Editor Interview: Fang Yang

Dr. Fang Yang is a biomaterials scientist who focuses on developing innovative methods for human tissue regeneration and drug delivery. She obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Beihang University and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the National University of Singapore. Afterwards, Dr. Yang joined the Dental School at the Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands and currently serves as an assistant professor. Her current research focuses on nanocarriers for bone and periodontal tissue regeneration and the treatment of related diseases. She is skilled in biopolymers, biocomposites, and electrospinning techniques, supplemented by comprehensive biomaterial characterization. She has published nearly 120 journal articles in the field of biomaterials, with an H-index of 40. In addition, she currently serves as the secretary of the Netherlands society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering.

Here's the interview we did with her:

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

My current research field mainly focuses on the development of new biomaterial therapeutic methods for the regeneration of hard tissues such as bones and teeth, especially in disease states. Our work is dedicated to exploring the influence of the inherent or additional properties of materials on cell behavior, so as to develop biomaterials that can effectively promote the repair of damaged hard tissues, especially under adverse conditions such as infection, inflammation, or cancer.

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

In scientific research, I have encountered many common challenges and difficulties, such as poor repeatability or certainty of experimental results, limitations of research funding, and the maintenance of innovation. Everyone may face similar challenges. I personally believe that the biggest problem is how to transform scientific research results. Therefore, in my current projects, I will cooperate with the industry and involve them as early as possible. Such cooperation not only helps to understand the needs of the market and applications but also promotes the practical transformation of scientific research results, making our research more practical and influential.

3. As an associate editor, what type of articles or which direction of research are you interested in?

As an associate editor, I would be more willing to see submissions of articles reporting negative results. In the laboratory, unexpected or negative results often occur, but these results are rarely seen in published articles. Negative results are extremely valuable learning resources for the scientific community. They can help us understand the limitations of certain methods or hypotheses, thereby promoting the progress of science. I hope to see more and more researchers willing or daring to submit such articles, because they are just as important as positive results.

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

I have great expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials. I believe that this journal will continue to be a pioneer in the field of biomaterials, showcasing more innovative and cutting-edge research. In the future, I expect to see more articles in the journal about advanced material design, new therapeutic methods, and their practical effects in clinical applications.

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

Outside of scientific work, my biggest hobbies are reading and walking. For me, reading is not only a way to relax but also an important way to broaden my knowledge horizons and deepen my thinking. Walking allows me to relax, enjoy the peace and beautiful natural scenery.

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

In terms of balancing scientific research work and personal life, I believe the key lies in effective time management, which is a valuable experience I learned from my Dutch colleagues. I will use a schedule to plan tasks reasonably and then strive to be efficient during working hours. In addition, I have overcome anxiety, stopped setting email reminders, and tried my best not to let work disturb my rest time. I will arrange regular vacations for traveling, reading, or simply doing nothing.

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

I think the most important quality for a scientific researcher is critical thinking. This thinking ability enables researchers to deeply analyze and question data and theories, and constantly pursue the depth and breadth of knowledge. Critical thinking is not only about the careful evaluation of existing information but also involves creative thinking about new ideas and hypotheses. It helps researchers maintain an open mind, dare to challenge traditional views, and make wise decisions in complex and uncertain situations.

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

For young scholars who are determined to devote themselves to scientific research, my advice is: only when you truly love scientific research should you choose this path. The road of scientific research is full of challenges and requires continuous effort and dedication. If you are passionate about scientific research, this passion will be your greatest motivation when facing difficulties and challenges. But if you do not have that deep interest and love, this path may seem extremely difficult and easily make people feel frustrated and defeated. Therefore, my advice is to deeply understand your own interests and ensure that choosing the path of scientific research is for true love for science, not just because it seems to be the most convenient way out in the current environment.