Professor Jun Chen is currently appointed as Associate Dean of Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM), and Head of Postgraduate Studies of Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI), University of Wollongong (UOW). Chen received his bachelor’s (1995) from Zhejiang University of Technology (China), and his PhD from School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong (Australia) in 2003. His research interests include: Electroactive Materials, Catalysis, Sustainable Energy Devices/Systems, Electro-/Bio- Interfaces, Nano/Micro- Materials, 2D/3D Printing and Wearable Electronic Devices. He has authored over 220 peer-reviewed publications in international journals with an h-index of 71. Professor Chen has been identified as Highly Cited Researchers in Cross Field (2018 | 2020). In 2021, he received Vice-Chancellor's Award for Researcher of the Year (University of Wollongong). Prof. Chen has been admitted as a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC).
1. Could you elaborate on your perspective regarding the significance of "Open & Impact" in the context of our journal's founding philosophy?
"Open & Impact" is at the core of Materials Lab's mission to advance scientific knowledge and its application for the betterment of society. Openness ensures that research is accessible to a global audience, breaking down barriers to knowledge and fostering collaboration across borders. By making our content openly available, we democratize access to cutting-edge research in materials science, enabling researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build upon our findings.
The "Impact" aspect is equally critical. We aim to publish research that not only advances the field academically but also has tangible real-world applications. Whether it's developing sustainable materials, improving energy storage, or enabling breakthroughs in biomedical engineering, our goal is to ensure that the work we publish drives innovation and addresses pressing global challenges. Together, "Open & Impact" embodies our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and meaningful contributions to science and society.
2. How do you perceive the role of "Open & Integrity" in upholding the standards of our journal?
"Open & Integrity" is the foundation of trust and credibility in scientific publishing. Openness in our processes—such as transparent peer review, open access to data, and clear communication of methodologies—ensures that our work is reproducible and verifiable. This transparency not only strengthens the reliability of our published research but also fosters trust among our readers, authors, and the broader scientific community.
Integrity, on the other hand, is non-negotiable. It encompasses ethical research practices, rigorous peer review, and a commitment to publishing only high-quality, original work. By upholding these standards, we ensure that Materials Lab remains a trusted source of knowledge. Together, "Open & Integrity" ensures that our journal maintains the highest ethical and scientific standards, which are essential for advancing the field of materials science.
3. What is your vision for promoting "Open & Interdisciplinary" collaboration through our journal?
Materials science is inherently interdisciplinary, intersecting with fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and environmental science. My vision for Materials Lab is to serve as a hub for "Open & Interdisciplinary" collaboration, where researchers from diverse disciplines can come together to tackle complex challenges.
To achieve this, we will actively encourage submissions that bridge traditional boundaries and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue. We will also organize special issues, workshops, and forums that bring together experts from different fields to explore emerging topics. By promoting open access to our content, we ensure that these interdisciplinary insights are available to a wide audience, sparking new ideas and collaborations. Ultimately, our goal is to drive innovation by breaking down silos and fostering a culture of shared knowledge and cooperation.
4. How do you envision "Open & Inclusion" contributing to the inclusivity and diversity of our journal's content and community?
"Open & Inclusion" is central to our mission of creating a diverse and equitable scientific community. By embracing openness, we ensure that researchers from all backgrounds—regardless of geographic location, institutional affiliation, or financial resources—can access and contribute to our journal. This inclusivity enriches the diversity of perspectives and ideas in our content, leading to more innovative and impactful research.
To further promote inclusion, we will actively seek out and support underrepresented voices in materials science, including early-career researchers, women, and scientists from developing regions. We will also implement policies to reduce bias in the peer review process and ensure that our editorial board reflects the diversity of our global community. By fostering an inclusive environment, Materials Lab will not only advance scientific knowledge but also contribute to a more equitable and just scientific ecosystem.
