A recent visit by the Editor-in-Chief of npj Quantum Materials - Nature to the Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology, and Engineering (VJSTE)

On August 8, 2024, Professor Sang-Wook Cheong, Editor-in-Chief of npj Quantum Materials - Nature, and Professor Manh-Huong Phan from the University of South Florida visited the Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering (VJSTE). This meeting offered VJSTE valuable insights and evaluations from these international experts on the journal’s status and provided important recommendations for enhancing its quality to meet the standards of renowned international databases.

The Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering warmly welcomed Professor Sang-Wook Cheong and Professor Manh-Huong Phan at its office on August 8, 2024.

In the welcome speech, Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering (VJSTE), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Professor Sang-Wook Cheong for taking the time to visit and engage with the journal. Dr. Giang conveyed hope that Professor Cheong, with his extensive experience leading npj Quantum Materials, a prestigious journal within the Nature group, would provide valuable and practical insights. These contributions are expected to support VJSTE’s development into a distinguished international journal.

During the meeting, Professor Sang-Wook Cheong praised the recent accomplishments of VJSTE. He noted the journal’s well-organized editorial process and high-quality English. As a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary publication, the journal benefits from a diverse range of articles that appeal to a broad international audience. Professor Cheong also highlighted the recent significant increase in international submissions, viewing it as a clear indicator of growing interest from the global scientific community.

Professor Cheong particularly highlighted the essential role of the Ministry of Science and Technology in funding VJSTE. This support enables the journal to adopt an open-access model, making it freely available to both authors and readers. He emphasized that open access is an increasing trend within the global scientific community. By fully embracing this model, the VJSTE is making a positive contribution to the advancement of science both in Vietnam and worldwide.

Professor Cheong also noted that the use of the ScholarOne Manuscripts submission and peer review system by Clarivate has significantly enhanced the quality of peer review, thereby raising the standard of the journal's articles. This system selects reviewers from the Web of Science database, ensuring they are esteemed experts in their fields. Drawing from his experience in journal development, Professor Cheong recommended that, in addition to focusing on metrics such as impact factor and journal ranking, the VJSTE should prioritize content that benefits the country. Key areas of focus could include lithium batteries, new materials, the application of nanomaterials in biomedicine, and clinical drug trials. He also suggested exploring partnerships with international publishers to leverage their promotional and evaluation services.

In alignment with Professor Cheong's assessments and recommendations, Professor Manh-Huong Phan suggested that VJSTE should enhance its global visibility by promoting the journal and its notable articles at major international meetings and conferences. He believes that by doing so, the journal will gain global attention and likely receive more high-quality submissions from leading research groups worldwide. As an editorial advisory member, Professor Phan expressed his strong commitment and support to help the journal grow and achieve recognition as an internationally esteemed publication, with aspirations of being indexed in Scopus and Web of Science in the near future.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering, presented souvenirs to Professor Sang-Wook Cheong and his spouse, as well as to Professor Manh-Huong Phan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Professors Sang-Wook Cheong and Manh-Huong Phan expressed their confidence that with ongoing dedication, determination, and the unified commitment of the journal's staff and editors, the VJSTE will rapidly advance and soon be indexed in the prestigious international databases. They also offered their expert guidance and ongoing support for the journal's development.