Director of Integrity and Engagement, Tech Science Press
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what did you study? Where are you currently based?
I’m originally from China and graduated from Fudan University with a degree in Macromolecular Materials and Engineering. After a few years working as a corporate solutions consultant in Shanghai, I moved to the UK and pursued a Master of Science in Social and Educational Research at the University of Aberdeen. That cross-disciplinary background has given me a unique perspective on scholarly communications. I’m currently based in Nanjing, China.
Describe your current role and organization. What are your main responsibilities? What type of organization do you work for?
At Tech Science Press, I serve as the Director of Integrity and Engagement. My role spans a broad range of responsibilities—most importantly, ensuring that our publishing processes uphold the highest standards of integrity. I manage key publisher accounts, lead strategic partnerships, and oversee engagement with industry stakeholders. I also represent the organization in various professional communities, contributing to important initiatives around publishing ethics, copyright, and diversity in scholarly communications.
Walk us through a typical day in your role. What challenges do you face? What opportunities do you encounter?
Every day is different, which is part of what I enjoy about the role. A typical day may involve reviewing policy updates, managing XML submissions, responding to PubMed and Crossref communications, or collaborating with partners across journals, ebooks, and other media. One of the ongoing challenges is staying ahead of evolving compliance requirements while maintaining a smooth publishing workflow. At the same time, I have the opportunity to shape our engagement strategies and represent the press in DEIA and copyright policy discussions on a global stage.
Share your journey in scholarly publishing. What was your first role in this field, and how did you land it? What path led you to your current position? What unexpected challenges have you faced?
I entered scholarly publishing after working as a data specialist in both STEM and social science fields. That analytical foundation helped me transition into publishing operations when I joined Tech Science Press in 2022. From the start, I was drawn to the intersection of publishing integrity, technology, and international collaboration. I gradually took on more responsibilities related to policy development, ethical compliance, and stakeholder engagement—leading to my current role.
Can you share a memorable project, achievement, or pivotal moment in your career development? Was there a defining moment or influential person who shaped your career?
One pivotal moment was being invited to join the SSP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to important conversations around representation and ethics in publishing. It also expanded my network and deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges we face as an industry. That experience has since shaped how I approach partnership development and organizational policies.
What tools, websites, and organizations are essential for your career growth? How do you stay updated with industry trends and developments?
I rely heavily on resources like The Scholarly Kitchen, ALPSP News, and SSP webinars for staying current with trends and policy shifts. Tools like ORCID, Crossref, and the NCBI Bookshelf are essential for technical standards and metadata work. Being part of professional associations like SSP and ALPSP also keeps me informed and connected.
In your experience, what skills or qualities are essential for success in scholarly communications?
Adaptability and attention to detail are critical, especially as policies and technologies evolve. Communication is equally important—we often work across teams, time zones, and disciplines. A strong foundation in research ethics and a willingness to collaborate beyond one’s own organization are also key to long-term success.
What do you wish you knew more about in your field?
I’d like to deepen my expertise in AI-driven editorial workflows and machine learning applications for peer review and metadata enrichment. As automation becomes more central, understanding these tools is vital for ensuring that quality and integrity don’t get compromised.
What future trends do you foresee in the field of scholarly publishing?
I foresee increasing pressure for open science compliance, with publishers playing a bigger role in enforcing transparency and reproducibility. I also anticipate stronger integration between content platforms, funders, and data repositories—requiring publishers to be both more technical and more collaborative. DEIA will (and should) remain a high priority, not only in content but in authorship, peer review, and governance.
What motivates you in your work? What keeps you passionate about your role in scholarly publishing?
What motivates me most is knowing that my work supports the credibility and accessibility of research worldwide. Scholarly publishing is a critical part of the global knowledge ecosystem, and being in a position to help uphold ethical standards and promote inclusive practices is deeply fulfilling. I’m especially passionate about creating space for underrepresented voices and building partnerships that reflect shared values around transparency, diversity, and collaboration. The field is constantly evolving, and that dynamic environment keeps me learning, growing, and engaged.
How do you balance your professional and personal life? Any fun facts or hobbies outside of scholarly communications?
I try to maintain a good balance by setting clear boundaries for off-hours and prioritizing time with family and friends. I also enjoy photography and hiking—they help me recharge and stay creative outside of work.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals in scholarly communications?
Stay curious and open to roles that may not initially seem like a direct fit—publishing is a multi-disciplinary space, and your unique background can be a real asset. Build relationships, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Integrity and consistency go a long way in this field.
