Newsletter
Can you walk us through your typical day?
I am Polat Goktas, Managing Editor of the MCAA Newsletter. My days usually begin with coffee; which, let’s be honest, is the unsung hero behind most scientific breakthroughs. From there, I dive into a mix of research on artificial intelligence and digital health, mentoring students, and, of course, tackling editorial tasks. My role often shifts between being an academic, a storyteller, and a professional deadline firefighter. Somewhere between meetings, reviewing drafts, and answering emails, I try to remember that eating lunch before 4 p.m. is generally recommended for a balanced lifestyle.
As a volunteer, what initially drew you to get involved with the MCAA Newsletter, and what keeps you motivated to stay?
At first, I was simply curious. How tough can editing be? I thought. Spoiler alert; tougher than expected, but also infinitely more rewarding. What keeps me motivated is the sense of impact. The Newsletter is not just a collection of articles; it’s a place where fellows’ voices come alive, where career journeys inspire others, and where we can make research feel human. Plus, working with such a committed team makes the process enjoyable.
Polat Goktas
What are your hopes or goals for the future of the Newsletter?
I’d love to see the Newsletter become a place where science meets storytelling. Beyond highlighting achievements, I want it to be a hub for creativity, where we can experiment with themes, bring in diverse perspectives, and even dare to sneak in unconventional formats (imagine a research meme section or a comic strip about grant applications). More seriously, my goal is for every fellow to feel represented and for readers to look forward to each issue as something engaging, accessible, and slightly unexpected.
Meet our Editors - Polat Goktas: The MCAA Newsletter shall be a bridge that connects ideas, people, and impact - September 2025
How has volunteering as an editor influenced your own career, interests, or view of the scientific community?
After several years on the editorial team, I can say it has been transformative. It taught me that science is not just about data and results, it is about the people behind them and the stories they carry. I have learnt to communicate more clearly, to appreciate the diversity of research fields, and to value collaboration beyond disciplinary borders. It has also reinforced my view that scientists, despite their brilliance, sometimes need gentle (and repeated) nudges about deadlines. In my career, this role has added a layer of leadership and creativity I didn’t expect, but now wouldn’t want to lose.
What’s one behind-the-scenes moment or memory from working on the MCAA Newsletter?
The June 2025 Special Issue is one I’ll never forget. I was co-editor for the theme Sustainable Career Transition Pathway: Bridging Academia, Public Sector, and Industry, a topic close to my heart. Behind the scenes, it was a whirlwind: coordinating authors across time zones, polishing drafts at odd hours, and making sure the theme held together like a story rather than a collection of papers. At one point, my inbox felt like a second home. But when the issue finally came out, the feedback from readers made me happy. It reminded me that the Newsletter is not just a publication; it is a community effort where passion and persistence turn into something meaningful.
If you could swap lives with any scientist, living, dead, or fictional, for one day, who would it be and why?
The chance to time travel, fix deadlines before they even happen, and grab coffee with Leonardo da Vinci sounds irresistible.