Self-introduction: 

I am Ivor Ilić, a PhD researcher working in the field of tribology and biomedical engineering, with a particular focus on hip joint replacements. My research explores a novel approach to improving implant longevity by shifting from traditional wear reduction strategies to wear particle control. As part of my PhD, I am developing a new acetabular cup design that incorporates a passive wear particle filtering system, combining computational modelling and engineering design to address long-standing challenges in total hip replacement. 

1. What are your current research areas? What motivated you to pursue this area of study?
My current research focuses on the design and optimisation of artificial hip joint implants with an integrated wear particle control system. Unlike conventional approaches that aim to minimise wear, my work investigates how wear particles, particularly polyethylene debris, can be controlled, redirected, and captured within the implant itself. The core idea is to use the natural motion of synovial fluid during joint articulation to passively transport wear particles into specially designed channels within the acetabular cup, where they can be stored and prevented from causing damage.
To study this, I use a combination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and elastohydrodynamic lubrication modelling to simulate both the mechanical behaviour of the implant and the fluid-driven transport of particles under realistic physiological conditions.
My motivation in this field continues to grow, particularly through discussions with industry leaders, their technical experts, and surgeons, which help me better understand the problem from both engineering and clinical perspectives. Attending the conference through this award will provide a valuable opportunity to expand my professional network and gain insights that will contribute to further development and refinement of the design. 

2. How did you first become aware of this award, and what inspired you to submit your application?
I became aware of the Lubricants Travel Award through my supervisor, Dr. Leiming Gao. Given that my research directly relates to lubrication and tribology, it felt highly aligned with the scope of the journal. I was motivated to apply because attending international conferences is a key part of developing as a researcher, both in terms of presenting work and engaging with experts in the field. 

3. How does it feel to receive the Travel Award? What does this recognition mean to you or your team?
Receiving the Travel Award is a great honour and a strong validation of the research direction I am pursuing. Since my work proposes a relatively unconventional approach, focusing on wear particle control rather than wear reduction, this recognition reinforces the relevance and potential impact of the idea. It also reflects the support and guidance of my supervisors and collaborators. The project involves a combination of several elements, so this award is not just an individual achievement but a recognition of the broader research effort. 

4. In your view, how can academic journals and publishers further support early-career researchers and the broader academic community?
Academic journals can play a key role by providing more support in terms of visibility, accessibility, and guidance. For early career researchers, every experience and opportunity, such as travel awards, Special Issues, training, and early career researcher highlights, is extremely valuable.
Reducing financial barriers, particularly publication fees, would also make research more accessible and inclusive for early career researchers. I think that journals could further support interdisciplinary research. Work like mine, which combines tribology, biomechanics, and computational modelling, benefits greatly from platforms that encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

5. What qualities do you believe are most essential for a young researcher today?
Firstly, curiosity and responsibility come to mind. Curiosity drives a researcher to explore beyond existing knowledge, question assumptions, and seek a deeper understanding of complex systems. At the same time, responsibility is essential since research does not exist in isolation but contributes to society. It is important to consider how scientific work can ultimately improve the quality of life in meaningful and ethical ways.
Second, continuous learning is crucial. Science and technology evolve rapidly, so a researcher must be willing to continuously update their knowledge and methods and remain open to new ideas and interdisciplinary approaches.
Third, critical thinking is fundamental. A good researcher should not only absorb information but also evaluate it carefully, identify gaps, and rigorously test assumptions.
Finally, balance is essential. This is often the most overlooked aspect, as researchers can become deeply absorbed in their work and gradually lose perspective. However, maintaining awareness of life beyond research is crucial for long-term motivation, creativity, and overall well-being, which in turn supports becoming a more effective and sustainable researcher. 

6. Looking ahead, what are your main goals or projects for the coming years?
In the coming years, my main goal is to further develop and validate the wear particle control system. This includes optimising the microstructure of the channel surfaces to enhance particle trapping efficiency, as well as extending the CFD and FEA models to more realistic conditions, such as full 3D joint motion.
I also plan to move towards experimental validation, including fabrication of the design and wear testing using hip joint simulators to assess its performance under realistic conditions.
Ultimately, the aim is to demonstrate that this concept can be translated into a practical and clinically viable solution that improves implant longevity.
In the longer term, I am interested in integrating advanced methods such as machine learning to accelerate modelling and prediction of wear behaviour, contributing to the development of next-generation orthopaedic implants.