The Future of Textile Research
Read an interview with Savvas G. Vassiliadis, Editor-in-Chief of the AUTEX Research Journal.
Savvas G. Vassiliadis is a Professor Emeritus at the University of West Attica (UNIWA) in Athens, Greece, with a distinguished academic career spanning Textile and Electrical Engineering, research, university leadership, and international academic cooperation.
With a long-standing connection to the AUTEX Research Journal, Professor Vassiliadis offers valuable insights into the journal’s development, the evolving landscape of textile science, and the research directions that are likely to shape the field in the years ahead. In particular, he highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary research, computational modelling, advanced materials, sustainability, circularity, and, above all, artificial intelligence.
In this conversation, he also reflects on what makes a research paper valuable and impactful, the qualities expected from prospective authors, and the importance of pursuing meaningful scientific contributions rather than publication for its own sake.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what motivated you to become involved with AUTEX Research Journal?
I am a Professor Emeritus at the University of West Attica (UNIWA) in Athens, Greece, with an extensive teaching and research career spanning the fields of Textile and Electrical Engineering. Throughout my tenure, I have also held key administrative positions, serving as Head of Department, Vice-Rector, and Institutional Coordinator for the Erasmus+ Exchange Program. In the latter years of my career, I had the honor of serving as the President of the AUTEX Association.
I have closely followed the AUTEX Research Journal since its inception. My direct involvement in its publication is inherently linked to the core operations of the AUTEX Association; it is both a fundamental duty and a distinct privilege within our scientific community.
What is your vision for the future development of AUTEX Research Journal?
Our vision is to cultivate a stronger, more impactful journal, both in terms of quantitative bibliometric indices (such as impact factor and citations) and the intrinsic scientific quality of the published articles.
Which emerging areas of textile science and technology do you believe will have the greatest impact on the field?
We anticipate a significant increase in papers featuring a strong cross-disciplinary character. Modern textile science serves as a nexus where various technological and scientific fields converge. Consequently, the journal aims to provide a prominent forum that fosters and accelerates these cross-disciplinary advancements.
What new or interdisciplinary topics would you particularly like to see submitted to AUTEX Research Journal?
Computational modeling is a highly challenging field with vast potential for applications within the textile sector. Concurrently, research focusing on advanced materials, innovative structures, novel chemical treatments, as well as AI applications remains of paramount interest. Furthermore, macro-trends driven by sustainability, green production, and the circular economy are highly expected to yield impactful and innovative submissions.
Sustainability, advanced materials, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming textile research. Which of these developments do you consider most promising?
Without a doubt, artificial intelligence currently dominates the global scientific landscape. AI acts as a catalyst, providing the underlying mechanism that supports and accelerates growth across all other research domains. The development of AI is explosive, and it is destined to play an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of textile research.
What makes a research paper particularly interesting and valuable for AUTEX Research Journal?
From a technical standpoint, a robust structure, logical cohesion, meticulous writing, and a high command of the English language are essential characteristics. More importantly, a technologically and scientifically sound methodology is required to effectively validate the research hypothesis and support the conclusions. Naturally, the novelty of the subject matter is crucial; we place immense value on fresh, contemporary topics. Generally, we highly appreciate the submission of rigorous, high-impact manuscripts that advance the scientific standards of the textile field.
What would you like to say to researchers who are considering submitting their next paper to AUTEX Research Journal?
Publishing a paper should not be viewed merely as an end in itself. Publication is truly meaningful when researchers achieve groundbreaking, high-level scientific results and genuinely wish to share this knowledge with the broader community. The intellectual quality of the work is what matters most. Ultimately, we must always remember: scripta manent!
Submit to AUTEX Research Journal
The AUTEX Research Journal (AUT) is a leading open access, peer reviewed scientific journal dedicated to textile science and technology.
The journal disseminates high-quality scientific knowledge related to textile-based materials and products, including topics like fibers, fibrous structures, functionalization, design, and manufacturing.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest journals and books in your field.
