Insights from Editorial Board Members: Spotlight on India
03 Sep 2026 by Faye Holst
Professor Andrews Nirmala Grace
Director, Centre for Nanotechnology Research (CNR), VIT, Vellore, India
Professor Andrews Nirmala Grace, Director of the Centre for Nanotechnology Research (CNR) at VIT, Vellore, India, and an IOP Publishing Editorial Board member, shares her insights on what it’s like to work with IOP Publishing as an Executive Editorial Board member in India.
What motivated you to become a member of the editorial board, and what appealed to you about the role?
“My motivation to join the editorial board of Nanotechnology stems from a career-long commitment to advancing the frontiers of materials science and nanoscience. IOP Publishing has a storied reputation for maintaining rigorous peer-review standards and fostering high-impact research. What particularly appealed to me about this role was the opportunity to serve as a bridge between the global scientific community and the rapidly growing research ecosystem in India. Being at the forefront of evaluating groundbreaking manuscripts allows me to contribute to the quality and direction of the field, ensuring that transformative science receives the visibility it deserves.”
How has being on the board benefited you professionally or academically?
“Serving on the board has been immensely rewarding. Academically, it provides a panoramic view of the latest trends and shifts in nanotechnology, from sustainable energy solutions to advanced gas sensing and medical diagnostics. It has sharpened my critical evaluation skills and provided a platform to engage with world-class experts, thereby expanding my professional network. Furthermore, representing the Centre for Nanotechnology Research (CNR), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India on such a prestigious international stage has strengthened our institutional ties with global researchers and highlighted the Caliber of Indian innovation in the physical sciences.”
Would you recommend this role to other researchers, and why?
“I would wholeheartedly recommend an editorial board role to any dedicated researcher. It is more than just a service to the community; it is a profound learning experience. It challenges you to think beyond your specific niche and consider the broader implications of research for society. For Indian researchers specifically, these roles are vital for ensuring our regional contributions are integrated into the global scientific dialogue. It is a chance to influence the standards of excellence that will define the next generation of nanotechnology.”