Materials

News

In a recent collaborative study, researchers from Lingnan University propose that naturally formed surface textures in materials could in future be combined with AI-assisted design to develop novel functional materials.
04 Jun 2026
Lingnan University
Wrinkles or dents appearing on material surfaces are often regarded as signs of damage or deformation. In a recent collaborative review paper published in the internationally recognised journal Nano-Micro Letters and titled Harnessing Surface Instabilities for Functional Materials: Mechanics, Morphology, and Emerging Applications, researchers from Lingnan University propose that naturally formed surface textures in materials could in future be combined with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted design to develop novel functional materials. The technology would potentially support applications in intelligent anti-counterfeiting, artificial organs, and stretchable batteries.
Prof S. Joe Qin and Prof Wei Zhiqiang exchange souvenirs.
04 Jun 2026
Lingnan University
On 19 May 2026, a delegation led by Prof Wei Zhiqiang, President of Qingdao University, visited Lingnan University, and was warmly received by Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, and other University representatives. Prof Qin and Prof Wei signed a university-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) witnessed by representatives from both institutions to further coordinate development and reinforce collaboration between higher education institutions in Shandong and the Hong Kong SAR.
03 Jun 2026
Tohoku University
A remarkable new method of distinguishing chiral (mirror-image) molecules could eventually detect distortions inside quantum and soft materials, find abnormal protein aggregates linked to disease, and more.
02 Jun 2026
Tohoku University
Researchers at Tohoku University used state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication technologies to demonstrate how we could be ready for large-scale spintronic p-computers.
01 Jun 2026
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
- Prof. Hyuk-Jun Kwon’s team at DGIST develops a high-performance photodetector (light-sensing sensor) in a two-dimensional semiconductor material using a single laser process - Expected to enable next-generation flexible and image sensor applications without complex stacking or transfer processes - Published in the international journal Advanced Optical Materials
28 May 2026
Tohoku University
Spin waves are a promising way to reduce the energy-consumption of computing. New research shows that sending spin waves along a zig-zag path boosts the signal over 5,000 times compared to previous methods.
26 May 2026
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
A research team led by Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning) and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and School of Energy and Environment, has designed a revolutionary capillary structure that can trigger the Leidenfrost effect, offering a practical solution for the temperature-regulated Leidenfrost effect without requiring complex surface engineering.
26 May 2026
Tohoku University
A newly designed magnesium-tin alloy is bringing magnesium batteries a step closer to reality. The new alloy design improves both stability and magnesium-ion transport inside solid-state batteries, helping address one of the long-standing challenges in next-generation battery technology.
25 May 2026
Impart
From temporary pits drawn in sand to finely crafted wooden boards, pallanguzhi has been played across South India for generations. Associated especially with women’s leisure and festival gatherings, the game reflects traditions of strategy, arithmetic, and social exchange, alongside possible links to older mancala traditions circulating across the Indian Ocean trade routes.
25 May 2026
Tohoku University
Researchers from Tohoku University have developed a new kind of filter that overcomes a long-standing challenge, creating a special material that makes separating CO2 from other gases both fast and highly accurate.
22 May 2026
Tohoku University
What if some of the most important scientific discoveries are already hidden in data collected years ago? Researchers at Tohoku University are exploring how AI and data-driven science can reveal new insights from past experiments and scientific literature. Their review highlights how old data could help accelerate discoveries in chemistry and materials science.
22 May 2026
Tohoku University
Studying molecules in liquid solution is notoriously difficult. However, this just got easier thanks to a new X-ray technique developed by an international group of scientists. The technique can capture ultrafast molecular changes in extremely dilute liquid samples.
21 May 2026
Tohoku University
Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered a new principle that could help accelerate the development of cheaper and more efficient fuel cells. The team discovered that dual-atom catalysts follow a previously unknown “dual-Sabatier optima” pattern, overturning long-standing assumptions in catalyst science and opening new possibilities for clean energy technologies.
20 May 2026
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Engineered carbon-based nanomaterials can interfere with the aggregation of misfolded proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases, offering a new direction for future therapeutic exploration.
13 May 2026
Tohoku University
A tiny change to the arrangement of organic molecules in nanoparticle systems can result in a massive change to material properties. By synthesizing gold nanoparticles coated with two different types of organic molecules, a research team has uncovered new insights into this phenomenon.
All-solid-state battery ionic particles
13 May 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Solid electrolyte particle sizes affect ion pathways
13 May 2026
Tohoku University
Many secrets lie deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Researchers from Tohoku University uncovered one of them when they discovered a hidden natural lubricant inside an active fault. Their findings may explain why the Atotsugawa Fault System produces surprisingly few large earthquakes despite being located in a tectonically active region.
Asia Research News Editors Choice
12 May 2026
Asia Research News
Dolphin secrets, Iron-rich Moon, Squeezing diamonds, Sweat the small stuff, Muonic molecules. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus: SciCom Coffee speaker.
11 May 2026
National Taiwan University
Researchers at National Taiwan University developed bioinspired composites that mimic bone and bamboo structures to improve strength and toughness simultaneously. Using artificial intelligence, simulations, and 3D printing, the team discovered how soft layers near cracks can prevent catastrophic failure.
08 May 2026
Tohoku University
Stubborn cancer tumors were completely (and safely) eliminated in a mouse model with a small but mighty treatment method using nanoparticles, controlled drug release in stages, and light from lasers.
05 May 2026
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
A research team led by Professor Denver Li Danfeng of CityUHK has discovered magnetic-field-induced re-entrant superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates, where superconductivity re-emerges at high fields. The breakthrough challenges conventional understanding and opens new directions for next-generation superconducting materials.
29 Apr 2026
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
- Principal Researcher at DGIST, Lee Hyun-Joon, receives the Minister of Science and ICT Commendation for his contributions to the localization of semiconductor thermal observation equipment - A decade of commercialization support leads to expansion into AI-based next-generation semiconductor analysis
28 Apr 2026
Impart
Sculpted from a granite rock face in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, the Avukana Buddha is an early example of colossal Buddha imagery in Sri Lanka. Its form and detailing suggest connections with sculptural traditions from Amaravati and the Gupta period, while its execution reflects regional adaptation. Discover how the sculpture and its associated finds have been linked to the doctrine of Lokottara or transcendence, later adopted by Mahayana Buddhism.
24 Apr 2026
Tohoku University
Photocatalytic systems use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Such an environmentally friendly approach to hydrogen production has long been touted by scientists. However, these systems often require multiple cocatalysts to drive the reactions necessary to split water, thereby throttling efficiency. However, a research group has recently unveiled a new all-in-one photocatalytic cocatalyst.
22 Apr 2026
Tohoku University
Magnesium hydride stores lots of hydrogen but the problem comes with the high temperatures needed to release it. Now, researchers have found a new catalyst that helps solve this common bottleneck, focusing on a phenomenon called the burst effect.
22 Apr 2026
Tohoku University
Biodegradable plastics are great. They provide the ductility of plastics whilst reducing the materials environmental downsides. However, in the quest for greater degradability, improving durability has received scant attention. A research group recently rectified this with the development of a new bamboo composite that emphasised both biodegradability and strength. The group also developed a means to predict how the material breaks down in water.
22 Apr 2026
Tohoku University
For 70 years, we have assumed that “attempt time” in nanomagnets is one nanosecond. For the first time ever, this value was measured experimentally by researchers at Tohoku University. Spoiler alert: it’s more than one nanosecond!
21 Apr 2026
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Engineers at NIMS develop a system that captures all the elements of trial and error in material design, enabling reliable reproduction of the reasoning processes and results
21 Apr 2026
Hiroshima University
Floatable beads made from chitosan and cellulose acetate and enhanced with bentonite were engineered to effectively clean oil from water. The beads showed good oil adsorption capacity while remaining easy to collect from the water surface.
21 Apr 2026
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
- Prof. Kim Bong-hoon’s team implements a smart fabric-based sensor that can collect sweat automatically and analyze multiple biosignals simultaneously. - It measures electrolytes, metabolites, and movement all at once using minute amounts of sweat: Customized healthcare is expected. - The paper was selected as a cover article in “Small Structures,” a prestigious international journal in the field of nanotechnology and materials science.

Events

16 May 2024
Dive into the future of technology at ITEX 2024, where "Generative AI" takes centre stage, revolutionising how we approach Artificial Intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking theme shifts away from the ordinary, showcasing AI's power to create entirely new content and solutions.
11 Sep 2023
Join us for the 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯) hybrid conference, on 11-12 September 2023 in Penang, Malaysia. With the conference theme of "𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱", 12th ICAST 2023 aims to bring together academics, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to share their knowledge and experiences on the latest advancements, applications, and innovations in the field of science and technology. We invite submissions of original and innovative research in various fields of science and technology. In addition to the technical program, the conference will also feature a 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 for all participants titled 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽, which will be delivered by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Aidi Ahmi, author of the books “Bibliometric Analysis for Beginners” and “Bibliometric Analysis using R (for non-coders)”. Submit now at http://icast.arms.org.my/openconf/ For more information, please visit our conference website at http://icast.arms.org.my/ #ICAST #ICAST2023 #HybridConference #Callforpapers
17 Apr 2023
To achieve Net Zero, the governments of the UK and Singapore are targeting ambitious carbon reduction goals, and electromobility has emerged as a key strategy. Now, Newcastle University (UK) and ERI@N (Singapore) are jointly hosting an international event, known as the Electromobility symposium, in Singapore to debate and discuss experiences in implementing land transport electrification in Singapore and the UK, evaluate policy landscapes, and identify successes and obstacles to inform future strategies.
18 Mar 2022
What does it take for Additive Manufacturing (AM) to move beyond? This webinar will continue explore the grand challenges of AM and its potential for growth.
03 Nov 2020
The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing is pleased to share our first online webinar in collaboration with HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab.
The Khwarizmi International Award (KIA) acknowledges the efforts made by researchers, innovators and inventors from across the globe and to appreciate their high quality research work and contributions to different fields of science and technology.
South Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), jointly with Ulsan Metropolitan City, held the "Graphene Symposium in Ulsan" on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
09 Oct 2019
This 3-day event will showcase green technology solutions represented by 350 exhibitors from 35 countries.

Researchers

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Prof. Lin focuses on technological advancement of circular waste-based biorefinery for sustainable production of chemicals, materials and fuels, that contributes to reduction of environmental burden of waste disposal and resource efficiency.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Basit
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Basit is an established academician who is concomitantly working in science and arts, accomplishing the publications of multiple books as well as more than 100 international research publications in the field of nanomaterials, thin-film techniques, and photoenergy applications. Dr. completed did his PhD & Post-Doc. from Hanyang University, south Korea and currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Space Technology, Pakistan where he is leading the Nanomaterials for Advanced Energy Applications research group and lab. Dr. Basit has won multiple intellectual capability awards from various agencies such as HEC Pakistan, PCK Korea and DAAD-Germany.
Dr. Umedjon Khalilov is a computational materials scientist with over 20 years of experience in atomistic modeling of nanostructures. His research integrates molecular dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the synthesis, stability, and functionality of carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials. He has led or contributed to numerous international projects focused on hydrogen storage, carbon nanotube growth, and surface reactions in plasma environments. Dr. Khalilov is also actively involved in AI-driven materials discovery and collaborative platforms bridging simulation with experiment. He has authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications in leading journals.
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Group Leader at the Magnetic Functional Device Group, the Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan.
Dr.Yasodha T
I am an efficient Professor able to Develop courses with IT skills & sound teaching skills in a manner attractive to students. I have vast experience in supervising postgraduate research & Contribute in a well manner to the ongoing academic development of the School’s postgraduate courses and research.
Professor Mikiya Fujii is an expert on materials informatics at Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan.
Prof. Ru-Shi Liu
National Taiwan University
Professor Ru-Shi Liu, based at the Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University (NTU) research interests span several areas, including investigating phosphor materials for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), exploring materials for energy conversion (such as water splitting, fuel cells, and batteries), and delving into the application of nanomaterials in medicine, particularly for photodynamic therapy.
Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) at Kyoto University
Prof Jun Suzuki is a biochemist and the deputy director at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Japan.
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Group Leader, Frontier Molecules Group, Nanomaterials Field, Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan.
Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) at Kyoto University
Lecturer at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Japan.
Chief Physician at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China.
Dr. Mariyappan Shanmugam is a Professor of Physics at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India. He carries out research in the areas of Materials for Energy related applications. He completed his PhD at South Dakota State University, USA in 2011. He was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, State University of New York and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA during 2011-2015. He established a research and development division in a Silicon Valley-based start-up company, Macromolecular Inc., to develop photovoltaic materials and devices for space PV applications. Semiconductor Nanomaterials, Thin films, 2D-Layered Materials, Graphene, h-BN for Optoelectronics are his primary research interests.
I'm currently an adjunct professor at the Asian Institute of Management in Manila. I crafted a course called Art-Science Thinking based on my dissertation on Culture as Transformative Innovation: Filipino Care in the Practice of Family Medicine. Since 2017, my consultancy & studio has been collaborating with the Dept. of Science & Technology in the Philippines.
Professor Madhu Bhaskaran is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. She is a multi-award winning electronics engineer and innovator. She proudly co-leads Women in STEMM Australia.
Prof. Dae-Hyun Nam
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
Professor Dae-hyun Nam is dedicated to advancing electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion and storage. By leveraging expertise in materials science, engineering, and chemistry, he aims to address pressing energy and environmental challenges, paving the way for a sustainable future.
UGANEESWARY SUPARMANIAM
Ts. Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, AMIChemE (UK) is a multiple award-winning young scientist, sustainability advocate, and climate activist attached to the HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, PETRONAS University of Technology, Malaysia.
Mahidol University
Taweechai Amornsakchai is an Associate Professor at Mahidol University. With a Ph.D. in Polymer Physics, his research focuses on reinforcing plastics with pineapple leaf fiber and exploring pineapple stem starch for biodegradable packaging.
Chameera Udawattha, a pioneering architect and researcher, investigates eco-friendly construction materials, exploring alternative solutions for construction and building issues. His work promotes sustainable building practices.
Fabien Grasset
Dr Fabien Grasset is a Research Director at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and currently serving as Director of Research for Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences (ISCR). His areas of expertise include materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry, nanotechnology, nanoparticles, optical coatings and thin films.
Taishi Yokoi
Taishi Yokoi is an Associate Professor of the Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. His research areas include biomedical engineering, inorganic compounds and inorganic materials chemistry.
Naoka Nagamura
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Dr Naoka Nagamura is senior researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Science. She researches advanced materials, electrochemistry and photoemission spectroscopy.
Siti Kudnie Sahari
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Ts Dr. Siti Kudnie Sahari is a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Her current research interests include thin film, advanced semiconductor materials, semiconductor processing and solar devices.
Alex Jen Kwan-yue
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue is Chair Professor of Materials Science and Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). His expertise includes the use of molecular engineering and self-assembly for hybrid materials.
Hiroki Ago
Dr. Hiroki Ago is a Distinguished Professor of the Global Innovation Center at Kyushu University. His research focuses on nanomaterials, particularly graphene and related 2D materials, and their applications.
Hiroshi Yabu
Tohoku University
Prof. Hiroshi Yabu is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) at Tohoku University. His research interests include self-organization, biomimetics, and bio-inspired materials for energy and low environmental impacts.
Zong-Hong Lin
Dr. Zong-Hong Lin is a Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University and at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University.
Dr Edison H. Ang
Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Edison Huixiang Ang is a Singaporean Materials Scientist who born in 28 July 1987. He has a background in materials science and engineering along with a diverse skill set. He completed his undergraduate studies, earning B.S. degrees, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2012. Later, in 2017, Dr. Ang received his Ph.D. from the same university. He gained additional experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National University of Singapore from 2016 to 2017 and later served as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University from 2017 to 2019. In mid-2018, he also took on a Visiting Scholar role at the Technical University of Munich in Germany. Currently, Dr. Edison H. Ang serves as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University. His expertise encompasses various areas, including 2D Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Energy Storage and Conversion, Sensor Technology, Membrane Technology, Additive Manufacturing, Catalysis, Waste-to-Wealth, Surface Coating and Film, Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Her current research focuses on the synthesis of semiconducting polymers for organic electronics and has published >100 papers in this area of research.
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Prof Yang obtained his bachelor degree from Peking University in 2001, and PhD from Princeton University in 2007. His research interest includes the development of advanced alloys, including metallic glasses, high entropy alloys, low dimensional metals/ceramics and metamaterials.

Giants in history

Abdus Suttar Khan (c. 1941 – 31 January 2008) was a Bangladeshi engineer who spent a significant part of his career conducting aerospace research with NASA, United Technology and Alstom.
Lin Lanying (7 February 1918 – 4 March 2003) was a Chinese material engineer remembered for her contributions to the field of semiconductor and aerospace materials. Lanying was born into a family who did not believe in educating girls and she was not allowed to go to school.