InfoMetricsFiguresRef. Organic Process Research & DevelopmentVol 29/Issue 1Article This publication is free to access through this site. Learn More CiteCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore citation options ShareShare onFacebookX (Twitter)WeChatLinkedInRedditEmailJump toExpandCollapse EditorialJanuary 17, 2025OPR&D: An Exceptional Legacy and Exciting Opportunities for the Future of Process ChemistryClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!Margaret M. Faul*Margaret M. Faul*Email: [email protected]More by Margaret M. Faulhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3857-0004Open PDFOrganic Process Research & DevelopmentCite this: Org. Process Res. Dev. 2025, 29, 1, 1–2Click to copy citationCitation copied!https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00537https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00537Published January 17, 2025 Publication History Received 18 December 2024Published online 17 January 2025Published in issue 17 January 2025editorialCopyright © 2025 American Chemical Society. This publication is available under these Terms of Use. Request reuse permissionsThis publication is licensed for personal use by The American Chemical Society. ACS PublicationsCopyright © 2025 American Chemical SocietySubjectswhat are subjectsArticle subjects are automatically applied from the ACS Subject Taxonomy and describe the scientific concepts and themes of the article.BiocatalysisIndustrial manufacturingPharmaceuticalsProcess chemistrySustainabilityIt is with immense excitement and profound gratitude that I write to you as the incoming Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of Organic Process Research & Development (OPR&D). Since its inception, this journal has been a cornerstone for the dissemination of impactful and practical advancements in process chemistry. Serving as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, OPR&D plays a pivotal role in shaping how we design and develop safe, environmentally friendly and economical processes for the synthesis and manufacture of organic compounds at scale. As I take on this role, I am inspired by the exceptional legacy of my predecessors and excited by the opportunities for the future.My interest in process chemistry began during my undergraduate career at University College Dublin, where I got the opportunity to do two summer internships in the process chemistry industry. I knew I had a passion for organic chemistry and went to Harvard University to complete my Ph.D. with Professor David Evans, who instilled in me a logical and organized approach to synthetic chemistry. On graduation in 1993 I joined the Chemical Process R&D group at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, IN. In 2003 I moved to Amgen Inc., where over the last 20+ years I have had multiple leadership roles across Process Development leading Drug Substance Technologies, Drug Product Technologies, and Manufacturing and Clinical Supply Chain organizations to develop and advance innovative medicines for patients. With this depth and breadth of experience in the industry, I am excited to take on the role of the EiC of OPR&D, and to work with the Associate Editors and Editorial Advisory Board to advance the mission and impact of this journal.As I take on this opportunity, I am deeply grateful to Dr. Trevor Laird for his foundational work in establishing the journal and Dr. Kai Rossen for his outstanding leadership of OPR&D during the past decade. As EiC, Dr. Rossen broadened the journal's scope and elevated its impact. He expanded OPR&D's focus beyond traditional case studies to include critical interdisciplinary topics like sustainability and regulatory highlights, engineering innovations, and intellectual property, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape. Dr. Rossen fostered collaborations with other journals, such as The Journal of Organic Chemistry and Organic Letters, enabling joint special issues and symposia that bridged academia and industry. He prioritized inclusivity by diversifying the journal's editorial board and promoted contributions from a wide range of authors, including those from academia, small pharmaceutical companies, and contract manufacturing organizations. Dr. Rossen maintained the journal's focus on practical, industry-relevant content, showcasing advancements in areas like continuous manufacturing, green chemistry, and regulatory strategies. His efforts streamlined peer review and maintained the high-quality publications of the journal. Dr. Rossen positioned OPR&D as a leading journal that is essential for both academic and industrial process chemists worldwide, and for that the community is very grateful.In the last few decades, the field of process chemistry has seen remarkable growth. It has evolved from focusing on scaling up traditional small-molecule syntheses to encompassing complex biologics, bioconjugates, antibody–drug conjugates, and cutting-edge modalities like peptides and oligonucleotides. Advances in enabling technologies such as continuous manufacturing, flow chemistry, biocatalysis, and machine learning have fundamentally changed how we approach the development of scalable and sustainable processes. These innovations have created a dynamic environment where collaboration between industry and academia is not only beneficial but essential.In this rapidly evolving landscape, OPR&D has a unique role to play. As a journal dedicated to the practical aspects of process chemistry, it excels at bringing together chemists, engineers, and researchers from diverse backgrounds. The journal's focus on case studies, regulatory insights, and engineering solutions positions it as a critical resource for translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic molecules that benefit society. My vision as EiC is to expand on this legacy, ensuring that OPR&D remains at the forefront of innovation while staying true to its mission of delivering practical and impactful content that is relevant to the work being done in our field.I am excited to build upon the work of previous editors and expand the opportunity and impact OPR&D can have within the scientific community. My experiences have shaped my vision for OPR&D, which will focus on five key pillars outlined below.1. Broadening the Scope of OPR&DOPR&D's existing scope is a testament to its relevance and impact in the field. While the journal will continue to focus on key topics including route selection, regulatory updates, and environmental sustainability that have been instrumental in shaping industrial practices, the growing diversity of therapeutic modalities demands an expanded focus. I look forward to the opportunity to further broader the scope of the journal to include emerging areas such as biocatalysis, oligonucleotide synthesis, bioconjugates, antibody–drug conjugates, and advanced bioprocessing technologies. We will also expand on topics like automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for reaction optimization and process development, which will no doubt have an impact and revolutionize how we approach process chemistry for the future. By integrating these advancements into the journal's content, we aim to provide readers with insights into how cutting-edge technologies can be harnessed to solve the complex challenges presented by the modalities of the future.2. Fostering Community EngagementEngagement with the broader scientific community is crucial for the success of any journal. As EiC, I am committed to continuing to strengthen OPR&D's ties with both industry and academia. This will involve leveraging modern communication tools to reach a wider audience and inspire the next generation of chemists. Through workshops, webinars, and active social media engagement, we will expand our platforms for dialogue and collaboration. Initiatives such as live Q&A sessions with authors and editors as well as video content highlighting key research will make the journal more accessible and engaging. Additionally, we will work to seek ways to address the lack of formal training in process chemistry within academic institutions by curating educational content tailored for students and early-career researchers.3. Championing Sustainability and InclusivitySustainability is no longer optional─it is a moral and scientific imperative. OPR&D will continue to highlight advancements in green chemistry and sustainable practices. Case studies showcasing successful implementations of waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, and environmentally friendly solvents will continue to be a focus of the journal, demonstrating our commitment to promoting practices that align with the goals of a more sustainable pharmaceutical industry.Inclusivity is equally vital to the journal's success. Building on the progress made by my predecessors, I will prioritize diversity within the Editorial Advisory Board, Associate Editors, and contributors. By fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives, we can ensure that OPR&D remains a vibrant and inclusive platform for all members of the scientific community.4. Enhancing the Publishing ProcessMaintaining the quality and integrity of the publishing process is essential. As EiC, I will focus on streamlining workflows to improve turnaround times without compromising on rigor. Leveraging digital tools to enhance the peer-review process, training reviewers to provide constructive feedback, and maintaining a database of preferred reviewers are some of the strategies we will employ. Evaluation of an open access model as an opportunity for OPR&D will also be explored.5. Building Strategic AlliancesCollaboration is at the heart of scientific progress, and OPR&D will continue to strengthen its partnerships with other ACS journals and organizations. Joint special issues, cohosted symposia, and interdisciplinary webinars will be key initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and expanding the journal's reach. We will work to continue to build stronger ties with the pharmaceutical industry, contract manufacturing organizations, and regulatory bodies. These partnerships will not only enhance the journal's content but also ensure that it reflects the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by its readers.I believe that OPR&D can continue to be a driving force in the field of process chemistry, and I invite the active participation of our readers, authors, reviewers, and editorial team to share your feedback on the journal and areas where you believe we can grow and provide impact back to our community. This perspective is critical to the journal's success since we need to ensure that we are serving the community in the right way.In closing, I am deeply honored to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of OPR&D. This journal has a rich history of advancing the field of process chemistry, and I am committed to ensuring that it continues to thrive in a rapidly changing scientific landscape. Together, we can expand the journal's impact, elevate its influence, and inspire the next generation of chemists. I look forward to working with all of you to shape the future of OPR&D and to continue its tradition of excellence.Author InformationClick to copy section linkSection link copied!Corresponding AuthorMargaret M. Faul, Editor-in-Chief, OPR&D, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3857-0004, Email: [email protected]NotesViews expressed in this editorial are those of the author and not necessarily the views of the ACS.Cited By Click to copy section linkSection link copied!This article has not yet been cited by other publications.Download PDFFiguresReferences Get e-AlertsGet e-AlertsOrganic Process Research & DevelopmentCite this: Org. Process Res. Dev. 2025, 29, 1, 1–2Click to copy citationCitation copied!https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00537Published January 17, 2025 Publication History Received 18 December 2024Published online 17 January 2025Published in issue 17 January 2025Copyright © 2025 American Chemical Society. This publication is available under these Terms of Use. 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