EBM Interview: Prof. Aleksei B. Sheremetev

Dr. Aleksei B. Sheremetev is a renowned scientist in the field of energetic materials chemistry, with over four decades of fruitful research under his belt. Since 1983 he has been working at the N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, where he received his Ph.D. (1990) and Dr. Sci. (2005). His research interests lie primarily in the invention of new methods for the design of energetic compounds, the manipulation of the structure and reactivity of nitro compounds and high nitrogen heterocycles, and the identification of structure-property relationships. Dr Sheremetev is currently Head of the Laboratory of Energetic Monomers and Polymers at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry. His prolific career includes authoring over 250 peer-reviewed publications and contributing to several high impact journals as an editor and reviewer. Dr Sheremetev has received several prestigious awards for his scientific work and continues to mentor young scientists, pioneering best practice in the field of energy materials and inspiring them to innovate.

Interview with Prof. Aleksei B. Sheremetev, Editor of FirePhysChem and Professor of N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences.

1. Could you briefly introduce your career and research journey in organic chemistry, especially your focus on high-nitrogen compounds and nitrogen-oxygen compounds?

Dr. Sheremetev: "After receiving my MSc from the Mendeleev Institute of Chemical Technology in 1982, I completed my PhD in the chemistry of high-nitrogen compounds at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Lenor I. Khmel’nitskii in 1990. I received my Doctor of Sc. Degree in 2005 for basic research on functional furazan derivatives. Over the past decades, I have devoted myself to studying the reactivity of nitrogen-rich heterocycles, exploring methodologies for their synthesis, and understanding the influence of structural features on properties. Since 2020, my research team has shifted its focus to studying the chemistry of energetic polymers. A crucial aspect of all the work is the desire to create a variety of energetic compounds in a straightforward way from available, inexpensive reagents.”

2. What inspired you to specialize in the chemistry of high-nitrogen compounds and nitrogen heterocycles?

Dr. Sheremetev: "The fact that a small amount of matter can contain enormous energy is fascinating. When you consider that an energetic compound can be made from other compounds that have no perceptible energy, it makes this field of research simply fantastic. Nitrogen derivatives occupy a key position in the hierarchy of energetic compounds. Mastering the craft and art of creating compounds that carry high energy opens up vast prospects for creativity. For me, it's not just a job, it's also a hobby."

3. Could you share some of the significant contributions your research has made to the field of energetic materials?

Dr. Sheremetev: "We have succeeded in developing effective approaches that have made furazan derivatives available. This has greatly expanded the possibilities of furazan chemistry and provided real pathways to targeted synthesis. A series of studies to determine the effect of different types of isomerism on the properties of energetic compounds has revealed some important structure-property relationships. The results of these studies have practical applications."

4. International collaborations are vital in scientific research. Could you discuss your experiences with such collaborations?

Dr. Sheremetev: "I am fortunate to live and work in Russia, where there are many powerful scientific centres, each of which has established scientific schools capable of satisfying the most demanding scientific interests. Collaboration with my fellow countrymen helps me to solve all problematic scientific issues. Nevertheless, international cooperation is certainly very useful for the exchange of opinions, provides friendly, cultural communication, and provides an opportunity to get acquainted with national identity in the field of science and technology."

5. What are the primary challenges and opportunities in developing advanced energetic materials?

Dr. Sheremetev: "For a new energetic compound to be useful in the future, it must be made easily and quickly from cheap, readily available reagents, and at the same time it must have better properties than the energetic compounds currently in use. The most difficult task is to achieve all of the above at the same time."

6. As a member of various editorial and expert councils, how do you see the role of publishing in advancing organic chemistry and energetic materials?

Dr. Sheremetev: "Until the results of the study are published, they do not exist for the scientific community. Publications are a visualization of scientific progress. Publications herald discoveries, challenge existing paradigms and inspire further research. Some publications set the direction for whole fields of research. As far as energetic materials are concerned, the publication guarantees the protection of the research priority in this rapidly developing field of research and also shows the variety of possibilities for achieving a specific goal. In my role as editor of FirePhysChem, I strive to maintain standards of scientific clarity and accuracy in the presentation of research, and welcome innovative works that addresses global challenges."

7. How do you approach mentoring Ph.D. and MSc students in your field?

Dr. Sheremetev: "Mentoring aims to stimulate curiosity, develop critical thinking and independent research skills. I encourage my students to explore new ideas while building on a solid foundation of knowledge. By providing academic guidance, I also emphasize the importance of effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, as these skills are essential for success in modern science. My aim is not only to train capable researchers, but also to instil in them a passion for innovation and lifelong learning."

8. What advice would you give to young researchers aspiring to work in the field of organic chemistry and energetic materials?

Dr. Sheremetev: "Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions that challenge conventional thinking. Build a strong foundation in fundamental chemistry and actively seek interdisciplinary knowledge, as energetic materials often intersect with physics, engineering, and materials science. Seek out collaborations with experienced researchers, as they can provide invaluable insight and mentorship. The most important thing is to persevere, as this field requires both patience and determination to overcome complex challenges. Well, and of course you will learn how to write clear and interesting articles."

9. Could you share your perspective on the future of energetic materials research?

Dr. Sheremetev: "Future research into energetic compounds is likely to focus on improving the balance between performance, safety and environmental friendliness. Innovative organic chemistry techniques, as well as the development of instrumentation and robotics, will be the basis for progress towards previously unattainable goals.

10. What strategies can early-career researchers/scientists adopt to increase their chances of being published in prestigious journals?

Dr. Sheremetev: "If your manuscript is clear and convincing in its novelty, the logic of the sequence of research stages is clear, the material is well structured, and the references give a clear idea of previous studies, a competent editor of a relevant journal will be happy to accept it for review."

11. How should researchers approach manuscript writing to produce impactful and credible scientific papers?

Dr. Sheremetev: "An attractive manuscript starts with a strong and clear introduction that highlights the importance of your work and its purpose. A brief review of the literature should highlight the successes and problematic areas of only the field that the research is aimed at. In the Results and Discussion section, you should clearly state what has been done and how, and what new things your research has brought. The experimental part should contain a detailed and reproducible working technique and include control data. Data presentation is another critical aspect—use well-designed figures and tables that effectively summarize your findings. In the conclusion section, it is not necessary to list the work carried out, but to emphasize the essence of the successes achieved and to indicate further prospects. Proofread your manuscript several times to check for errors and to ensure that the formatting is correct and follows the journal's guidelines. Using a professional editor to polish the language can also make a significant difference, especially if English is not your first language."

12. What are your thoughts on enhancing the peer review process to make it more effective and streamlined?

Dr. Sheremetev: "The peer review process is the cornerstone of the quality of a scientific publication. But it is not without its challenges. A key issue is the time taken for reviews. Setting tighter deadlines for reviewers and offering incentives such as recognition or certificates can help speed up the process. It is important to ensure that manuscripts are peer-reviewed by experts in the field. This can be achieved by broadening the range of reviewers. Journals should involve young researchers in peer review, which can reduce the burden on experienced scientists. It is necessary to increase the transparency of the review process. Some journals now use open or double-blind review processes, which can increase accountability and fairness. Constructive and specific feedback is crucial, as it not only improves the manuscript but also helps authors grow as researchers." 

Thank you, Dr. Sheremetev, for sharing his insights and experiences. His contributions to organic chemistry and energetic materials continue to inspire researchers around the world.