Editorial: Emerging Investigators

It is with distinct pleasure that Journal of Materials Chemistry presents the second issue highlighting the work of Emerging Investigators. The aim of this issue is to present an international perspective on the latest developments in materials science through the eyes of up-and-coming researchers in the field. Outstanding emerging investigators were nominated by the members of the Journal of Materials Chemistry Editorial Board and Advisory Board (see the masthead page for a full list of Board members).

The first issue (DOI: 10.1039/b618496k) contained 22 full papers and 2 communications from researchers pursuing careers in a wide range of countries. This second issue is equally ambitious in scope and contains 18 full papers from researchers from around the world. It highlights researchers within the first few years of their independent careers. Their exploits in materials science are emphasized in articles that range in scope from basic science to engineering. Topics highlighted include the synthesis of nanoscale materials, the study of photonic crystals in beetle scales, the uptake of conjugated polymers by cells, the design of liquid crystalline semiconductors, and the recyclability of catalysts. In addition the articles in this issue discuss the applications of materials chemistry in nanotechnology, biotechnology, electronic devices, and energy harvesting.

We wish to thank our esteemed colleagues for their invaluable advice in suggesting contributors. Thanks are also due to the authors themselves for their enthusiastic response to the invitation and for their hard work that led to this issue. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be working with the new generation of materials scientists and we wish them great success in their future endeavours. Our hope is that this issue will provide the community with a view into the future of materials research. We believe that the research showcased here demonstrates that the future of modern materials science is in excellent hands.

George Malliaras and Carol Stanier

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