Author Interview: Dr. Zhiwen Luo
Published 03 July, 2025
Event Introduction:
Since its founding in 2016, Bioactive Materials (BAM) has emerged as a leading international platform in materials science and biomedicine. Over the past decade, the journal has achieved remarkable growth, with its impact factor rising from 8.724 (2019) to 20.3 (2024). It has also been listed as a top-tier journal in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Journal Classification (Q1) and the T1 category of the High-Quality Scientific Journal Grading Catalog for materials science for five years (2020–2025). None of this would have been possible without the trust and contributions of our global authors, whose innovative research has shaped BAM’s success.
To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we launch the Author Interviews series, featuring distinguished contributors who have grown alongside BAM—including early-stage submitters, highly cited scholars, and rising scientists. Through their stories, we will explore their journeys with BAM: from the excitement of first submissions to the impact of published research, from upholding research integrity to navigating academic influence, and their visions for the field’s future. These conversations aim to provide practical insights for emerging researchers and express our deepest gratitude to all authors who have been part of our journey.
Author Interview: Dr. Zhiwen Luo
Zhiwen Luo is a Distinguished Professor, Academic Dean, and Director of the Experimental Research Center. Mentored by Professor Chen Shiyi, Chairman of the 4th Sports Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Professor James Hui, President of the Singapore Orthopaedic Association. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences from Queen Mary University of London and completed a joint PhD program between the National University of Singapore and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Zhiwen Luo
Academic Dean of Jiaxing Sports Hospital, Academic Director of the Fudan University–Dr. Kong Joint Laboratory, Assistant Director of the Institute of Sports Medicine at Fudan University
Dr. Luo currently serves as the Academic Dean of Jiaxing Sports Hospital, Academic Director of the Fudan University–Dr. Kong Joint Laboratory, Assistant Director of the Institute of Sports Medicine at Fudan University, and research advisor to several institutions. He is a certified expert of the China National Medical Products Administration and an exercise prescription development expert at the Education Center of the National Health Commission. He has received numerous research grants, with a cumulative funding total of more than 20 million RMB. Dr. Luo holds editorial positions for 40 academic journals, including serving as Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, or Editorial Board Member (e.g., Journal of Translational Medicine), and acts as Guest Editor for more than 20 SCI-indexed journals, such as Burns & Trauma and Microstructures. His primary research interests include exercise and health promotion, as well as soft tissue injury repair. He has published over 80 papers in SCI-indexed journals (73 as first/co-first/corresponding author), with a cumulative impact factor (IF) exceeding 700, an average IF of 10, and a highest single-article IF of 34. His work has been widely featured in the media, with several articles selected as cover stories. In addition, Dr. Luo has authored over 40 science communication articles on major platforms including the Education Center of the National Health Commission, Xinhua News Agency, Health News, and DXY.cn, with a total readership exceeding 3 million views.
Here is the interview we did with him:
I. Origins with BAM
1. What first introduced you to BAM? Do you remember the research topic of your first submission to BAM? What key factors influenced your decision to choose BAM at the time?
I first came across Bioactive Materials in 2020, during a pivotal phase of my graduate studies, when I was working on publishing my first high-quality, independent research. My study focused on the application of stem cell-derived exosomal materials in the treatment of shoulder joint capsule fibrosis. I chose to submit to BAM because of its clear emphasis on the interdisciplinary integration of materials science and biomedical research. At the time, the journal was experiencing rapid growth (its impact factor had risen from 8.7 and was poised to exceed 10), the quality of articles was steadily improving, and it had established a strong reputation and increasing influence in the international academic community. I submitted my manuscript at the end of 2021, and the submission experience was outstanding: the manuscript was sent for peer review within three days, and I received comments from five reviewers within a month. Following a second round of review that lasted just two weeks, the paper was accepted. It was officially published in early 2022 and has since been cited nearly one hundred times, making it my most cited paper to date.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles inhibit shoulder stiffness via let-7a/Tgfbr1 axis
2. Among your publications in BAM, which article stands out the most? How has it impacted your academic career?
Among the many impressive studies published in BAM, I was particularly inspired by the work of Professor Hongbin Lü from Xiangya Hospital and Professor Jinzhong Zhao from Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital on tendon-bone healing after rotator cuff injury. Their research not only broadened my academic horizons and refined my methodological approach but also helped clarify the future direction of my work, contributing to the successful development of several subsequent projects. It has had a lasting and meaningful impact on my academic career.
Engineering an enthesis-like graft for rotator cuff repair: An approach to fabricate highly biomimetic scaffold capable of zone-specifically releasing stem cell differentiation inducers
Crimped nanoffber scaffold mimicking tendon-to-bone interface for
fatty-inffltrated massive rotator cuff repair
3. As a long-term supporter of BAM, how would you describe the journal’s development over the past decade (e.g., impact factor, review processes, internationalization)? What changes have impressed you the most?
As a long-time supporter of BAM, I have witnessed the journal's remarkable growth over the past decade. From an initial impact factor of 8.724 to a current 20.3, BAM has significantly enhanced its international visibility and the professionalism of its editorial and peer review processes. The peer review is particularly efficient and transparent, with expert reviewers providing rigorous and constructive feedback. This has created an exceptional experience for authors. Moreover, the academic quality of the journal continues to rise, featuring numerous innovative works that offer valuable insights for researchers in the field of sports medicine and beyond.
II. Submission and Academic Exchange Experiences
4. Could you share your secrets to success in submitting to BAM? For example, how do you prepare manuscripts that align with the journal’s scope? How do you efficiently respond to reviewer comments?
In my opinion, the key to successful publication in BAM lies in a deep understanding of the journal’s academic scope and in clearly demonstrating the novelty and translational potential of the research. The level of innovation and experimental rigor should meet the high standards now expected by the journal. It is also important to collaborate actively with the editorial office and prepare a thorough, well-organized manuscript to facilitate a smooth review process. When responding to reviewers’ comments, it is crucial to be comprehensive, precise, and focused, addressing each point carefully and reinforcing the innovation of the study—supplementing with additional data when needed to enhance scientific rigor.
5. BAM emphasizes mult-discipline-crossing and clinical translation potential. How do you balance academic innovation with practical application in your research design?
With a dual background in clinical and biomedical sciences, I always aim to integrate cutting-edge materials research with real-world clinical needs. I strive to pursue both theoretical and mechanistic innovation, while also emphasizing practical application—adopting a full-chain research approach that begins with clinical demand, moves through scientific innovation, and ultimately returns to clinical practice.
6. Research integrity is a core principle of BAM. How do you ensure the authenticity and reproducibility of your data in your research? What advice would you give to early-career scholars on this topic?
Research integrity is the foundation of academic work. In my daily research, I rigorously manage all aspects of experimental design, data recording, and analysis to ensure authenticity and reproducibility. I also involve co-authors and students in thorough manuscript proofreading and data/image checks to avoid basic errors. I strongly encourage young researchers to cultivate a rigorous and truthful scientific mindset, pay close attention to experimental documentation and raw data preservation, and remain unwavering in their commitment to academic integrity.
III. Discipline Outlook and Future Aspirations
7. At the forefront of the materials science and biomedicine intersection, what do you see as the key breakthrough directions for the next decade? How might BAM contribute to these developments?
Looking ahead to the next decade, I believe the most promising directions in the field of materials science and biomedicine will include smart, responsive biomaterials guided by precision medicine, the convergence of materials and artificial intelligence for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and the deep integration of materials with immunomodulation and regenerative engineering. I am confident that BAM will play a leading role in shaping these frontiers and providing a global platform for academic exchange.
8. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to young scholars submitting to BAM for the first time?
For young scholars submitting to BAM for the first time, my advice is to thoroughly understand the journal’s focus and positioning, identify clear innovation points and application value in your research, and ensure your manuscript aligns closely with BAM's editorial vision.
9. Please share a one-sentence wish for BAM’s next decade and your expectations for the journal.
I sincerely wish Bioactive Materials continued success in the coming decade, leading the advancement of the biomaterials field, reaching new academic heights, and serving as a cradle for innovation and a global academic home for researchers worldwide.