EBM Interview: Jie Zhou

Jie Zhou is an associate professor with Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. He received his PhD in materials science and engineering from the same University in 1991 and thereafter he continued to develop his expertise in processing of metals and metal-ceramic composites for engineering applications. With the shift of his research towards materials for biomedical applications, in 2011, he joined the Department of Biomechanical Engineering.

His current research interests lie in biodegradable metals and composites for hard tissue repair and regeneration, as well as powder-bed and extrusion-based additive manufacturing.

Here is the interview we did with him

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

For many years, I have been in the field of biodegradable metals and biodegradable composites manufactured by means of multi-material additive manufacturing. My very recent efforts have been directed at utilizing materials of natural origin as bioactive agents, such as eggshells or crop residues, to combine biomaterials development with sustainability. I do believe that with many fellow researchers joining forces to develop such sustainable hybrid materials for medical devices and tissue engineering, together, we will, in a small way, contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of the global healthcare sector in the future.

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

Coming up with original research ideas is always hard. Talking with my colleagues, including my PhD students, is often enlightening and during discussion ideas start to grow, sometimes surprisingly.

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

I joined the BAM Editorial Board team when the journal was a newborn and at that time I was really impressed by the immense enthusiasm and ambition of the Editors in Chief. It has been really exciting for me to witness its phenomenal growth into a top journal in the field over such a short timespan.  

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

Sustainable biomaterials and manufacturing technologies will be one of the research directions. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will play an increasingly important role in biomaterials development and will speed up clinical translation. On the other hand, biomaterials and AI integration will present new challenges and even serious concerns. By publishing high-quality articles on this topic, BAM will be part of the game-changing development.  

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

For me, cycling is a daily necessity, rather than a hobby. I have been a badminton player for many years, but now I have to decrease weekly intensity because of injuries. At the time of COVID lockdown, I started gardening. Ever since then, it has become a hobby. (It is actually endless but rewarding work.)

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

Here in the Netherlands, work-life balance is considered essential for well-being and also for productivity. It was for this balance that I chose to stay focused on education and research and not to step up to management. To improve this balance, in recent years, I have refrained from checking emails during weekends and holidays. In addition, I live a low-key life. I am not active at all on social media, simply because I do not seek attention or want to spend a lot of time there.     

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

Kindness is the most important quality, certainly also for researchers. Actually, being kind can be hugely rewarding, in the long run for sure. For me, along with aging, giving has become more satisfying than getting and the process more important than the result.    

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

Do not aim for publication. Following your curiosity and let your passion grow.