Now an Editor-in-Chief for Macromolecular Rapid Communications at Wiley, Dr Bo Weng was back in Australia and the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) this week to engage with our researchers on a potential University of Wollongong (UOW) Advanced Materials special issue.
Dr Weng completed her PhD at IPRI in chemistry in 2012 and went on to join Wiley in 2016. During Dr Weng’s return, we caught up with the former IPRI researcher to find out about her time at the Institute, how the opportunity at Wiley came around and much more.
When did you study at IPRI and what did you research?
I studied and worked at IPRI from August 2008 to October 2013. I mainly worked on inkjet printing of conducting polymers, including synthesis of polypyrrole, making polypyrrole inks, paring them on different substrates, biomedical applications and some electrochromic applications.
How was the experience?
Quite good - maybe the best I’ve had in research. I spent two months on the University of Wollongong’s main campus then moved to the Innovation Campus. It was a totally new lab, the best equipment and really great supervision.
What was your highlight of being at IPRI?
When I got my PhD degree. It was a special moment. My family, friends and my supervisors all together for the ceremony - this was a really good memory that I will always remember.
You’re now an Editor-in-Chief at Wiley. How did that opportunity come about?
I actually applied twice before getting a job at Wiley. The first time was when I got a message from Prof Gordon Wallace about the opportunity.
I think this was around 2012 when Prof Wallace forwarded Esther Levy's email to students at IPRI to see if we were interested in working in Wiley at their Beijing office as an editor. I applied and did end up having interviews as well as talking with HR. However, they wanted someone who could work right away and I still needed to complete my studies so I couldn’t take it on.
The second time came in 2016 when I saw their advertisement on LinkedIn for a polymer scientist with a background like mine, which of course was a perfect fit for me. I applied and eventually got this job.
What is your career highlight?
It would be becoming the Editor-in-Chief of Macromolecular Rapid Communications. This journal has a history of 45 years and is well recognised in the polymer community. I am really honoured to have the chance to lead this journal.
You’re visiting IPRI this week again. What will you be doing while you’re here?
Firstly, to catch up with Prof Wallace and everyone else I know at IPRI - but also to introduce our Wiley journal portfolios and to discuss a potential UOW Advanced Materials special issue. I will spend some time meeting with potential authors for the special issue and help give some tips on the article preparation process as well as some pre-submission consultation.
Lastly, what advice would you have for current PhD students or early career researchers?
My advice would be to focus more on the innovation in fundamental science instead of following up with other people's work. We appreciate the original ideas that can generate a new field. I know it is hard but I think that's the most important thing for a career in academia.
Also, if they are interested in becoming an editor, my suggestion would be to try to be prepared in as many fields as possible. You need to understand what a paper talks about.
Thanks for your time, Bo.
Thank you.