Meet Eranda Nikolla, Editor-in-Chief of ACS Applied Catalysis

Professor Eranda Nikolla, from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, USA, is the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of ACS Applied Catalysis, a new journal published by ACS Publications. We asked Prof. Nikolla about her vision for the journal, her passion for research, and her thoughts on how the next generation of researchers might approach their careers.

In Conversation with Prof. Eranda Nikolla

What did it mean for you to become the first Editor-in-Chief of ACS Applied Catalysis?

Becoming the first Editor-in-Chief of ACS Applied Catalysis is a tremendous honor. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that fundamental understanding in catalysis should not exist in isolation, but rather serve as a foundation for solving the complex, real-world challenges. What excites me is the opportunity to shape a journal that prioritizes application-driven research, while still demanding the high level of mechanistic and scientific rigor expected from the field. I recognize that the decisions we make in these early years, the standards we set, the culture we build, the identity we establish, will shape this journal and establish its long-term identity. That responsibility is humbling, but it is also what drives me. My goal is simple: to build a home for applied catalysis research where scientific rigor and application relevance are not competing priorities but inseparable ones.

What is your vision for the journal over the coming years?

My vision is for ACS Applied Catalysis to become the premier destination for applied catalysis research that integrates rational catalyst design, mechanistic rigor, and scalable relevance to meet translational goals. We will not compromise on scientific quality. “Applied” should not be understood as incremental or purely empirical, but as science held to the highest standards that meaningfully advances catalytic technologies. Every paper we publish should reflect an understanding of catalytic phenomena at various length scales, supported by rigorous experimentation, advanced characterization, and/or substantive computational studies, and leverage that understanding to advance catalytic application. We want to champion work where the path from molecular insight to technological impact is clear and deliberate. Over the coming years, I see the journal growing into a collaborative hub that brings together researchers from different areas of catalysis, including but not limited to heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, electro-, photo-, and thermo-catalysis, materials science, theoretical and computational catalysis to drive application of catalytic science.

Why should researchers consider submitting their next best manuscript to the journal?

Authors should submit their best work to ACS Applied Catalysis because:

1. It offers a dedicated home for research that integrates fundamental understanding with application. We value leveraging mechanistic insight from realistic systems through experimental and/or computational studies to guide the path toward practical impact.
2. Authors can expect a rigorous but fair review process led by editors and reviewers who are experts in both the fundamental and applied dimensions of catalysis, and we are committed to fast manuscript processing times. While maintaining high standards, we will ensure efficient and timely manuscript handling. As part of the ACS publishing ecosystem, the journal offers exceptional visibility and reach from day one.
3. I would also add that there is something special about publishing in a journal early in its life in that authors are not only sharing their research, but also actively shaping the identity and standards of the field as represented by the journal. Early contributions will play a defining role in establishing what ACS Applied Catalysis will stand for.

What will you look for in the manuscripts you receive?

There are three critical things that will be important for the manuscripts submitted to the journal:

1. Scientific rigor: We seek science of high caliber that translates understanding into meaningful advances of catalytic technologies. Here, “applied” does not mean incremental or purely empirical, nor does it mean black-box catalytic process design. We expect the high level of intellectual depth, careful experimentation, and critical analysis that defines the best work in the field.
2. Insight-driven applied catalysis science: We want papers that advance understanding, not just report performance metrics. A study that achieves a record turnover frequency is far more valuable to the community if it explains why and provides insights that others can build on.
3. Relevance to application: The articles should address a practical challenge or opportunity that fits within the research focus areas (i.e., energy, chemical manufacturing, environmental remediation and sustainability across heterogeneous, homogeneous, thermo-, electro-, photo-, and emerging hybrid catalytic systems) of the journal.

What excites you about your current research?

I am fascinated by the idea that heterogeneous catalytic surfaces and interfaces are far more dynamic under operating conditions than we have traditionally assumed and that this presents an opportunity to identify new strategies and pathways for catalyst design. Beyond materials design alone, dynamic energy inputs can also offer pathways to influence catalytic outcome in ways that transcend traditional constraints. My group works across several areas of heterogeneous catalysis, from tuning metal cation surface speciation in mixed metal oxide frameworks for selective catalysis, to leveraging the evolution of oxide electrocatalyst surfaces and interfaces to control the energetics of electron-driven reactions, to using photons to selectively perturb specific elementary steps within complex reaction networks and steer catalytic outcome. What excites me most is the convergence of these ideas to overcome conventional limitations for practical applications.

What advice would you give to young researchers entering the field?

The most important advice I would give to any researcher early in their career is to invest in fundamentals. In a fast-moving field like catalysis, it can be tempting to chase emerging trends or focus on optimizing performance without fully understanding the underlying science. However, the scientists who make the most lasting and influential contributions are those who take the time to understand why something works and not just that it works. Equally important is the ability to recognize opportunities in new areas as some of the most impactful catalysis research happens at the boundaries between disciplines. Thus, the willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory is often what leads to your most impactful contributions. And lastly, it is important to know that building an independent research identity takes time, and the path is rarely linear. There will be periods of uncertainty and unexpected turns, but these are often where growth happens. The critical thing is to stay curious and loyal to your values.

What about your life outside of research — how do you wind down and relax?

I really enjoy running and being outdoors. Running has become my outlet for decompressing that creates the mental space I need to step back, reset, and return to science with a fresh perspective. Some of my best ideas have come to me mid-run, when I wasn't trying to think about science at all. I also cherish time with my family. My twin daughters keep me grounded and are a constant reminder of what truly matters.

Submit Your Research to ACS Applied Catalysis

ACS Applied Catalysis is now open for submissions. You can showcase your research by submitting your next paper to the journal.