Early Career Editorial Board Member Interview: Junjie Li

Junjie Li is an Associate Professor of Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University. He received his PhD from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2017. From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a JSPS postdoctoral fellow (host researcher: Kazunori Kataoka) and later as a research scientist at the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM). In August 2022, he joined Kyushu University as an Associate Professor.

Dr. Li has published approximately 40 peer-reviewed articles including 21 papers with the first/co-first/corresponding authorship in the prime journals such as Nat. Rev. Bioeng., Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Inter. Ed., Adv. Mater., Nano Lett., Adv. Funct. Mater., ACS Nano, and J. Control. Release, which have been cited over 3000 times (H-index: 33). His research focuses on developing stimuli-responsive polymeric biomaterials, understanding interactions at biointerfaces, and applying these materials in drug delivery, biocompatible coatings, and tissue engineering. He has received several grants in Japan, including Kiban B and AMED (Interstellar Initiative). In 2023, he received a Young Scientist Award from the Japanese Society for Biomaterials (Japanese and Korean Biomaterials Societies Young Scientist Exchange Program Award).

Here is the interview we did with him:

1. Could you briefly introduce the specific focus of your current research within the broad area of bioactive materials?

My research primarily focuses on developing stimuli-responsive polymeric biomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery, biocompatible coatings, and tissue engineering. I’m especially interested in designing nanocarriers, such as polymersomes and nanoreactors, that can respond to specific biological cues to achieve targeted and controlled release of therapeutics. A key aspect of my work is understanding the interactions at biointerfaces to improve the performance and safety of these materials in vivo.

2. In the context of researching bioactive materials, what unique obstacles or difficulties have you faced?

One of the biggest challenges is achieving precise control over the material’s behavior in complex biological environments. For instance, ensuring that nanocarriers can selectively target diseased tissues while avoiding off-target effects requires a delicate balance of material design and functionalization. Another hurdle is translating laboratory findings into clinically viable solutions, which often involves overcoming issues related to scalability, biocompatibility, and regulatory requirements.

3. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in research, considering the rapidly evolving nature of the field?

I make it a habit to regularly read high-impact journals. I also attend conferences and symposia to exchange ideas with peers and learn about cutting-edge developments. Additionally, I engage in discussions with world-renowned scientists and collaborators to stay ahead of emerging trends.

4. What were the key factors that attracted you to become an early career editorial board member of Bioactive Materials?

I was drawn to Bioactive Materials because of its interdisciplinary focus and commitment to publishing high-quality research that bridges materials science and biomedical applications. As an early career researcher, I saw this as an excellent opportunity to contribute to the journal’s growth while gaining valuable insights into the editorial process. It’s also a platform to connect with other young scientists and foster collaborations in the field.

5. From your perspective, what are the most promising directions for the future development of bioactive materials?

I believe the integration of smart, stimuli-responsive materials with advanced fabrication techniques like 3D printing and AI-driven design will revolutionize the field. Additionally, the development of bioactive materials that can modulate the immune system or interact with the microbiome holds great promise for treating complex diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

6. As an early career editorial board member, what initiatives do you plan to take to engage more early-career researchers with the journal and the field of bioactive materials?

Organizing webinars or workshops specifically for early-career researchers, focusing on topics like manuscript preparation, peer review, and career development, may be a good way. Additionally, I’d advocate for special issues that highlight the work of early-career researchers, giving them more visibility in the community.

7. Beyond your scientific endeavors in bioactive materials, what is your favorite pastime?

When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy exploring nature. Now living in Fukuoka, Japan, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful mountains and coastlines.

8. Given the demanding nature of scientific research, how do you manage to strike a balance between your research work and your personal life?

Balancing research and personal life is definitely a challenge, but I’ve found that setting clear boundaries and prioritizing tasks helps. I try to maintain a regular schedule, dedicating specific times for work and relaxation. Spending time with family and friends helps me recharge and stay motivated.