Launch of World Scientific Annual Review of Functional Materials Journal

The inaugural issue of the World Scientific Annual Review of Functional Materials (WSARFM) — a review-focused journal on the functional aspects of materials science, by World Scientific Publishing — was presented by the Editor-in-Chief and Executive Director at A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Prof. Xian Jun Loh on 30 June 2023 during the launch event, which was held on the last day of the 2023 International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) and attended by global participants of the conference’s satellite session.

During the event, Prof. Loh, along with colleagues and editors of World Scientific, shared more about opportunities to join the editorial team at WSARFM or contribute articles to the journal. Two local scientists, Dr. Zhaogang Dong and Dr. Bhumika Chaudhary, were fortuitously recruited into the journal’s team as Early Career Board Members.

Dr. Ady Suwardi, Co-Editor-in-Chief of WSARFM, whose crucial role indisputably shaped the journal’s contents while maintaining high standards of quality, said, “I am absolutely thrilled with the turnout at the journal launch! It is truly heartening to see such enthusiastic responses and support for our editorial journey. This overwhelming participation reflects not just the passion for science, but also the dedication in promoting a sustainable scientific community,” remarked Suwardi, who is also the Deputy Head of the Soft Materials research department at IMRE.

Prof. Loh and Dr. Suwardi cited 'A Review of Self-Sensing in Carbon Fiber Structural Composite Materials' by Deborah D. L. Chung, as their favourite article in the inaugural issue. They remarked that: “Its comprehensive analysis and clear terminology make it a valuable resource, even for those who do not specialise in the field". 
Under the scientific thought leadership of Prof. Xian Jun Loh and Dr. Ady Suwardi, the successful publication of WSARFM is a culmination of extensive efforts and leading expertise by authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and colleagues at World Scientific. The team at WSARFM is committed to providing an unparalleled platform for the dissemination of high-quality, authoritative, and forward-thinking reviews that showcase the latest and most innovative developments in the functional aspects of materials. Libraries, readers and researchers could support the journal by recommending their peers to read, publish in and subscribe to WSARFM.


WSARFM’s Editor-in-Chief Prof. Xian Jun Loh engaged participants who were keen to pick up WSARFM’s inaugural issue and signed copies of the journal at the WSARFM’s launch event held at IMRE on 30 June 2023.


(From left to right) WSARFM’s Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Xian Jun Loh (Executive Director, IMRE, A*STAR) with Yong Qi Soh (Editor, World Scientific) and Lakshmi Narayanan (Deputy Director, World Scientific).


First discussion over lunch on the directions and plans of WSARFM in March 2022.
(From left to right) WSARFM’s Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Xian Jun Loh (Executive Director, IMRE, A*STAR), Lakshmi Narayanan (Deputy Director, World Scientific), Co-Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Ady Suwardi (Deputy Head of Soft Materials research department, IMRE, A*STAR), and Yong Qi Soh (Editor, World Scientific).

Join WSARFM’s Team as Editorial Board Members

Scientists and early career researchers are welcome to join WSARFM’s team by applying under the open positions within the Editorial Board: (i) Associate Editors, and (ii) Early Career Board Members.

To apply, please write to wsarfm@wspc.com, attaching your CVs/Resumes. Queries and clarifications on the roles may be addressed to the same email.

View WSARFM’s Editorial Board at:
https://www.worldscientific.com/page/wsarfm/editorial-board