Dr. Li-Dong Zhao is a full professor of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Beihang University, China. He received and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, China in 2009. He was a postdoctoral research associate at the Université Paris-Sud and Northwestern University from 2009 to 2014. His research interests include electrical and thermal transport behaviors in the compounds with layered structures. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications in international journals with an h-index of 75. Professor Zhao has been identified as Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate (2019-2024).
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 heart of what we do. We believe that great research should be accessible to everyone, not locked behind paywalls. By making high-quality studies available to a broader audience, we’re not just supporting the scientific community—we’re also ensuring that discoveries in materials science can drive real-world change, whether in technology, healthcare, or sustainability. Our goal is to publish research that doesn’t just sit in journals but actually makes an impact.
2. How do you perceive the role of "Open & Integrity" in upholding the standards of our journal?
"Open & Integrity" is all about trust. Science only moves forward when people can rely on the research they read. That’s why we uphold the highest ethical standards—ensuring transparency in peer review, encouraging data sharing, and standing firm against any form of misconduct. By fostering a culture of honesty and openness, we make sure that the work published in our journal is credible, reproducible, and truly valuable to the field.
3. What is your vision for promoting "Open & Interdisciplinary" collaboration through our journal?
"Open & Interdisciplinary" is key because the biggest breakthroughs in materials science often happen at the intersection of different fields. We actively encourage collaborations between chemists, physicists, engineers, and even data scientists to tackle complex challenges together. Our journal serves as a platform where ideas from different disciplines come together, sparking innovation that might not happen within a single field alone.
4. How do you envision "Open & Inclusion" contributing to the inclusivity and diversity of our journal's content and community?
"Open & Inclusion" is about making sure everyone has a voice in scientific research. We want to hear from researchers across all backgrounds, institutions, and regions—not just from traditionally dominant academic centers. By building a diverse editorial board, supporting emerging researchers, and championing inclusivity, we’re creating a journal where a wide range of perspectives come together to push science forward.
