to advancing and sharing knowledge within our society while upholding the society’s renowned high standards. Thank you once again for this wonderful interview. “I feel like I am still in the initial stages of my research career”.?

Dr. Ba? is honoured to serve as Publications Chair and looks forward to advancing MetSoc’s mission of knowledge sharing and collaboration. By supporting researchers, enhancing publication quality, and promoting innovative research, he hopes to contribute meaningfully to the metallurgy field. “I feel like I am still in the initial stages of my research career,” he humbly reflects. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Learn more about MetSoc's Publications Standing Committee: https://metsoc.org/publications-standing-committee/