EBM Interview: Pooyan Makvandi

Dr. Pooyan Makvandi is a distinguished scholar who holds two Ph.D. degrees in the fields of Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Science and Engineering. Previously, Dr. Makvandi held the position of Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Currently, he serves as Principal Investigator and Professor at the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, where he continues to push the boundaries of his field. Throughout his career, Dr. Makvandi has been awarded several prestigious international grants and projects such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie.

His background and research intrest revolves around the realms of nanotechnology and biomaterials for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering. His work has been published in leading scientific journals including Bioactive Materials, Advanced Materials, Materials Today, and ACS Nano. He has also authored textbooks published by respected institutions such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), further cementing his status as a leader in his field. In addition to his research, Dr. Makvandi has made substantial contributions to the scientific community as an editor for several prominent international scientific journals.

Here is the interview we did with him:

 1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

I'm currently working at the Endoscopic Engineering and Research Center at Quzhou People's Hospital, affiliated with Wenzhou Medical University.  My research mainly focuses on nanobiomaterials and their biomedical applications. To break it down, I'm involved in developing smart and responsive nanomaterials for various purposes, such as drug delivery, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering. My work is pretty multidisciplinary and covers several key areas:

• Smart and responsive nanomaterials for cancer therapy and Tissue engineering
• 3D printing technologies for biomedical applications
• Microneedle systems for drug delivery
• Antimicrobial compounds and nanostructures

The ultimate goal of my research is to push the field of nanobiomaterials forward and come up with smart solutions that can make a real difference in healthcare. I'm working on developing new devices and technologies to tackle current challenges in medicine and biotechnology, drawing on my background in Polymer Chemistry and Nanomaterials Science and Engineering.

2. What do you think is the most important quality for researchers? How they can overcome difficulties in research?

In my opinion, the most crucial quality for a researcher is having a genuine passion and motivation for their work. When you're truly excited about what you’re doing, it makes all the difference. Research isn’t always smooth sailing—there are plenty of unexpected challenges, setbacks, and times when progress feels painfully slow. It’s during those moments that a researcher’s passion becomes absolutely vital. That enthusiasm is what keeps you going, even when things get tough. Moreover, when researchers are motivated by genuine interest, they tend to stay current with the latest developments in their field, seek out collaborations, and continually look for ways to innovate. They're not just going through the motions; they're actively engaged and always looking for ways to push their research forward.

But beyond passion and motivation, I believe the ethical and moral integrity of a researcher is the most important factor. First and foremost, we need to be good human beings before we can be good researchers.

Of course, other qualities like critical thinking, attention to detail, and good communication skills are important to overcome difficulties.

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

I was attracted to join the editorial board of Bioactive Materials (BAM) for several persuasive reasons. For example,  BAM is an active and prestigious journal that publishes high-quality papers in the fields of bioactive materials and nanomedicine. This aligns perfectly with my research interests and expertise.

As an editor, I have the chance to uphold high scientific standards and ensure that the research being published is both rigorous and innovative. This role also keeps me at the cutting edge of new developments in bioactive materials and nanomedicine, which in turn, informs and enhances my own research.

The combination of BAM's reputation for excellence and its focus on cutting-edge research in bioactive materials made joining its editorial board an exciting and natural choice for me

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

I’m really optimistic about the future of bioactive materials and expect to see more commercialized products in the near future. Research is moving at lightning speed, especially at the lab scale, but we do need to pick up the pace when it comes to clinical translation. There are definitely challenges—getting a product to market requires extensive trials and a lot of time. But I believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a game-changer in this area. AI can help make predictions with high accuracy, potentially reducing the cost and time of many trials, which could lead to more products becoming available.

Another exciting development is the advancement of mRNA vaccines, like those developed for COVID-19. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cells, telling them how to produce specific proteins. These vaccines have opened the door to potential treatments for other diseases like cancer and HIV.

On a more personal note, my drive to see progress in biomedicine comes from my own experiences. About a decade ago, I attended the funeral of a friend’s mother who had passed away from cancer. My friend asked why medicine seemed to lag behind other fields, and that question stuck with me. The impact of this hit even harder when I lost my own father to lung cancer this year. These experiences have made me think deeply about the pace of progress in our field.

If we compare biomedicine to other scientific disciplines, like physics, we see that physics has made leaps and bounds in some areas—just think about landing on the moon or sending satellites into space decades ago. A big reason for this disparity is government investment—far more resources were poured into these areas than into medicine, largely driven by the arms race. It’s only in recent years that private pharmaceutical companies have become major players in advancing medical research. Imagine if governments had invested as much in biomedicine as they did in the arms race—we might be much further ahead.

But despite these challenges, I’m optimistic. As I mentioned earlier, AI will help accelerate the process from bench to bedside by reducing both costs and time. This technology, combined with our growing understanding of bioactive materials, could lead to breakthroughs that prevent others from experiencing the losses that my friend and I have faced.

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

As much as I love my research, it’s really important for me to have hobbies that help me unwind and recharge. I’m actually quite the gamer! I really enjoy first-person shooter games like Call of Duty and Medal of Honor, and I also love strategy games like Stronghold—they're a great way to challenge my mind in a different way than my scientific work does.

But I don’t just stay indoors all the time. I try to stay active too. I’ll sometimes join a game of football (soccer), and even when I’m not playing, I’m a big fan of the sport and love watching matches whenever I can. It’s a fantastic way to relax and get caught up in the excitement.

Family time is also really important to me. I love watching series and movies with my family—it’s a wonderful way to bond after a long day. We also really enjoy getting out into nature. Hiking in mountainous areas is a particular favorite of mine. There’s something incredibly refreshing about being out in the open air, surrounded by natural beauty. Even a simple walk in a park or nature reserve can do wonders for clearing the mind. Luckily, Quzhou, where I live, has plenty of well-designed parks to explore.

These hobbies provide a perfect balance to the intense focus required in my scientific career. They help me relax, stay active, spend quality time with loved ones, and maintain a fresh perspective—something that’s crucial for creativity and productivity in my work.

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

Balancing scientific research and personal life is definitely a challenge, but I’ve developed a strategy that works well for me. The key is making the most of every moment—I really don’t like wasting time, not even a minute.

I’ve gotten pretty good at managing my time efficiently, which allows me to handle multiple responsibilities effectively. It’s not always easy, but one thing that helps tremendously is avoiding social media distractions. I do use platforms like YouTube, but in a purposeful way. For instance, I enjoy learning about history through YouTube videos, but I reserve this for what I call my “dead times,” like when I’m commuting on the train or walking in nature.

After work, I make a conscious effort to divide my time between various activities. Physical exercise is a priority for me—it’s not just about staying healthy, but also a great way to clear my mind after a day of intense research. After that, I usually relax by watching movies or TV series with my family. And yes, sometimes I indulge in some video gaming too.

Maintaining this balance takes motivation and discipline. It’s easy to fall into the trap of laziness or procrastination, but I try to stay focused on my goals, both professional and personal.

The key is being intentional about how you spend your time. By having a plan and sticking to it, I’m able to make progress in my research while still enjoying a fulfilling personal life. It’s a constant juggling act, but when you’re passionate about your work and committed to your personal well-being, you find ways to make it all fit together.

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

I am also young 😊 but my advice for younger scholars comes from my own experiences and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from mentors throughout my career. One of the most influential figures in my academic journey was Professor Franklin Tay, who taught me the art of scientific writing. He showed me how to analyze data effectively and write in a way that truly engages readers. But more than that, he taught me the importance of passing on knowledge to students and colleagues—a principle I’ve tried to uphold throughout my career.

For young researchers starting out, I’d say there’s a lot to learn, but don’t be intimidated by that. You need to develop a diverse skill set—from mastering various instruments, software tools,  creating effective illustrations, and, of course, improving your writing skills. The best way to acquire these skills is through collaboration. Work with different colleagues on various projects. Each collaboration is an opportunity to learn something new and refine your abilities.

Technical skills aside, I can’t stress enough the importance of motivation. Choose a project that you genuinely love. When you’re passionate about your research, it becomes much easier to overcome the inevitable challenges and setbacks.

Remember, scientific research isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s also about effective communication and collaboration. Learn to articulate your ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. Engage with your peers, attend conferences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from more experienced researchers.