The Evolution Of Small: Celebrating 20 Years Of Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
Small has established itself as a premier journal in the scientific community, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This comprehensive exploration delves into the journal's journey, its commitment to excellence, and the innovative approaches that have made it an essential platform for researchers worldwide.
The Journey of Small: From Inception to Industry Leader
In the last 20 years, Small has grown to become an essential journal providing the very best forum for fundamental and applied interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale. What began as a specialized publication has evolved into a comprehensive platform that bridges the gap between theoretical studies and practical applications in materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
The journal's success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. By fostering a community where researchers can share groundbreaking discoveries and engage in meaningful discourse, Small has become synonymous with excellence in scientific publishing. The platform's ability to adapt to changing research landscapes while maintaining rigorous standards has been crucial to its longevity and impact.
Special Anniversary Issue: Volume 21, Issue 28
To commemorate this significant milestone, Small has released a special issue in Volume 21, Issue 28, showcasing some of the most influential research published over the past two decades. This commemorative edition serves as both a retrospective and a forward-looking perspective on the future of nanoscale research.
The special issue features contributions from leading scientists across various disciplines, highlighting the journal's interdisciplinary nature. From advancements in nanotechnology to breakthroughs in materials science, this collection represents the breadth and depth of research that Small has facilitated over the years. It's a testament to the journal's role in shaping scientific discourse and driving innovation in multiple fields.
Streamlined Manuscript Submission Process
Recognizing the need for efficiency in academic publishing, Small has implemented a free format submission process, offering researchers a simplified and streamlined approach to submitting their work. This innovative system allows authors to focus on the content of their research rather than formatting requirements during the initial submission phase.
The new submission process requires authors to prepare the following before submitting:
- A complete manuscript in any standard format
- High-quality figures and supporting information
- A cover letter explaining the significance of the work
- Author details and affiliations
This user-friendly approach has significantly reduced the time between submission and review, allowing for faster dissemination of important research findings. It also demonstrates Small's commitment to supporting researchers by removing unnecessary barriers to publication.
Excellence in Research: A Case Study
A recent publication in Small showcases the journal's commitment to publishing groundbreaking research with real-world applications. The study presents a novel catalyst that exhibits excellent activity and durability for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with a small potential gap of 0.70 V at 10 mA cm⁻².
This research exemplifies the type of interdisciplinary work that Small promotes. By addressing critical challenges in energy conversion and storage, the study has implications for developing more efficient fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water-splitting devices. The catalyst's performance demonstrates the potential for significant advancements in clean energy technologies, highlighting the journal's role in facilitating research that addresses global challenges.
The Future of Small: Continuing the Legacy
As Small enters its third decade, it remains committed to providing the very best forum for experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental and applied interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale. The journal's editorial board continues to seek out innovative research that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in materials science and related fields.
Looking ahead, Small plans to expand its digital offerings, including interactive content and enhanced data visualization tools. These initiatives aim to make complex scientific information more accessible and engaging for a broader audience. Additionally, the journal is exploring new ways to support early-career researchers and promote diversity in scientific publishing.
Impact and Recognition
Over the past 20 years, Small has not only grown in size but also in influence. The journal's articles are frequently cited in other publications, reflecting its importance in shaping scientific discourse. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the highest quality research is published, maintaining the trust of the scientific community.
The journal's impact extends beyond academia, with many of its published studies informing industrial applications and policy decisions. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications, Small has become an invaluable resource for scientists, engineers, and industry professionals alike.
Conclusion
As Small celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of dedicated platforms for scientific communication. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading journal in nanoscale research, Small has consistently provided researchers with a venue to share their most innovative work.
The journal's commitment to excellence, coupled with its willingness to embrace new technologies and methodologies, ensures that it will continue to play a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge for years to come. As we look to the future, Small remains poised to facilitate the next generation of breakthroughs in materials science, nanotechnology, and beyond, continuing its legacy of excellence in scientific publishing.
