Our committees, boards and panels all play a vital role in helping us to advance our mission to promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise to support those at all career stages across the molecular biosciences. Our work would not be possible without the hard-work and determination of those that sit on our committees, boards and panels.

Every month, we will be introducing you to one of our volunteers to gain insight into what our committees do, the benefits to the community, and the benefits to the individuals who volunteer.

This month we’re hearing from Dr Ricardo Correa, Editor-in-Chief, Bioscience Reports and Member of Publications Committee.

Portland Press, the publishing arm of the Biochemical Society, prides itself on being a community-owned, ethical publisher, with six journals highlighting and progressing the advancement of the molecular bioscience field.

We have dedicated Editorial Boards specific to each journal, comprised of world-leading scientists who are actively engaged in the research community, and Publications Committee consistently keeps under review the Society’s publishing products and services to ensure they’re relevant, serve the community and provide value.

We asked Ricardo three questions about his role as the Bioscience Reports Editor-in-Chief and what he has gained from the experience.

What inspired you to get involved with the Society and how has the experience matched or exceeded your expectations?

Getting involved with the Biochemical Society felt like a natural extension of my journey as a scientist and leader. After years working across research institutes, biotech, and pharma, on (mostly) everything from cancer biology to analytical development, I was looking for a way to contribute beyond my day-to-day work. The Society offered a meaningful opportunity to do that.

I have really valued the collaborative environment and the thoughtful, forward-looking mindset that the Society representatives/personnel bring to the table.

Can you share a specific moment/accomplishment in your role/s that made you feel rewarded?

One recent highlight I am particularly proud of is related to my work as Bioscience Reports Editor-in-Chief. After carefully reviewing and scrutinizing a large number of submissions (many of which raised concerns around paper mills and potential data manipulation), we made a concerted effort to uphold rigorous standards and transparency. As a result, the journal's impact factor has now reached its highest level ever.

Seeing that kind of outcome reinforces the value of integrity and diligence in governance roles. It is incredibly rewarding to know that these efforts can help rebuild trust and elevate quality in scientific publishing.

What skills and experiences have you gained from being part of the Society?

The Society has helped me develop a different set of skills that complement my scientific training. I have gained a deeper understanding of policy development, organizational dynamics, and the nuances of shared leadership. Coming from high-paced environments where quick decision-making is the norm, participating in more deliberate and consensus-driven governance has taught me the value of patience, broader perspective, and building alignment over time.

In some way, it is a shift in pace, but one that is still both challenging and enriching for me.

Discover more about our Bioscience Reports Editorial Board.