About
Biqiong Chen is Chair in Soft Matter Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry within the University of Liverpool. She obtained her PhD in Materials Science from Queen Mary, University of London under the supervision of Professor Julian Evans, followed by postdoctoral research in the same group. Prior to joining the University of Liverpool, she was Professor of Polymer Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast.
Biqiong’s research mainly focusses on smart sustainable polymers and polymer nanocomposites. Examples include novel biobased polymers with autonomous self-healing, stimuli-responsive, or active behaviour; multifunctional polymer nanocomposites with controllable morphologies; and biomimetic and bioinspired materials and structures. She takes a holistic approach to research, encompassing the design, synthesis, functionalisation, characterisation, processing, application, and recycling or biodegradation of polymers, nanoparticles (inorganic and organic), and polymer nanocomposites, as well as the study of the underlying science. She also collaborates with other researchers from different disciplines and industry on various research projects. The new smart sustainable materials can be developed for diverse applications in transport, electronics, sensing, soft robotics, energy storage, healthcare, packaging, coating, sealing, textiles, consumer products, etc.