Editor Interview: Xiaoxue Xu

Dr Xiaoxue Xu is Senior Lecturer and Doctoral Supervisor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. Awarded the Chancellor Postdoctoral Research Fellowship by Macquarie University in Sydney (2015), the University of Technology Sydney (2017), and the University of Queensland (2021) for three consecutive times. The main research fields are photoluminescent nanomaterials and bioadaptive metallic bulk materials, dedicated to the development and application of biomedical imaging diagnosis, tissue engineering, and biomedical devices. Published more than 90 SCI papers (H-index = 32, Google Scholar 2023). Obtained and participated in multiple Australian Natural Science Research Funds.

Here's the interview we did with her:

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

My current research field focuses on the research, development, and application of biomedical materials, specifically including biomedical photoluminescent nanomaterials, the application of upconversion nanoparticles in super-resolution optical microscopy for single-particle imaging of biomolecules and tissues; another newly developed area is the development of bioadaptive biomedical materials, including the application of degradable biomedical alloys in biological tissue engineering.

2. What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?
Since I moved to University of Technology Sydney at the beginning of last year, my scientific research work has slowed down due to laboratory construction and graduate student recruitment. To overcome these difficulties, I mainly adopted the approach of carrying out more collaborations, including cooperation with colleagues within the school, cooperation with other universities in Australia, and international cooperation. While ensuring the continuity of the research work, I also initiated new collaborative research directions.

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

I am mainly interested in the development of new biomedical materials or the application of existing biomedical materials in new biomedical fields. In addition, I am also very interested in scientific research results that are close to clinical trials and the translation of clinical applications.

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

In today's rapid development of scientific research technology, I am full of confidence and hope for the development of the Bioactive Materials journal. Bioactive Materials not only publishes emerging scientific research results from different disciplines and fields, but also focuses on systematic and in-depth mechanism research, and encourages the integration of interdisciplinary fields and the clinical translation of scientific research results, which will greatly promote the development of materials, bioscience, biomedical engineering, and medical applications, among other related fields.

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

My hobby is hiking in the wild on weekends. Hiking is an activity that combines changing perspectives, relaxing the mind, exercising the body, socializing with friends, and appreciating the natural scenery.

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

As a scientific researcher, achieving a perfect balance between scientific research work and personal life is a difficult thing for me to attain. I am currently striving to work efficiently within a limited time.

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

I believe that the most important qualities for a scientific researcher are a solid theoretical foundation and a rigorous scientific research attitude.

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

I hope that young scholars will maintain their curiosity about scientific research, their enthusiasm for exploring scientific theories, and their confidence in the ability of scientific research to change the world.