In this captivating series, we had the privilege of interviewing the eminent Prof. Dr. Flavio Canavero, Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Electronics journal (ISSN: 2079-9292). Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions in signal integrity and EMC design issues, interconnect modeling, the black-box characterization of digital integrated circuits, statistics, and uncertainty quantification in EMC, Prof. Dr. Canavero shares his invaluable insights and takes us on an exclusive journey into the inner workings of the journal. Through these interviews, our aim is to offer a unique perspective on the publishing process, straight from the Editors themselves.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Canavero, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. Can you share with us some information about your academic background?
I received my Ph.D. in 1986 from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of authoring or co-authoring over 300 papers that have been published in esteemed international journals and conference proceedings. In addition to my research endeavors, I have actively engaged in various service activities both within my current institution and on an international scale. At Politecnico di Torino, I have held several prominent roles, including serving as the Director of the Electronics Department from 1993 to 1999, Vice Rector for Organization from 2001 to 2005, and Head of the Doctoral School from 2012 to 2018. Beyond my institution, I have contributed to the advancement of doctoral education as a member of the Steering Committee of the Council for Doctoral Education (CDE) of the European University Association (EUA).

2. What are your current research interests?
In my work, I am immersed in the fascinating realm of circuits and systems theory, with a strong focus on signal integrity and EMC design issues.

3. How has your experience been as an Editor-in-Chief so far and what made you choose to work with us, knowing that we are an open access digital publisher?
As the Editor-in-Chief, my experience with the journal has been quite positive so far. Being retired, I now have more time to devote to the development and management of the journal, which has been very rewarding in recent years.
Regarding my decision to work with an open access digital publisher, in the past, I was involved with other journals where I had to handle all the editorial work and I couldn’t give more time to promoting and developing the journal. Instead, in my current role as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the journal Electronics, I do not have to worry about many details of the editorial process, as they are effectively handled by the well-trained and capable staff of the journal. This is actually a positive aspect as it ensures a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process, leaving me with more time to handle more important issues within the journal. I am very satisfied with my current position and the expertise that I bring to the journal.

4. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
I think we should place more emphasis on integrated devices utilized in various domains. These devices play a crucial role in enabling advanced technologies and applications across different industries. By highlighting their importance, we can provide valuable insights and promote advancements in this area. Another captivating topic that warrants attention is the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for storing and efficiently taking advantage of electric power. With the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, AI can significantly contribute to optimizing power storage and consumption. Exploring this intersection of AI and electric power management can lead to innovative approaches and solutions in the field.
Furthermore, it is essential to closely monitor the interface between humans and machines. As technology continues to evolve, the control and interaction between humans and AI-driven devices become increasingly significant. By focusing on the development of control devices for AI, we can enhance the user experience, ensure safety, and drive progress in this critical aspect of human–machine interaction. Overall, by concentrating on hardware equipment, integrated devices, AI-powered power management, and the interface between humans and machines, the journal Electronics can stay at the forefront of advancements in the field and provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners alike.

5. What are your expectations for Electronics?
I think that citations play a crucial role in assessing the influence and significance of published research. I expect that authors who have previously published with us and achieved good citation metrics will continue to contribute impactful papers. This creates a positive cycle, as their future publications are likely to generate further citations and contribute to the journal's success. I also expect authors to ensure that they provide a robust and well-explained methodology to support their findings. By emphasizing the need for good reports, focusing on completeness and structure in article writing, and emphasizing the importance of a clear methodology, we can enhance the quality of submissions and help authors to improve their chances of publication.

We wish Prof. Dr. Flavio Canavero every success in his current position as Editor-in-Chief, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.