We are pleased to share an interview with Mr. Rui Jiang, from Fudan University, who received the Best Poster Award at the 5th International Online Conference on Nanomaterials (IOCN 2025).

1. What inspired your interest in nanomaterials research, and how has your focus developed over time?
Given that nanomaterials exhibit numerous unique properties compared to macroscopic bulk materials, these characteristics theoretically hold immense potential for application in human society to drive social progress and enhance convenience in daily life. Consequently, I have developed a strong interest in nanomaterials. Currently, my primary research focuses on nano-optoelectronic semiconductor materials, particularly quantum dot materials. These materials possess excellent size tunability, high colour purity, and high luminescence efficiency, offering broad application prospects in fields such as display technology, bioimaging, and optoelectronic detection. It can be said that they hold tremendous potential.

2. How does your current research contribute to advancing innovation or solving key challenges in nanomaterials?
My current research primarily focuses on the controlled synthesis and application exploration of III-V group InP semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), particularly the synthesis of large-sized InP QDs with near-infrared (NIR)-I emission. This is driven by two main objectives: first, to pursue environmentally sustainable alternatives by replacing traditional high-efficiency but toxic Cd- or Pb-based QDs; and second, compared with InAs or InSb, InP offers more controllable synthesis routes. Considering the emission range of large-sized InP QDs, the deep-red emission can significantly broaden the color gamut for next-generation displays and AR/VR applications, while their NIR emission holds great promise for non-invasive sensing, bioimaging, and lossless optical detection.

3. When and how did you first become aware of the open access Nanomaterials journal? How do you think open access impacts scholars like yourself?
I first learned about the Nanomaterials a few years ago while looking up papers on quantum dots for an educational project. I noticed it because the articles were free to read right away—no paywall or login. Open access helps researchers like me stay up to date without hitting barriers. It also means our own work can be seen and used by more people, not just academics, but engineers, students, or even companies. In a fast-moving field like nanomaterials, being able to share and access findings quickly really matters.

4. What message would you share with fellow early career researchers navigating similar paths?
To fellow early-career folks, especially students like me: it’s okay to feel a bit lost sometimes. I’ve had weeks where nothing worked in the lab, or I couldn’t understand a paper no matter how many times I read it. What helped was talking to others who were going through the same thing and realizing we’re all figuring it out as we go. Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions or try something new, even if it might fail. And remember, your worth isn’t just about papers or grades, it’s about your persistence and curiosity. Those matter way more in the long run.

5. How do you see this award supporting your future work or goals?
Honestly, this award means a lot, not just as recognition, but as real support for what I want to do next. As a student, funding and visibility can be big hurdles. The award gives me more confidence to keep pushing this direction, and it’ll help me present the work at conferences or collaborate with other labs that might not have noticed it otherwise. It also takes some pressure off, knowing that others see potential in the project makes it easier to stay focused and motivated. Down the line, I hope this work can actually be used in real devices, and this award feels like a step toward making that happen.