In this interview, Prof. Amengual shares his vision for the journal, his passion for research, and his thoughts on how young researchers might approach their careers.
ACS Publications recently launched ACS Nutrition Science, a peer-reviewed journal publishing significant research breakthroughs in nutrition science, technology, and engineering that contribute to human health.
We are proud to welcome Prof. Jaume Amengual as the journal's inaugural Deputy Editor. Alongside Editor-in-Chief Thomas F. Hofmann, he will lead the journal in its mission to publish high-quality papers that will promote transparency, rigor, and novelty in nutrition-related fields.
Prof. Amengual is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, holding appointments in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences. His primary research focus centers around the role of vitamin A and carotenoids in cardiovascular disease and obesity.
We recently caught up with Prof. Amengual to learn more about his vision for the journal and the nutrition field, what he's currently working on in the lab, and what authors should consider when preparing a manuscript for ACS Nutrition Science.
Read the Interview with Prof. Amengual
What does it mean to you to be the inaugural Deputy Editor of ACS Nutrition Science?
The field of nutrition has been a key component in the development of biomedical sciences. Despite its long history, interest in nutrition continues to grow within the scientific community, spanning topics from molecular mechanisms to population-level studies. The interest in nutrition is also evident in our daily lives. How many of us have wandered through supplement aisles, staring at the hundreds of products and bioactives? How many nutrition-related ads have we seen on social media and TV?
Being the funding Editor of ACS Nutrition Science will enable me and our team of Associate Editors to shape the journal’s vision, publication portfolio, and reputation in the field of Nutrition. This exciting position is a great honor and responsibility, and I am extremely excited to work with the ACS team in making this new journal a success.
What is your vision for the journal to impact the field of nutrition?
I envision ACS Nutrition Science becoming a strong and dynamic platform for nutrition experts worldwide to share their most exciting and impactful findings. Our goal is to support all branches of the nutrition field by providing a solid and inclusive platform for high-quality research. ACS Nutrition Science has a strong partnership with other ACS journals (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Food Science and Technology, and ACS Agricultural Science and Technology). These collaborations will enable our new journal to grow and expand a previous unmet topic of the ACS Journals portfolio.
Why should researchers in the field consider submitting their next best manuscript to the journal?
The reputation of ACS journals is unquestionable. Having the opportunity to publish a manuscript in ACS Nutrition Science will not only ensure the visibility of their work, but also the credibility within the scientific community. We are currently recruiting a set of expert editors and reviewers in the nutrition field that will ensure the rigor and significance of the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer for ACS Nutrition Science, do not hesitate to contact me directly.
What are you looking for in the manuscripts you receive?
Our primary goal is to ensure that ACS Nutrition Science publications are innovative and rigorous. The effect of nutrients and bioactives present in foods have profound effects on human health, including cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, or neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, emphasizing the interventional and potential therapeutic outcomes of the manuscript should be highlighted. Examples of the topics ACS Nutrition Science will include are the identification of new bioactive molecules in foods, the characterization of dietary interventions on health outcomes, and the development of novel methods to enhance the bioaccessibility of selected nutrients. Though the journal will cover much more than these topics.
What excites you about your current research?
I would say that the most exciting part of my research is uncovering the molecular mechanism(s) behind the properties of plant bioactives. Currently, my research focuses on how carotenoids and vitamin A contribute to the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases.
What advice would you give to young researchers entering the field of nutrition science?
As a mid-career researcher, I have dedicated much of my time in recent years to mentoring early-career scientists. In my view, identifying a unique and personally exciting niche within the field of nutrition is essential. This will enable you to develop true expertise and make a lasting impact.
What about your life outside of research—how do you wind down and relax?
I enjoy replicating dishes I come across online and staying connected to my Spanish heritage by cooking my family’s traditional recipes. I also prioritize physical activity, because nutrition is not everything! Recently, I started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a new way to stay active and challenge myself.
Submit Your Research to ACS Nutrition Science
ACS Nutrition Science is now accepting submissions and will publish its first issue in early 2026. Help shape the journal’s foundation and advance the forefront of this field by submitting your next paper to ACS Nutrition Science. Discover how today.
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