We are pleased to share an interview with Ms. Athul Satya, from the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, who received the Best Poster Award at the 4th International Online Conference on Materials (IOCM 2025).

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?
I am Athul Satya, a doctoral student at the Department of Physics at the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, working in the Liquid Crystal Research Group of Prof. Ayon Bhattacharjee. My research focuses on developing cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystals as label-free biosensors for protein detection. I have developed four biosensor prototypes so far for bovine serum albumin and human insulin detection. My expertise includes liquid crystal textural and topological defect analysis using polarizing optical microscopy, vibrational studies through Raman spectroscopy, and investigations of liquid crystal–protein interactions using molecular docking and dielectric spectroscopy.

2. What inspired your interest in materials research, and how has your focus developed over time?
My interest in materials research developed quite early during my bachelor’s studies, when I worked on synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using the sol–gel process. That experience introduced me to hands-on materials synthesis and sparked my curiosity about how material properties can be tailored at the nanoscale. During my master’s program, my interest in condensed matter and materials physics deepened, leading me to specialize in materials physics. I particularly enjoyed the experimental laboratory work, and in my final year, I had the opportunity to contribute to a book chapter on the synthesis of graphene using vegetable waste, which further strengthened my motivation to pursue research in this field. Later, after joining the Liquid Crystal Research Group at NIT Meghalaya, I was able to expand this interest into the field of soft matter physics. This transition allowed me to explore liquid crystals not only as functional materials but also as platforms for developing label-free biosensors, effectively combining my background in materials science with applications in biosensing.

3. What was your experience of attending the 4th International Online Conference on Materials? Do you have any further suggestions?
I really enjoyed attending the 4th International Online Conference on Materials. The overall experience was very engaging, and I found the talks to be well-organized, insightful, and intellectually stimulating. The diversity of topics and the quality of the presentations made the conference particularly valuable from a learning perspective. As a small suggestion, it would be wonderful if recorded versions of the talks could be made available on platforms such as YouTube after the conference. This would be extremely helpful for future reference and would allow participants to revisit particularly interesting sessions at their own pace.

4. When and how did you first become aware of the open access Materials journal? How do you think open access impacts scholars like yourself?
I was introduced to the open access Materials journal early in my academic journey, as it is a well-established and widely recognized publication within the materials science community. Working in the materials field, I have become familiar with the journal through regular literature surveys and ongoing research activities. Open access publishing has a strong positive impact on researchers like myself. It enables research findings to reach a broader and more diverse audience without access barriers, thereby increasing visibility and impact. Moreover, open access facilitates greater engagement with the global research community, encouraging feedback, discussion, and networking opportunities that are especially valuable for early-career scholars.

5. What was the most challenging aspect of designing and conducting this study?
The most challenging aspect of designing and conducting this study was identifying a meaningful research gap and selecting the most suitable liquid crystal system to address it. Demonstrating the selectivity and detection limits of the liquid crystal for protein sensing was particularly demanding, especially with the aim of making the platform relevant for potential healthcare applications. In addition, designing and fabricating a reliable liquid crystal–protein cell within budget constraints posed significant practical challenges. Further upgrading this setup into a compact and stable cell suitable for dielectric spectroscopy measurements required multiple iterations and careful optimization, making it one of the most technically challenging parts of the study.

6. What message would you share with fellow early career researchers navigating similar paths?
I would encourage fellow early career researchers to remember that there is no such thing as “small” or “big” research. Every result and finding has its own value and contributes to the larger scientific picture. Even incremental progress can lead to meaningful impact over time. I would also emphasize the importance of networking and being open to feedback. Interacting with the research community, sharing ideas, and learning from others often help refine our work and broaden perspectives. Research grows stronger through collaboration, discussion, and continuous learning, and staying open-minded and persistent is key while navigating this journey.

7. How do you see this award supporting your future work or goals?
I see this award as a strong source of motivation and encouragement for my future work. It provides greater exposure to the international research community and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and learning. Receiving this recognition has also boosted my confidence and reaffirmed the value of my research efforts. More importantly, it has reinforced my belief that research has no boundaries and that meaningful contributions can reach a global audience. This recognition has encouraged me to aim higher and has opened a new window toward pursuing my postdoctoral goals with greater clarity and confidence.