Discover Applied Sciences is a fully open access, broad-scope journal launched in 2018 under the former journal title SN Applied Sciences (2023 Impact Factor: 2.8). The journal is indexed in DOAJ, ESCI, Scopus and several other indexing services. The journal has Section editors for the various research disciplines covered by the journal. These are members of the academic leadership at the journal, advise the publisher on key developments in their field, and play an active role in the academic scope and in the development of the journal.

Dr. Engr. Imran Khan joined the Discover Applied Sciences Editorial Board in 2019. He has always been keen to contribute towards the Journal's growth and development. He expressed his interest to increase his engagement with the journal and move to the role of a Section editor when we announced the position.

We had a brief discussion about the role and its responsibilities, and he graciously accepted to be the Section editor of the journal’s section Engineering with the focus on Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Here's a short interview with our new Section Editor:

What is your current research focused on?

My research interests cover a broad spectrum of sustainable electrical  and electronic engineering:

• Energy Systems & Clean Energy: Focusing on sustainable development through renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.
• Demand‑side Management: Innovating ways to reduce peak energy usage and understand household consumption patterns.
• Sustainability & Emissions: Evaluating the sustainability of energy systems.
• Socio-technical & Techno-economic Innovation: Empowering energy-poor communities with tailored renewable solutions and driving policy transformation.
• Advanced Tech: Engaging in bio-energy applications such as waste-to-energy in developing countries.

What are the most interesting emerging topics or new technologies/new developments in your field of research?

I would like to mention a few exciting developments that are sure to shape the future in electrical and electronic engineering:

• Floating Solar PV (FPV) & Agriphotovoltaic (APV) Systems
  • FPV: Solar panels installed on reservoirs, lakes, and seas.
  • Dual benefit (FPV): electricity generation + reduced evaporation.
  • APV: Solar panels installed in crop lands.
  • Dual benefit (APV): electricity generation + crop production.

Why it matters: Maximizes land use, ideal for land-scarce or water-rich regions.

• Decentralized Energy Systems & Peer-to-Peer Trading
  • Blockchain-based energy trading platforms.
  • Growth of community energy systems and prosumers.

Why it matters: Empowers consumers, improves energy access, and builds resilience in rural/remote areas.

• Climate-Resilient and Just Energy Transitions
  • Integrating social equity, indigenous knowledge, and local empowerment in planning.
  • Focus on energy poverty, especially in the Global South.

Why it matters: Sustainable energy must be inclusive and adaptive to climate risk.

Tell us about your role as an Editorial Board Member (EBM) on the journal Discover Applied Sciences and your vision as a Section Editor, and what made you want to take up this role!  

In my capacity as an Editorial Board Member (EBM) for the Discover Applied Sciences journal, I contribute to maintaining the academic integrity and quality of the journal by:

• Reviewing manuscripts in my areas of expertise, specifically energy systems, sustainability, and renewable energy technologies.
• Advising the editorial office on new trends, emerging topics, and special issue themes.
• Facilitating peer review by identifying qualified reviewers and making editorial recommendations.
• Supporting the strategic growth of the journal in applied sciences, especially in energy sustainability, smart technologies, and green innovation.

As a Section Editor I envision the journal as a global platform that:

• Bridges the gap between research and real-world energy applications, particularly in emerging economies.
• Promotes interdisciplinary studies that address technical, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability.
• Supports innovation in low-carbon technologies, energy storage, grid optimization, and climate resilience.
• Encourages the inclusion of underrepresented voices, especially from the Global South, to advance equity in energy transitions.

I also aim to mentor early-career researchers and enhance the visibility of impactful research from developing regions that often struggle to find recognition in mainstream publishing ecosystems.

In particular, my decision to take on this editorial role stems from:

• My deep commitment to academic excellence and open scientific exchange in the applied sciences domain.
• A desire to shape the research agenda by highlighting cutting-edge work in sustainability and energy innovation.
• A belief that journals like Discover Applied Sciences have the power to accelerate the global shift toward clean, inclusive, and resilient energy systems.
• My passion for supporting policy-relevant research that can inform national and international decision-making.

I see this role not only as a professional honor but also as a responsibility to nurture quality science, foster collaboration, and champion research that contributes to a sustainable future.

Do you have any advice for new members of the board?

Serving on the editorial board of a scholarly journal is both a privilege and a professional commitment. New board members are encouraged to uphold the journal’s standards by providing timely, constructive, and ethical reviews that help maintain the integrity and quality of published research. It's essential to be well-versed in the journal’s scope and to offer balanced, evidence-based feedback that supports authors in improving their work.

Board members are also encouraged to actively contribute to the journal’s growth by identifying emerging research trends, proposing special issues, and promoting the journal within their academic networks. Engaging with the editorial team, mentoring early-career researchers, and upholding publication ethics are key to sustaining a vibrant and impactful scholarly platform. Ultimately, editorial board members play a vital role in shaping the direction of research within their fields and fostering a culture of excellence in academic publishing.

What do you enjoy most or look forward to about your work on the journal?

As a Section Editor of the journal, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research from around the world and help shape the scholarly conversation in my field. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to the advancement of knowledge by supporting high-quality, innovative work; especially in emerging areas of energy and sustainability that have real-world impact.

I particularly enjoy mentoring early-career researchers through the review process and facilitating the publication of research that might otherwise go unnoticed, especially from underrepresented regions. Being part of the editorial team also allows me to collaborate with a diverse group of scholars and stay at the forefront of new scientific developments.

What I look forward to most is helping the journal grow as a trusted and inclusive platform for interdisciplinary research; one that not only reflects academic excellence but also informs policy, technology, and sustainable development practices globally.

Lovely to have you onboard in this new role, @Dr.Engr. Imran Khan, and I am sure your contribution will help the journal reach new heights!