EBM Interview: Hongbo Zhang

Hongbo Zhang graduated from the School of Life Sciences of Fudan University in 2004 with an undergraduate degree, and then went abroad for further study. He studied under Professor David A. Weitz of Harvard University; in 2016, he joined the Nobel Prize Laboratory of Turku Bioscience Center of Åbo Academic University, Finland; in 2023, he became a tenure full professor; in January 2024, he was hired as director for Biomaterial and Medical Device Research Center. He also got the Research Fellow title from Research Council of Finland.

Hongbo Zhang has achieved internationally influential results in the fields of diversified gene therapy, biomedical engineering, and medical material transformation. As of August 2024, Hongbo Zhang has published more than 100 papers (as corresponding author) in high-impact journals such as Nat. Commun., Sci. Adv., PNAS, Adv. Mater. The paper has been cited for more than 11,600 times, H-index 61. He has presided over more than 10 large-scale scientific research projects, with a total funding of 4 million Euro, and participated in 6 large-scale international projects, with a total funding of 50 million Euro. He is also in charge of many collaborative projects, with Bayer Pharma and other Fortune 500 companies. He has won multiple awards from organizations such as the Chinese Medical Association, the American Controlled Release Association, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Swiss MDPI. He also serves as the honorary chairman of the Finnish Chinese Science and Technology Association and the editor of many internationally renowned journals.

Here is the interview we did with him:

1.Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

I am currently focused on the intersection of nanotechnology, functional materials, and medication, particularly as they apply to drug delivery and tissue engineering. My work involves developing novel nanomaterials and drug delivery systems to improve the efficacy and safety of therapeutic treatments. And we also collaborate a lot with clinicians and aim to promote clinical translation of the materials we developed.

2.What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?

One of the major challenges in my research has been the complexity of translating laboratory-scale innovations into scalable and practical solutions for clinical use. The interdisciplinary nature of my work requires a deep understanding of various fields, from material science to pharmacology. To overcome these difficulties, I have fostered collaborations with experts across different disciplines, both within and outside my institution. This collaborative approach has been crucial in addressing technical challenges and accelerating the development of our research projects.

3.What attracted you to join the BAM Editorial Board team?

Joining the Bioactive Materials (BAM) Editorial Board appealed to me because of the journal’s focus on innovative and cutting-edge research in the field of biomaterials. I am particularly excited about contributing to the advancement of this field by helping to curate high-quality research that can inspire new ideas and applications in biomedicine. Being part of BAM also allows me to stay at the forefront of the latest developments and to work with other leading researchers in the field.

4.What are your expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials and its promotion of related fields?

I believe that Bioactive Materials will continue to grow as a leading platform for the dissemination of high-impact research in biomaterials. My expectation is that the journal will increasingly become a hub for interdisciplinary studies that bridge gaps between materials science, biology, and medicine. This will help accelerate the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

5.What is your greatest hobby outside of scientific work?

Outside of my research, I have a keen interest in photography. It allows me to express creativity and observe the world from different perspectives, which in turn can inspire my scientific work. Capturing the beauty of nature through the lens also provides a refreshing break from the rigor of research.

6.How do you balance scientific research work and personal life?

Balancing research and personal life can be challenging, but I make it a priority to manage my time effectively. I ensure that I dedicate time to my family and personal interests, which helps me stay motivated and focused in my work. Regular breaks and maintaining hobbies like photography help me unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7.What do you think is the most important quality for researchers?

Perseverance is the most critical quality for researchers. The path of scientific discovery is often filled with failures and unexpected challenges, and it requires a resilient mindset to persist through these obstacles. Along with perseverance, curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt are essential for making meaningful contributions to science.

8.What advice do you have for young scholars who are determined to engage in scientific research?

My advice to young scholars is to embrace interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. The most exciting and impactful research often happens at the intersection of different fields. Also, do not be afraid of failure—each setback is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your goals. Finally, always stay curious and passionate about your work; these qualities will sustain you through the inevitable challenges of a research career.