Professor Ce-Wen Nan stands as a preeminent leader in the field of materials science with a distinguished career spanning four decades. He currently serves as Professor of Materials Science at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, where he has been a faculty member since 1999. Prior to his appointment at Tsinghua, Nan built his academic foundation at Wuhan University of Technology, where he began as a Lecturer in 1985 and advanced to Associate Professor by 1988. His exceptional contributions to the field were recognized through his election to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011, one of China's highest academic honors. Additionally, he received international acclaim with his election to The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in 2012, cementing his status as a global authority in advanced materials research.
Nan's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced the understanding and application of functional materials, with particular focus on multiferroic magnetoelectric materials, thermoelectric oxides, functional polymer-based composites, and solid state electrolytes. His extensive body of work comprises over 600 archival publications that have significantly shaped the landscape of modern materials science, establishing him as one of the most influential researchers in his field. Nan's innovative contributions have translated into practical applications through an impressive portfolio of over 40 Chinese patents and 1 US patent, demonstrating the real-world impact of his scientific discoveries. His work on magnetoelectric composites has opened new pathways for multifunctional devices that can simultaneously respond to multiple physical stimuli, creating opportunities for advanced sensor technologies and energy conversion systems. The breadth and depth of his research program reflect his ability to bridge fundamental science with engineering applications across multiple domains of materials innovation.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Nan has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the global materials science community through his service as President of the International Ceramics Federation (2012-2014) and Chair of the Asian Electroceramics Association (2008-2012). His influence extends to his role as former Vice-President of the Chinese Ceramic Society (2011-2021), where he helped shape national research priorities and foster collaboration across institutions. Nan continues to drive the field forward through his editorial contributions and mentorship of the next generation of materials scientists at Tsinghua University. His current research directions focus on addressing critical challenges in energy conversion and storage materials, with particular emphasis on developing advanced solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries that could revolutionize energy technology. Professor Nan's ongoing work promises to maintain his position at the forefront of materials innovation, with potential applications spanning from sustainable energy systems to advanced electronic devices.
