Materials Science Sparks Sustainable Development

In October 2025, Italian Professor Federico Rosei, an internationally renowned materials scientist who has dedicated many years to researching microscopic quantum materials technology at the atomic and molecular levels, was elected a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his efforts to promote scientific development in developing nations.

Rosei has a strong and long-standing connection with China. In 2015, he was appointed a "Changjiang Scholar" Chair Professor by China's Ministry of Education, and has played a pivotal role in establishing talent-training programs between Canadian research institutions and Chinese universities, including Soochow University and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Research on sustainable development

"I have always been interested in fundamental research, but over time, I gradually shifted my focus to sustainable materials such as multiferroic materials, quantum dots, nanostructured materials and excitonic solar cells," said Rosei.

During his time in Canada, he investigated a wide array of material systems. Drawing on fundamental principles, he engaged in materials design, clarifying the intricate relationships between material structure and properties. In the process, he developed various devices applicable to renewable energy technologies.

When discussing the latest advancements in materials science, Rosei places particular emphasis on the appeal of nanomaterials: "When materials are scaled down to the nanoscale, their properties undergo dramatic transformations and begin to exhibit 'quantum' effects that are typically unobservable at the macroscopic scale," he said.

From 2013 to 2023, he served as the UNESCO Chair in Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, Saving and Storage. In this role, he led the creation of a collaborative network spanning 22 countries and 30 institutions, including numerous universities in China. "Through exchanges and mutual visits between faculty and students, joint research projects, and the sharing of knowledge in emerging fields, we have nurtured a large number of outstanding young scholars," he said.

Lab to industrial application

In the field of industrial collaboration, his partnership with Jiangsu Meike Solar Co., Ltd. has set a stellar example.

Responding to the challenge of harvesting solar energy, they developed a solar photovoltaic window and door system utilizing quantum dot concentrators, effectively endowing traditional glass windows and doors with solar cell capabilities.

"This concept is innovative because the solar panels harvest solar energy and serve as structural building materials, making full use of the exterior walls' vast surface area," he said. This technology overcomes the challenges associated with traditional silicon-based photovoltaic panels, such as their large footprint and redundant investment, while supporting innovation in new energy technologies and driving industrial upgrading.

In 2020, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute of Quantum and Sustainable Technology (IQST) at Jiangsu University (JSU). Focusing on critical scientific questions in the field of photovoltaic new energy technology, IQST prioritizes research into the atomic and molecular-level structural design of materials, as well as the application of quantum theory.

Working alongside the JSU team, he forged long-term, stable collaborative partnerships with institutions such as Soochow University, Nanjing Tech University and Nanjing University. Together, they have published over 50 high-level academic papers and undertaken five provincial- or ministerial-level research projects.

China： a hub of high-quality talent

"Working with Chinese scholars is always a pleasure. They have an admirable professional ethic and are so devoted to their research that I often find it hard to keep up with them," Rosei said. He takes great pride in the Chinese students and postdoctoral researchers he has mentored, noting that many of them have gone on to enjoy successful careers after returning home.

In his view, Chinese universities produce high-quality research. "These institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, backed by ample funding, and, most importantly, they have attracted a multitude of young talent eager to make their mark."

Rosei spoke highly of China's advancements in the field of materials science: "Currently, the epicentre of materials science research has shifted to Asia — a shift driven primarily by China's progress. China has set ambitious goals centered on its dual carbon goals and has made remarkable strides; indeed, it is now leading global development in the renewable energy sector. Every visit to China is an adventure and a learning experience for me."

This article is in cooperation with International Talent Magazine.

Source: Science and Technology Daily