Vol. 120 No. 2 (2024)

It is carried out a critical analysis on the supposed intrinsic learning benefits that would be assumed to the use of the new methodologies in teaching university chemistry. It is suggested that these educational inno- vative actions should be framed into the body of the knowledge provided by science education research.

Keywords: Educational innovation, science education research, college chemistry, educational success, motivation

Given the observed alteration in the patterns of scientific publication in Spain over the last decade, but especially between 2017 and 2021, this work focuses on seeking explanations that clarify the reasons that have caused them. We argue that the key factor that explains the changes in the publication behaviour of Spanish researchers is the system of research evaluation currently in effect. The Spanish system preferentially rewards publications and editorial activities in journals that are highly ranked in the Journal Citation Reports or substitutes. These criteria permeate in the evaluation programmes that regulate access of researchers to tenure track and tenure positions, as well as the subsequent research evaluations to which Spanish researchers can subject themselves regularly. Positive outcomes in these evaluations result in economic and career benefit. The demand for publication in Spain is thus now increasingly being served by young publishers that operate under the APC business model, and which have successfully enlisted the collaboration of a large number of researchers by offering highly expeditious publishing services, lower prices than competing publishers, and the opportunity to participate in editorial roles. These strategies, which are increasingly absorbing the Spanish scholarly publishing system, are described in detail.

Keywords: Scholarly communication, academic publishing, scientific journals, scientific publishers, publication trends, scientific evaluation, research performance evaluation, bibliometric indicators, Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, MDPI, Frontiers, Spain

Pocket lighters are present in almost all homes and teaching laboratories; very useful to get fire quickly and safely at any time. They use materials and processes in which chemistry plays a fundamental role. From this perspective, lighters can be used as an attractive and interesting teaching resource for preuniversity levels.

Keywords: pocket lighter, burner, isobutane, ferrocerium

A biographical approach of Francisco Buscarons Úbeda, professor of Analytical Chemistry (1945-1975) and rector (1951-1956) at the University of Barcelona is presented. His trajectory allows us to know significant aspects of the Spanish university during the Franco dictatorship. Despite the limitations of the period, he was able as a researcher to establish a fruitful school of analytical chemistry. As rector he faced, with a dignified attitude, the first student protest movements against the repressive policy of the regime.

Keywords: Francisco Buscarons, analytical chemistry, rector, University of Barcelona