Meet the CSAB: Professor & Subject Chair Chris van Kessel
This is the 2nd article in a series on the Scopus blog, featuring the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB). The CSAB is an international and editorially independent group of scientists, researchers and librarians who represent the major scientific disciplines. Using strict title selection criteria, these experts determine whether journals are eligible for indexing in Scopus, and they continually re-evaluate these titles to make sure quality is maintained.
Throughout this series, we will introduce you to different board members, offering insights into their roles within the CSAB and exploring their perspectives on the purpose of the board.
Professor Chris van Kessel
University of California-Davis
USA
CSAB Chair - Agriculture and Biological Sciences
In the realm of scientific research and academic excellence, there are individuals who stand out not only for their contributions to the field but also for their dedication to ensuring the quality of published research. One such remarkable personality is Dr. Chris van Kessel, distinguished professor at the University of California-Davis.
Dr. van Kessel's research focus lies in agricultural cropping systems, and their impact on greenhouse gases, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane emissions. His research journey started over 35 years ago in Canada, where he explored the effects of nitrogen fertilization on N2O emissions. He continued this work after moving to the University of California-Davis 25 years ago, examining the role of rice cropping systems on emissions of methane. His work has been both interdisciplinary and impactful, addressing the balance between food production and environmental consequences.
Dr. van Kessel's journey with the CSAB began in the fall of 2017. He vividly recalls attending his first board meeting in Toronto, Canada, marking the beginning of a long and fulfilling commitment to ensuring the trustworthiness and quality of scientific content. When asked about the importance of serving on the CSAB, Dr. van Kessel emphasized the critical role of quality assurance in published research. In an age where questionable information and "fake science" can infiltrate the scientific world, he believes that organizations like the CSAB play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of research and scholarly work. He is driven by the desire to ensure that readers can trust the content they encounter. He acknowledges that increased pressure from predatory journals is a challenge to academic research integrity. These challenges have only reinforced his commitment to maintaining high standards in research.
In the midst of his rigorous academic pursuits, Dr. van Kessel also enjoys the simple pleasures of life. He recently moved from California to the Netherlands, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered a newfound love for cycling. In fact, his passion for cycling is so strong that he and his wife biked 1,700 kilometers (about 1056.33 mi) from the Netherlands to the South of France.
As we conclude our profile on Dr. Chris van Kessel, it's evident that his academic rigor, commitment to quality research, and love for cycling all contribute to making him a multifaceted and inspiring figure in the scientific community. His dedication to uphold research standards while promoting sustainable practices in agriculture is a testament to the positive impact that passionate individuals can have on our world.