This post is part of the “Celebrating Five Years of the Discover Journals” series, highlighting Discover journals and the people who have played a key role in shaping their development. The series aims to spotlight the leadership, values, and vibrant communities behind the journals.
Discover Food, launched in 2021, is an open access journal publishing research from across all areas of food science and technology, the global impact of the food sector, and nutrition.
- Indexed in DOAJ, Ei Compendex, ESCI with a Journal Impact Factor of 3.6 (2025), and Scopus with a CiteScore 2025 of 3.2.
- Covers theoretical studies, basic science, and applied research in the food sector.
- A journal in Springer Nature’s Discover Series: Rigorous, representative and wide-reaching.
As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Discover Food, we are delighted to share the Anniversary Editorial, Five Years of Discover Food: Reflecting on a Changing Food Paradigm, together with insights from our Editor-in-Chief, Charis M. Galanakis.
Why did you join Discover?
I joined Discover Food and Discover Environment because I wanted to support platforms that connect different fields and promote quality research on complex issues in food systems and environmental sustainability. I also believe in open access science, which makes knowledge freely available and encourages real societal impact beyond academia.
What has changed over the past few years since you joined?
In recent years, I have seen a strong shift toward collaboration across disciplines and more focus on open, transparent, and impactful research, especially in areas connecting food systems, environmental challenges, and sustainability transitions. The fast rise of AI tools has brought new dynamics and challenges to the editorial and peer-review process. Both authors and reviewers increasingly rely on these tools, which can lead to manuscripts that are heavily generated by AI, and evaluations that may be too standardized or influenced by AI judgment.
Looking ahead, what are your expectations or aspirations for the journals over the next five years?
In the next five years, I expect both journals to further establish themselves as trusted, high-impact platforms that encourage innovation, support new research areas, and help tackle global challenges in sustainable food systems, environmental resilience, and the transition to a circular bioeconomy. I also see great potential to expand their focus to include a wider range of topics within their fields, which will enhance their relevance and impact across diverse research communities, while promoting best practices for responsible AI use in scientific publishing.
Is there a member of the Discover community who has particularly impressed you?
I have been consistently impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the editorial board members and reviewers in both journals. Their commitment is crucial for maintaining research quality, integrity, and timely dissemination. Particularly impressive are those who blend scientific rigor with critical judgment and ethical awareness, especially when addressing challenges like the use of AI. They are key contributors to the strength of the journals.
Please stay tuned for more posts from our anniversary celebrations!