Translational regenerative medicine has the potential to play a vital role in revolutionising healthcare. Dr Zhao Xin, Associate Professor in PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has been bestowed with the 2024 Biomaterials Award for Young Investigator, in recognition of her significant contributions to the field.

As a Member of PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, Dr Zhao’s innovative research approach integrates material science, cell biology, engineering and medicine to develop solutions for modulating cell micro-environments, controlling cell behaviours and generating tissue-engineered organs to address critical clinical issues.

With over 100 articles published in renowned journals, Dr Zhao’s research prowess is internationally recognised. She has been named in the list of Highly Cited Researchers 2022 by Clarivate Analytics and The World’s Top 2% Scientists 2023 by Stanford University. Her research product “Biomimicking Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Bone Grafts” has garnered multiple accolades, including a Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2021, the 2023 TechConnect Global Innovation Award and the Gold Medal at the 6th China (Shanghai) International Exhibition of Invention and Innovation Expo 2023.

The Biomaterials Award for Young Investigator, established by the Society of Biomaterials and international journals Biomaterials and Materials Today, recognises the exceptional work of early career researchers in biomaterials science. Dr Zhao will receive the Award at the 12th World Biomaterials Congress in Daegu, South Korea, in May this year, where she will also share insights gained from her recent research.