Interview with Francesco Ambrosio—Winner of the IOCN 2025 Best Oral Presentation Award
We are pleased to share an interview with Dr. Francesco Ambrosio, from the University of Basilicata, 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?
My interest in nanomaterials was initially sparked by a deep curiosity about how these systems operate and how they are able to perform such remarkable tasks in a plethora of fields. I was fascinated by the interplay between structure, dimensionality, and function, and by the idea of finding out new physical and chemical behaviours.
Over the years, this curiosity-driven approach has evolved into a more targeted scientific focus. While I remain interested in fundamental mechanisms, my research has progressively shifted toward the identification and design of materials with optimal properties for specific applications.
2. How does your current research contribute to advancing innovation or solving key challenges in nanomaterials?
My current research contributes to innovation in nanomaterials in two complementary ways. First, it helps elucidate the opto-electronic and photocatalytic properties of materials of interest, providing a detailed theoretical framework that connects experimental observations with the underlying microscopic mechanisms. Second, the insights gained from this fundamental understanding enable computer-assisted discovery and optimisation of novel materials with tailored properties. By integrating predictive modelling with high-throughput computational approaches, my research aims to accelerate the identification of promising candidates for next-generation applications.
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 Nanomaterials and other MDPI open access journals in recent years, as their presence in the materials science and nanotechnology community has grown significantly. I came across several high-quality articles relevant to my field, which drew my attention to the journal and its open access model. Open access has a substantial positive impact as it removes barriers to accessing scientific knowledge, ensuring that new results are immediately available to researchers worldwide, regardless of institutional subscriptions.
4. What message would you share with fellow early career researchers navigating similar paths?
Offering advice is never simple, especially given the highly competitive nature of our field. Still, I would encourage early career researchers to always bring their passion into their work. Do not choose a research direction simply because it is currently “hot”; instead, try to find a balance between what genuinely inspires your curiosity and what has the potential for real-world impact. Long-term motivation comes from working on questions you truly care about. I would also stress the importance of engaging actively in the scientific community. Participate in discussions, attend conferences, and build connections across disciplines. Networking is not just about visibility—it is often the catalyst that brings together different perspectives, leading to new ideas and meaningful scientific progress.
I am truly honoured to receive this award. It will support my future work in several important ways. First, it provides valuable recognition that strengthens my track record and can enhance the competitiveness of future grant applications. Such visibility is particularly helpful when pursuing ambitious projects or interdisciplinary collaborations. Second, the award brings prestige not only to my research but also to my institution, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, which hosts a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse scientific community that I heartily thank for the enduring support. Finally, this award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my research, exploring new ideas with greater confidence and reaching out to new collaborators.