1,249 news posts in Frontiers updates

Frontiers news

17 Jul 2023

Ivana Dusparic – Optimizing resource use to make safe and sustainable cities

Author: Emma Phipps Dr Ivana Dusparic is an associate professor at the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, where her research predominantly focuses on the AI-based optimization of resources in large-scale urban infrastructures. In honor of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, I spoke to Ivana about how her research contributes to making cities and human settlements safe and sustainable. Photo credit: Ivana Dusparic Could you start by giving us an overview of your main areas of research? “I’m a computer scientist. I studied applied mathematics and computer science at the undergraduate level and my master’s and PhD were both in computer science. Although the fundamental work I do is very computer science-oriented, I believe it can be a lot more useful when applied to real-life situations. That’s where the application to sustainability through management of large-scale infrastructures in cities came about. “My main research area is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) called ‘reinforcement learning,’ which stems from psychology and neuroscience. It works in the same way as how humans and animals learn: we do something; we don’t know if it’s good or bad; and then we observe the outcome in the environment, […]

Frontiers news

12 Jul 2023

Frontiers responds to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on its national strategy for artificial intelligence

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has launched a call for information to shape the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which in turns seeks to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI. Photo credit: Frontiers A summary of our response General, human-compatible AI could empower us all, but public trust in good science will be key. At Frontiers, we apply our AI tools to help nurture that trust. Our Artificial Intelligence Review Assistant (AIRA) verifies that scientific knowledge is accurately and honestly presented even before our people decide whether to review, endorse, or publish the research paper that contains it. Tackling global existential threats will require the widespread sharing of the latest scientific knowledge. All of it. We think scale matters. Good research published at scale, shared globally, and machine-read across large volumes of information, will grow our chances of success. We welcome the chance to respond to this important request for information from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Frontiers is a leading research publisher and open science platform. It is the third most-cited and sixth largest in the world. The science we publish is peer-reviewed, globally shared, and free to […]

Frontiers news

11 Jul 2023

Frontiers acquires Advanced Optical Technologies

Frontiers has announced the acquisition of the journal Advanced Optical Technologies (AOT). Previously published by De Gruyter and operating under a hybrid model, AOT moved to gold open access when it launched with Frontiers in June 2023. First published in 2012, AOT was established to provide a fully peer-reviewed platform for publishing research in applied optics. Serving a small specialist community, it addresses scientists as well as experts in industrial research and development. Incoming field chief editor Professor Roberto Morandotti of the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Canada, said: “I am pleased to take on this role and to support our research community to rapidly and freely access the most up-to-date information in optical technologies. The topics covered in the journal fill an important gap in our field which is not always featured in other publications. I look forward to working with Frontiers and the strong and expanding editorial board to take AOT from strength to strength.” Frontiers is committed to making science open, and the acquisition of AOT is an important step towards achieving this mission in the fields of optical design, engineering, and manufacturing. The journal opened for submissions on 30 June 2023 and is already live on its new […]

Frontiers news

10 Jul 2023

Ex-World Bank chief economist Dr Asli Demirgüç-Kunt joins Frontiers for Young Minds as specialty chief editor

Image: Asli Demirgüç-Kunt Frontiers for Young Minds welcomes Dr Asli Demirgüç-Kunt, former chief economist of the Europe and central Asia region at the World Bank, as specialty chief editor for their newly re-launched section on mathematics and economics. With over 30 years of experience at the World Bank, Dr Demirgüç-Kunt will bring a new understanding of economics to kids all over the world. Laura Henderson, Head of Public Outreach at Frontiers for Young Minds said: “I’m excited to welcome Dr Demirgüç-Kunt and add a new focus into our journal. Economics is vital to the understanding of everything from our day-to-day purchases to our global power dynamics, building from the underlying theories of mathematics to real-world applications. It’s crucial for making sense of our world systems and for improving our future. We are proud that she has chosen to work with us to make this new section scope a huge success.” Dr Demirgüç-Kunt said: “I am excited and honored to join Frontiers for Young Minds. It is a great opportunity to spark interest in the next generation of young economists and motivate them to make the world a better and fairer place for all.” Frontiers for Young Minds is an award-winning, […]

Frontiers news

07 Jul 2023

Frontiers institutional partnerships update – summer 2023

The latest news on our collaborations with research institutions, libraries, consortia, and funders. Welcome from Thomas Romano, institutional partnerships global sales manager Our dedicated institutional partnerships team at Frontiers has been actively expanding collaborations with partners on a global scale. This year we have welcomed official policy recommendations in both Europe and North America calling for immediate open access to publicly funded research and we have successfully onboarded more than 40 new partners, each bringing unique contributions to our growing community. Our partnership models are designed to help alleviate the financial burden of publishing on individual researchers and to ensure that everyone reaps the benefits of open access. As our community grows, we are working hard to develop these models, with the goal of providing new sustainable and predictable options that align with library budgeting plans and open science priorities. Credit: Frontiers New partnership announcements Partnerships and renewals recently announced include: Swiss national deal Frontiers’ national agreement with The Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL), first signed in 2022, was renewed for another year. Covering 15 institutions, CSAL is a valued partner in the path toward a national open access strategy in Switzerland. Slovenia national deal Frontiers signed the first publishing agreement […]

Frontiers news

05 Jul 2023

Frontiers participates in One Sustainable Health for All Forum 2023 on inclusive and adaptive systems for health

Open access publisher Frontiers is participating in the One Sustainable Health for All Forum 2023 co-organized by the One Sustainable Health for All Foundation and the French Development Agency (AFD). The event, which takes place 5-7 July 2023 in Lyon, France, focuses on inclusive and adaptive systems for health and is part of the larger goal to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Photo credit: One Sustainable Health for All Foundation The three-day event brings together high-level political and technical stakeholders from more than 50 professional and civil society organizations working across the world on a holistic approach to health that considers human, animal, and environmental health. Participants will exchange knowledge and discuss recommendations drafted by the six international working groups from the One Sustainable Health Forum 2021. Together, they will map out the path towards the integration of a One Sustainable Health approach in policies, budgets, projects, and programs at the country level. The One Sustainable Health for All Foundation was created in September 2020 under the aegis of the Bullukian Foundation in Lyon, France, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 highlighted the challenges of interconnected systems for health, which integrate […]

Frontiers news

29 Jun 2023

Frontiers community engagement update – summer 2023

Photo credit: Frontiers We take a moment to reflect on the information, resources, and actions taken over the past several months towards promoting longer, more prosperous lives on a healthier planet. Photo credit: Frontiers Women in Science Serving as a platform for woman researchers to share their experiences, our Women in Science blog continued to highlight the unique efforts and inspiring stories of these researchers across disciplines. The team behind Women in Science carried out insightful conversations, learning more about the meaningful work these women are doing to contribute the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each blog post also captures the individual’s unique journey, complete with their biggest learnings, greatest challenges, and helpful advice for future generations. Over the past several months, readers have explored climate change through an economic lens (SDG 13), stabilization and peaceful policymaking (SDG 16), marine science and gender equality in the fisheries sector (SDG 14), and environmental philosophy and alternative hedonism (SDG 12). Photo credit: Frontiers Frontiers’ Volunteers Volunteering opportunities can come in many forms. Groups may come together to support a certain cause, while individuals can select an experience to lend their tailored skillset to. Frontiers’ volunteering platform Alaya makes it easy for all […]

Frontiers news

28 Jun 2023

Frontiers publishing partnerships update – summer 2023

The publishing partnerships team is pleased to share the latest developments in our team alongside updates from our growing community of partners. Credit: Frontiers Responsive and efficient Our partner journals have experienced a positive start to 2023 with a rise of over 20% in submission numbers in the first six months of the year, compared to the same period last year. We’re proud to have achieved an average decision time of just 56 days from submission to decision across all partner journals, while consistently responding to partner requests for support within an average of less than two days. Our team is going the extra mile for our partners. Ahead of eligibility for PMC indexing for newly launched journals, we have provided a tailored service to support authors with self-deposition, resulting in 46 articles being indexed to date. New communications support for partners We are committed to supporting our partners to achieve their goals. As part of this commitment, we’re rolling out an enhanced communications support plan to increase awareness and visibility of our partner journals. The package includes tailored content and targeted social media support. A growing team Our publishing development team has expanded to 15 members, including one program lead, […]

Frontiers news

27 Jun 2023

Reflections on 2023 Convegno delle Stelline

Convegno delle Stelline is Italy’s only annual event for librarians and an important date in the calendar for all those with an interest in scholarly publishing. Frontiers was pleased to attend this year’s event in Milan. Credit: Frontiers Over 2,000 librarians attended this year’s conference and Frontiers participated as an exhibitor as part of the event’s Bibliostar fair. During the conference, key issues for discussion included the role of public libraries and their responsibility in promoting cultural well-being for diverse populations. Attendees also explored new technologies and strategies designed to support and facilitate structural changes, such as the transition to open access within scholarly publishing. Martina Sollai, customer experience specialist at Frontiers, said: “Our team received valuable feedback from current and prospective Italian partners, and reinforced Frontiers’ support to Italian institutions and researchers in their transition to open access publishing.” Here are answers to a few of the key questions that arose during our team’s conversations at the event: Which Italian institutions already partner with Frontiers? Frontiers collaborates with several important Italian partners who share our mission to make science open. Our agreements in Italy include public and private institutions such as the Italian Consortium of Biomedical Research Libraries – […]

Frontiers news

27 Jun 2023

Switzerland renews national deal with Frontiers

Frontiers announces that its national agreement with The Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL), first signed in 2022, has been renewed for another year. Credit: Frontiers The Swiss research community has once again affirmed its commitment to open access through the renewal of a national publishing deal with Frontiers. Signed by The Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries, the agreement simplifies the publishing process for both researchers and librarians. Ronald Buitenhuis, head of institutional partnerships at Frontiers, said: “This partnership is of great importance to us. Being headquartered in Switzerland, Frontiers is delighted to continue to offer significant benefits and support to authors in our home country. We look forward to a long-term collaboration as we work together to empower researchers.” The Swiss renewal is part of Frontiers’ expanding portfolio of international deals. Other recently agreed partnerships include consortiums in the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia. In Switzerland, 15 institutions and research centers will benefit from the terms of the new agreement. New institutions can register to participate at any time and there is no annual fee to join. What are the benefits of joining the partnership? Frontiers streamlines processes for researchers and their institutions with tailored, flexible, […]

Frontiers news

27 Jun 2023

Frontiers and the World Economic Forum collaboration reveals the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2023 report

The Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2023 report co-published by open access publisher Frontiers and the World Economic Forum has been presented today. The report identifies those technologies poised to have the biggest positive impact on society over the next three to five years. Curated by an international steering group of experts, the technologies were selected from nearly 100 contenders based on criteria including novelty, applicability, depth, and power. As this year’s knowledge partner, Frontiers collaborated with the Forum to identify experts from its far-reaching research community to provide further analysis of the technologies. Photo credit: Frontiers For more than a decade, the report has helped business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and other professionals across industries and disciplines anticipate developing technology and understand the associated risks and opportunities. The 2023 report has broadened its scope for the first time, incorporating a qualitative assessment of how each technology will impact people, the planet, prosperity, industry, and equity. These “impact fingerprints” are based on data gathered from more than 90 experts across 20 countries. They offer in-depth analysis of how the technology is predicted to influence society within the next five years. The academics were selected from Frontiers’ network of scientific journal editors, […]

Frontiers news

26 Jun 2023

Designer phages: World Economic Forum emerging technologies report

As a World Economic Forum platform partner, Frontiers is collaborating with the Forum on the 2023 edition of its annual emerging technologies report. Chosen by an international panel of experts, the list of top ten emerging technologies included in the report were selected from nearly 100 contenders based on criteria including novelty, applicability, depth, and power. Credit: Frontiers Designer phages There has been a growing recognition of the crucial role in human health played by the microbiome—the community of microbes living on and within the body. Recent advances in synthetic biology have allowed the engineering of the microbiome using phages – viruses that selectively infect specific types of bacteria. This creation of so-called designer phages has been identified by the Forum as one of this year’s top ten emerging technologies. By reprogramming phages using laboratory tools, individual bacterial species can be targeted to produce therapeutic molecules or to become sensitive to specific drugs. Mine Orlu of the steering committee for the Forum report stated: “Engineering microbiomes using designer phages represents a groundbreaking approach to improving human well-being and agricultural productivity. By reprogramming the genetic information of these viruses, scientists can selectively target specific bacteria to prevent or treat diseases in […]

Frontiers news

26 Jun 2023

Flexible neural electronics: World Economic Forum emerging technologies report

As a World Economic Forum platform partner, Frontiers is collaborating with the Forum on the 2023 edition of its annual emerging technologies report. Chosen by an international panel of experts, the list of top ten emerging technologies included in the report were selected from nearly 100 contenders based on criteria including novelty, applicability, depth, and power. Credit: Frontiers Flexible neural electronics One of the ten technologies selected by the Forum panel are so-called flexible neural electronics. These allow electrical signals from the brain to be captured by sensor hardware and used to control machines. While neural electronics systems are already in use for treating epilepsy and in some prosthetic devices, traditional probes can cause discomfort and exhibit poor signal accuracy. Researchers have recently developed neural electronics that conform to the brain, reducing scarring and improving accuracy—vastly outperforming traditional hard probes. Flexible neural electronics could deepen our understanding of brain diseases, provide greater control of prosthetics, and boost the development of brain-monitoring devices and brain stents. Angela Wu, of the steering committee for the Forum’s report, stated: “In the realm of neural electronics, the development of flexible, biocompatible circuits represents a significant breakthrough that addresses some of the past challenges of […]

Frontiers news

26 Jun 2023

Spatiotemporal omics: World Economic Forum emerging technologies report

As a World Economic Forum platform partner, Frontiers is collaborating with the Forum on the 2023 edition of its annual emerging technologies report. Chosen by an international panel of experts, the list of top ten emerging technologies included in the report were selected from nearly 100 contenders based on criteria including novelty, applicability, depth, and power. Credit: Frontiers Spatiotemporal omics Based on the above criteria, spatiotemporal omics is one of the ten emerging technologies to be identified by the panel for inclusion in the report. Bringing together a combination of advanced imaging techniques and DNA sequencing, the technology is used to map biological process at the molecular level. Phillippe Roux, field chief editor of Frontiers in Cell Signaling, which will launch later this year and is one of the journals that has collaborated on the project, said: “Spatial omics has been identified as an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of biological systems. Frontiers in Cell Signaling can play a crucial role in promoting research in this area by focusing on the technical and analytical challenges in spatial omics.” In discussing the promise of spatial omics, Liz O’Day of the Forum report’s steering committee noted: “The emergence […]

Frontiers news

26 Jun 2023

AI in Healthcare: World Economic Forum emerging technologies report

As a World Economic Forum platform partner, Frontiers is collaborating with the Forum on the 2023 edition of its annual emerging technologies report. Chosen by an international panel of experts, the list of top ten emerging technologies included in the report were selected from nearly 100 contenders based on criteria including novelty, applicability, depth, and power. Credit: Frontiers AI in healthcare One of the top ten emerging technologies identified in the report, the use of AI in healthcare has come to prominence largely as a result of the weaknesses in worldwide public health systems highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These technologies can enable us to anticipate and effectively address future health crises and can also help to reduce long waiting times for medical care. AI-based healthcare could particularly benefit healthcare systems in the Global South. Alongside the benefits of this technology, there are of course also challenges such as data privacy, public acceptance, and patient compliance which must be addressed. A carefully crafted ethical framework will be required for any system that curates personal data on a vast population. Despite these challenges, AI-based healthcare solutions are poised to become increasingly prevalent in the next 3–5 years. Thomas Hartung, editor-in-chief of Frontiers […]