Prof. Dr. Yen Wei, Chair Professor of Chemistry at Tsinghua University, China, and a nationally renowned expert, hails from Linchuan, Jiangxi Province, China. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Peking University (1977–1981), followed by a Ph.D. from the City University of New York (1986). He then pursued postdoctoral studies at MIT (1986–1987) and became an Assistant Professor at Drexel University (1987). Throughout his career, he progressed to become a DuPont Associate Professor (1991), Full Professor (1995), and Wagner Endowed Chair Professor (2004). Prof. Dr. Yen Wei has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (1998), the Outstanding Overseas Scholar of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2003), and the Changjiang Scholar Chair Professor of the Ministry of Education (2005). In 2009, he joined Tsinghua University as a full-time faculty member as part of the country's top-tier talent recruitment program. His research focuses on nanopolymers and their applications in biomedicine, energy, water treatment, hydrogels, smart devices, and 3D printing technologies. Prof. Dr. Wei has published an impressive 1,339 papers, which have been cited over 69,100 times in SCI journals, with an H-index of 130. From 2014 to 2023, he was consistently ranked among the world's most highly cited scientists. Currently, he serves as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology” in the Polymers journal.

The following is a Q&A with Prof. Dr. Yen Wei, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research area: 

1. What kind of experience is it for you to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology”? What are your expectations and goals for this role?

With our joint efforts, I hope that the Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology” can drive scientific progress and technological innovation in this field. We aim to facilitate academic exchange among scholars, attract high-quality research papers from around the world, and support diversity by including young scientists and researchers from different regions, providing a platform for authors from diverse backgrounds to make their voices heard. By publishing research outcomes with far-reaching impacts, we strive to elevate the academic status and influence of the journal. We will strictly adhere to scientific and technical standards in reviewing articles, ensuring the quality and innovation of research through the peer-review process. Ultimately, we aspire to bring this column to a new level, comparable to world-renowned journals. 

2. What is your stance on the open access publishing model?

The Open Access (OA) publishing model is a highly significant reform that enables scientific research knowledge and achievements to be publicly disseminated via the internet, allowing peers and the general public to freely read, download, copy, disseminate, and use these outcomes. The core advantage of this model lies in its ability to facilitate the dissemination and utilization of knowledge while respecting the rights of authors. The OA model provides a broader platform for the dissemination of scientific research achievements, yet it also means that the challenge of balancing the financial burden placed on authors with ensuring publication quality must be addressed. 

3. What are your aspirations for the future growth of Polymers and driving advancements in related disciplines?

Regarding the future development of the Polymers journal, I have the following aspirations:

• Continuously enhance academic quality by maintaining a rigorous peer-review system to ensure that the published research outcomes are of high quality and innovative. Simultaneously, expand international collaboration by partnering with more international academic organizations and research institutions to deepen global exchange and cooperation in polymer science;
• Support young scientists by establishing awards and providing funding, among other measures, to open up a green channel for the publication of their original research work in the field of polymers;
• Foster interdisciplinary research by encouraging scientists from diverse disciplines to collaborate and explore the applications of polymer science in new materials, energy, biomedicine, and other fields;
• Strengthen knowledge dissemination by leveraging the advantages of open access to improve the accessibility and visibility of research outcomes, thereby promoting the popularization of scientific knowledge. 

Through these efforts, I believe that the Polymers journal will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing polymer science and related fields, providing researchers with a rapid and high-quality platform to showcase their research achievements and exchange ideas. 

4. The Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology” will be positioned to focus on emerging and cutting-edge research directions within the field. In your opinion, what research topics do you think will garner particular interest from the academic community in the coming years?

The development of the Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology” should closely align with the forefront of scientific research and cater to the needs of humanity and nations. This includes topics such as new theories and methods for polymer synthesis; sodium/lithium-ion and all-solid-state batteries; anion exchange membranes and fuel cells; seawater desalination and wastewater treatment; water splitting catalysts; implantable bioelectrodes; disease diagnosis, medical imaging, and therapy; and flexible or wearable smart devices. These research topics not only involve the synthesis and performance optimization of materials, but also deeply integrate considerations regarding energy sustainability and environmental friendliness, fully leveraging the significant role of polymer science and technology across multiple domains. 

5. Could you briefly introduce your, or your team’s, current research direction and main contents？

Our team’s research interests are vast and diverse, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and developments. Our current primary research directions encompass, but are not limited to, the following:

• Synthesis methods of polymers and relationships between structure and properties;
• Development of conductive polymers and their applications in electronics and photothermal conversion;
• Preparation of composite materials with specific functions through integration of organic and inorganic materials;
• Synthesis of microporous and mesoporous materials and their applications in catalysis and separation;
• Development of novel dental and orthopedic restoration materials;
• Self-assembly behavior of dendritic and chiral compounds and properties of their supramolecular structures;
• Development of novel biosensors for detecting and monitoring biological processes. 

6. We have noticed that your research experience is quite extensive. Could you share with us some of the key turning points that influenced your decision to work in different research institutions and countries?

I can identify several pivotal moments in my scientific journey. The first was when I enrolled in the chemistry department at Peking University in 1977. Initially, my heart lay not in chemistry but in the realms of literature, history, and philosophy. However, fate led me to chemistry, and as I delved deeper, I found myself genuinely captivated by it. The second turning point came when I secured a scholarship to pursue further studies abroad, embarking on a path of academic pursuit and satisfying my insatiable curiosity. But the most significant juncture occurred in 2009. Moved by the call of my homeland for the great rejuvenation of China, I returned to China full-time to join the Chemistry Department at Tsinghua University, committing myself to contributing to the advancement of education and scientific research in China and Tsinghua for the next three decades. I am filled with confidence in the thriving scientific landscape of China. Over the years, our nation has made remarkable strides in basic sciences, technology, and education, attracting global attention. China boasts a vast pool of talented individuals, yet there remains a scope for broadening our international perspectives. One of my primary motivations for returning was to bring back cutting-edge research insights and a professional ethos from abroad, nurturing a new generation of scholars with a global mindset, fortifying our nation's talent pool, and contributing to the thriving landscape of science, technology, and education in China. 

7. Having studied and worked in various research institutions both domestically and internationally, which scientist (or mentor) has had the most profound impact on you? Why?

Since venturing into the world of scientific research, I have collaborated with an abundance of brilliant minds. Among them, several mentors have left an indelible mark on me.

Firstly, there is Prof. Xinde Feng, who mentored me during my undergraduate and master's programs. Professor Feng was deeply committed to nurturing talent, tailoring his approach to each student's strengths and aspirations. He relentlessly pushed us to venture beyond our comfort zones, fostering independent thought and encouraging us to strive for research that truly benefits society and its people.

Secondly, I have to mention Prof. G. Odian, my doctoral supervisor. His uncompromising dedication to scientific rigor, coupled with his humility and aversion to personal glory, set an admirable example for me.

Then comes Prof. G. Wnek, my postdoctoral mentor at MIT. Barely two years my senior, he has been a trusted confidant and a guiding light. With his noble character and extensive knowledge, he imparted invaluable wisdom on both personal and professional fronts.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is my honorary mentor, Professor A. MacDiarmid. It was under his guidance that I embarked on the exciting journey of conductive polymer research. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, I consider it a lifelong privilege to have collaborated with him for over two decades. 

8. What qualities do you believe researchers need to possess on their scientific journey? Could you offer some advice to young scholars?

I firmly believe that engaging in scientific research necessitates an unwavering curiosity and thirst for exploration, serving as the foundation and driving force behind scientific innovation. Over the years, while lecturing, I have consistently emphasized, “Those who pursue science solely for wealth, power, fame, or awards have chosen the wrong path.” Scientists derive joy from the process of discovery and invention, rather than solely from the personal gains and accolades that may accompany them.

Researchers must cultivate independence and critical thinking skills, questioning and validating existing knowledge and research findings. Scientific research is often an arduous, lengthy, and challenging endeavor that necessitates patience and perseverance to overcome obstacles. Young scholars must broaden their horizons, not confining themselves to a narrow range of topics, but maintaining a lifelong commitment to learning and staying abreast of the latest scientific advancements and technological developments.

Moreover, failures are inevitable in scientific research, and it is crucial to learn from them and continue moving forward. The path of scientific inquiry is fraught with challenges yet replete with opportunities. I sincerely wish every young scholar to avoid complacency and unhealthy competition, embracing the journey of scientific research with joy, continuously progressing, and achieving their own accomplishments and fulfillment. 

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Yen Wei as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology”, and we look forward to achieving many more milestones under his leadership.