Interview with Dr. Oleksandr Pastukh—Winner of the IOCN 2025 Best Oral Presentation Award

We are pleased to share an interview with Dr. Oleksandr Pastukh, from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, who received the Best Oral Presentation 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?
Working in condensed matter physics as both an experimentalist and theorist, I have always tried to follow the emerging research trends. Nanomaterials represent a highly promising direction in modern physics, driven by the demand for miniaturization. Properties of nanomaterials often differ fundamentally from those of bulk materials, offering possibilities for observing new unique phenomena. During my PhD, I focused on magnetic materials, specifically, magnetic molecules. Molecular nanomagnets exhibit distinct magnetic behavior at the deep nanoscale. Studying their properties and interactions opens new horizons in molecular spintronics and quantum computing. Building on this foundation, my research interests also include the experimental and theoretical study of magnetic nanoparticles and nanowires, whose nanoscale dimensions give rise to exceptional physical and chemical properties and complex interactions. Overall, my work aims to advance the understanding of nanoscale magnetic systems behavior and contribute to the application of such architectures for future information technologies.

2. How does your current research contribute to advancing innovation or solving key challenges in nanomaterials?
In the current landscape, it is increasingly important to develop technologies that extend beyond conventional CMOS architectures. CMOS systems are reaching fundamental limits in terms of power consumption, miniaturization, and signal-processing capabilities. Advanced magnetic materials offer a promising alternative. In my research I explore single-domain magnetic nanoparticles interacting via magnetostatic interactions. This approach provides a pathway toward energy-efficient, nanoscale computing elements where information can be transmitted and processed through magnetic dipole–dipole interactions. In addition, I have recently extended my research interests to magnonic device architectures based on spin-wave propagation. Such wave-based technologies hold significant potential for advanced signal-processing tasks and may serve as a foundation for future hardware implementations of artificial neural networks. Through these efforts, my work aims to support the development of alternative computing paradigms that can overcome the limitations of CMOS and open new avenues in nanomaterial-based information technologies.

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 became aware of the open access journal Nanomaterials during my PhD studies. At that time, I had the opportunity to work in a group led by Prof. Łukasz Laskowski on an innovative research topic focused on the immobilization of single-molecule magnets onto the surface of nanostructures and the possibility of controlling the distribution of deposited molecules. Our group was pleased to publish the results of this work in the open access journal Nanomaterials. In my view, open access is vital for scholars, as it enables the broad sharing of research among scientists, inspires new studies, and provides easy access to the latest scientific developments.

4. What message would you share with fellow early career researchers navigating similar paths?
I would say that it is important to remain persistent, inquisitive, and be always open to scientific collaborations. Scientific progress often involves challenges and difficulties, but each stage of the research process contributes to personal and professional development. It is essential to be patient, seek guidance from experienced mentors, and maintain a passion for discovery. It is also essential for early-career researchers to continuously develop their skills and extend their knowledge within chosen field. Staying informed about the latest scientific advancements and engaging in collaborations with other researchers can significantly enhance the quality of research work and contribute to a successful scientific career.

5. How do you see this award supporting your future work or goals?
Receiving this award is a great encouragement and motivation for me. I appreciate the interest in my research work and will continue pursuing high-quality and impactful studies. This award strengthens my confidence in exploring new scientific directions and encourages further open access publications, which I believe plays an important role in making science more inclusive and collaborative. This recognition will help me build stronger professional connections, attract potential collaborators, and inspire me to contribute even more actively to the scientific community.