Exclusive Interview with Prof. Adam: Explosives, Propellants & Energetic Materials –Lessons from 40+ Years of Research!

1. What initially drew you to the field of energetic materials, and what keeps you passionate about it?

Prof. Adam: “My research activities in Edinburgh gave me the tools to work across many fields and I applied that experience to the field of energetic materials when I joined the UK Ministry of Defence. It allowed me to bring new perspectives to that field. What keeps me engaged is the changes and excitement of new discoveries, while ensuring that safety and environmental factors are considered. Contributing to international collaborations and mentoring future scientists further strengthens my commitment to this field. It is always good to explore the range of approaches and research.”

2. Your work focuses on energetic additives in propellants and explosives. Can you share a breakthrough or discovery that has had a significant impact?

Prof. Adam: “One of the most important breakthroughs has been the development of Insensitive Munitions (IM) and all that this required including the integration of novel energetic additives to enhance performance while minimizing risks. The developing understanding of material properties has also improved our approach to risk. Our research on co-crystallization techniques, novel processing methods, and new materials has enabled greater control over explosive properties, leading to safer and more efficient energetic materials at lower cost over the system lifetime. More recently the importance of managing their environmental impact has been important and exciting.”

3. Sustainability is a growing concern in energetic materials research. How do you see the industry evolving towards greener propellants and explosives?

Prof. Adam: “The industry is shifting towards more environmentally responsible energetic materials. This involves reducing toxic byproducts, enhancing biodegradability, and developing alternative materials with lower environmental impact. Our research on sustainable disposal solutions for weapons and munitions is a step forward in addressing these concerns. Additionally, exploring bio-derived fuels and oxidizers presents a promising avenue for future eco-friendly propellants. It has been shown that it is possible to do this without prejudicing performance”

4. Safety and stability are critical in energetic materials. What challenges do researchers face, and how can they be addressed?

Prof. Adam: “One of the biggest challenges is ensuring stability under various storage and operational conditions. Factors such as thermal sensitivity, mechanical stress, and ageing can compromise safety. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach including advanced modelling techniques, real-time monitoring systems, and materials engineered for enhanced resilience. Collaboration between academia, industry, and defence sectors is also crucial in developing safer energetic formulations.”

5.What are the most promising future directions in energetic materials research?

Prof. Adam: “Future research has several key aspects: better defined ingredients with predictable properties – this includes nano-energetic materials; additive manufacturing (3D printing of explosives), and possibly AI-driven material/ingredient design. Nano-energetics may offer improved performance with tailored energy release, while additive manufacturing allows for customized geometries, optimizing efficiency and safety. AI and machine learning are also playing a growing role in predictive modelling, enabling the efficient development of next-generation energetic compounds.”

6.As an experienced editor, what key qualities do you look for in a high-quality research paper?

Prof. Adam: “A high-quality research paper should be well-structured, concise, and provide a significant contribution to the field. It also requires knowledge of the current state of the art. Clarity in problem definition, robust methodology, and a strong analytical approach are essential. I also look for originality, reproducibility, and a discussion that places findings in the broader scientific landscape. Proper referencing and adherence to journal guidelines are equally important. All too often it is clear that the literature research has been skimpy indicating a lack of technology awareness”

7. Peer review is often criticized for being slow or biased. How do you ensure a fair, timely, and rigorous review process?

Prof. Adam: “Ensuring a fair and efficient review process requires selecting diverse, knowledgeable reviewers who provide objective and constructive feedback. Implementing double-blind peer review helps mitigate bias, while clear editorial guidelines streamline the process. Leveraging AI-assisted screening tools may also help identify potential conflicts of interest and ensure that manuscripts meet basic quality standards before peer review. However, I am not convinced that AI is an effective solution, and it is certainly not mature enough for confident use”

8. Many researchers struggle with manuscript rejections. What common mistakes lead to rejections, and how can authors avoid them?

Prof. Adam: “Common reasons for rejection include lack of novelty, poor organization, weak experimental validation, and inadequate discussion of results. Many papers also fail due to formatting errors and missing citations. Authors can avoid these pitfalls by carefully reviewing journal guidelines, conducting thorough literature reviews, and ensuring their methodology and data presentation are robust. Seeking feedback from colleagues before submission can also improve manuscript quality. They also need to pay attention to reviewer feedback”

9. Some researchers feel that impact factors and citations overshadow the quality of research. What is your perspective on this, and how should young researchers approach publishing?

Prof. Adam: “The impact factor and citation count are widely used metrics to assess a journal’s influence, but they should never overshadow the intrinsic quality of research. A well-cited paper does not always mean it is groundbreaking, just as an under-cited one does not indicate poor quality. True scientific impact lies in how research advances knowledge, solves real-world problems, and inspires future innovations.  One problem is that energetics is a relatively small field which reduces the possible impact factor significantly.  Journals are moving to other measures.

For young researchers, the key is to focus on producing high-quality, reproducible work rather than chasing impact factors. Choose journals that align with your research scope and prioritize rigorous peer review and wide accessibility. Engage with the scientific community, especially at conferences, and promote your work through collaborations and discussions. Quality research will eventually gain recognition, and citations will follow naturally as your work proves valuable to others Ensuring that you are aware of relevant work with your local community is also important.”

10. If you could give one golden piece of advice to young researchers entering the field of energetic materials, what would it be?

Prof. Adam: “Stay curious and embrace interdisciplinary collaboration. Energetic materials research is not confined to a single discipline—engaging with experts in chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science, and computational modelling will enrich your understanding and open new research opportunities. Most importantly, always prioritize safety and ethical considerations in your work, as these are fundamental to advancing the science and its applications.”

Thanks to Prof. Adam Cumming, for sharing his insights and experiences. His contributions to energetic materials continue to inspire the next generation of researchers.