We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Jun-Long Zhang has been appointed as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Bioinorganic Chemistry” in Inorganics (ISSN: 2304-6740). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this prestigious role.

Prof. Dr. Jun-Long Zhang received his B.Sc. from Sichuan University, China (1997), his M.Sc. from the Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (2000), and his Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong, China. After completing his postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he began his independent academic career at Peking University and is now a Full Professor.

His research focuses on bioinorganic chemistry, an interdisciplinary field integrating biology, coordination chemistry, and materials science. He aims to design functional molecular metal complexes that serve as innovative bioprobes for therapeutic development and multimodal imaging applications, bridging the gap between molecular science and biomedical innovation.

His work also explores spin chemistry in oxygen metabolism, where he has introduced the “spin triangle” framework to better categorize oxygen metabolites. This new paradigm provides a fresh perspective on the role of metal ions in biological systems, particularly regarding redox signaling and the regulation of oxidative stress. Recently, drawing inspiration from the radical pair mechanism that underlies avian magnetoreception—a biological navigation system—his current research focuses on spin modulation using external magnetic fields. This approach provides a non-invasive strategy to control redox processes and spin states in biological contexts, representing a significant breakthrough with implications for both fundamental chemistry and translational medicine.

Prof. Dr. Jun-Long Zhang has received several honors, including being named an Emerging Investigator in Bioinorganic Chemistry (American Chemical Society), the Distinguished Lectureship Award (Chemical Society of Japan), the Wiley-ACES Excellent Young Professor Award, and the Chemistry Europe Early Career Award. He has also been granted the inaugural AsBIC James Hoeschele Award (2020).

The following is a Q&A with Prof. Dr. Jun-Long Zhang, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research field and on open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?

I have been consistently impressed by Inorganics’ commitment to advancing bioinorganic chemistry, particularly its emphasis on open access and innovation. My own research and editorial experience align closely with the journal’s goal of publishing detailed experimental and theoretical results without restricting the maximum length of papers. I aim to uphold and enhance the publishing standards at Inorganics, establishing a hallmark of quality for early career researchers.

2. What is your vision for the journal?

I plan to enhance the journal’s reputation by actively inviting contributions from early career researchers and interdisciplinary teams. Initiatives such as themed issues focused on bioinorganic chemistry, aimed at first-time authors, will help the journal showcase the diverse perspectives that are crucial for fostering progress.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?

Bioinorganic chemistry is poised to become a key component of 21st century science, merging fundamental discoveries with solutions to pressing global challenges. Its future depends on the adoption of convergence science, where metals, biology, and technology, including AI, come together to redefine medicine, sustainability, and human creativity.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?

The development of open access (OA) in academic publishing represents a transformative shift. OA allows global access to research, particularly benefiting researchers, policymakers, and the public in low-resource institutions or developing countries. However, its success depends on addressing financial inequalities, ensuring the quality of published work, and reimagining publishing as a public good rather than a profit-driven industry.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Jun-Long Zhang as our Section Editor-in-Chief and look forward to his leadership and insights in shaping the future of this Section.