CMatP Profile: Dr Xiaopeng Li

Dr Xiaopeng Li is currently an Associate Professor in the School Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW Sydney, leading a research group working on additive manufacturing and advanced materials research.

Xiaopeng received his PhD degree in Materials Engineering from The University of Queensland, Australia in 2013, where his PhD thesis won the Best Thesis Award by Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals in 2013. After his PhD, he joined The University of Western Australia as an Assistant Professor, working on additive manufacturing of metallic glasses, light alloys and their composites till 2016. Following this, he joined one of the world-famous additive manufacturing groups led by Prof JeanPierre Kruth in KU Leuven, Belgium as a Research Fellow till 2017. In 2020, Dr Li was awarded Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow. Since 2020, Dr Li is listed as World’s Top 2% Scientists in Materials & Applied Physics & Enabling Strategic Technologies in the database of the most-cited scientists developed at Stanford University.

Where do you work?

Describe your job.

I work at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, where I hold the position of Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical and

Manufacturing Engineering. In my role, I lead a dynamic research group focusing on additive manufacturing and advanced materials. My responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on additive manufacturing, supervising PhD and postdoctoral researchers, and conducting pioneering research projects. I also engage in extensive collaboration with national and international institutions, and work closely with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications. Additionally, I am involved in community engagement initiatives and contribute to the development of innovative technologies that advance the field of additive manufacturing.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

My journey into materials science and engineering was fueled by a deep-seated curiosity about the fundamental building blocks of the world around us. During my undergraduate studies in materials science and engineering, I became fascinated by the potential of materials to revolutionize various technologies. The idea that we can design and engineer materials with specific properties to address realworld challenges captivated me. This fascination was further nurtured by the exposure to cutting-edge research and the realization of the vast impact that advancements in materials science can have on industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing. This combination of curiosity and the desire to make a tangible difference in the world inspired me to pursue a career in this exciting and impactful field.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

My professional journey has been shaped by several influential mentors and collaborative experiences. Distinguished Professor Ma Qian, who supervised my PhD, played a pivotal role in developing my research skills and instilling a rigorous scientific approach. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in shaping my early career. Additionally, my time as a Research Fellow at KU Leuven under the mentorship of Professor Jean-Pierre Kruth provided invaluable insights into advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Collaborative experiences with leading institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and EPFL have also enriched my professional development, exposing me to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research. These experiences, combined with the support of my colleagues and the inspiration drawn from the collective pursuit of innovation, have significantly influenced my professional growth.

What has been the most challenging job or project you've worked on to date and why?

The most challenging project I've undertaken was the rapid development of an on-demand manufacturing capability for personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical medical device components during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project required us to swiftly innovate and adapt our existing additive manufacturing technologies to address urgent public health needs. The technical challenges were formidable, involving the design and production of reliable and scalable manufacturing processes under unprecedented time constraints. Coordinating efforts with a diverse team of academics, government officials, and industry partners added another layer of complexity. Despite these challenges, the project's success in delivering vital supplies during a critical period was immensely rewarding and highlighted the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in emergency response scenarios.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

Being a Chartered Materials Professional (CMatP) represents a significant milestone in my career, reflecting a recognition of my expertise and commitment to the field of materials science and engineering. It signifies adherence to the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity, and connects me with a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing the discipline. The designation serves as a testament to my continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation, and it underscores my commitment to contributing to the advancement of materials science through research, teaching, and community engagement. It is both an honour and a responsibility that I take very seriously.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

The most satisfying aspect of my work is witnessing the tangible impact of our research on society. Whether it's through the development of innovative medical implants that enhance patient outcomes or the creation of advanced manufacturing techniques that drive industry advancements, knowing that our efforts make a real difference is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, mentoring students and seeing them grow into confident, capable professionals is a source of great pride. The collaborative nature of our work, the excitement of discovering new knowledge, and the opportunity to contribute to solving real-world problems all contribute to my sense of satisfaction and purpose in my career.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best piece of advice I've ever received is to stay curious and never stop learning. The field of materials science and engineering is constantly evolving, and maintaining a sense of curiosity drives innovation and discovery. This advice has kept me open to new ideas and technologies, allowing me to continuously advance my research and teaching. Additionally, I've learned the importance of perseverance and resilience—pursuing ambitious goals often involves overcoming obstacles, and staying determined and adaptable is key to achieving success.

What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic about the future of additive manufacturing and its potential to revolutionize various industries. The advancements we are making in materials design and manufacturing processes will lead to more sustainable, efficient, and innovative solutions. I am particularly excited about the potential for additive manufacturing to address complex challenges in healthcare, such as personalized medical implants and on-demand production of critical components. Additionally, the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into our field are promising developments that will accelerate progress and unlock new possibilities.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

Professionally, one of my greatest achievements is leading a successful research group at UNSW and contributing to significant advancements in additive manufacturing. Securing substantial funding, publishing influential research papers, and receiving prestigious awards such as the ARC DECRA Fellowship have been major milestones in my career. Personally, co-founding a spin-out company focused on orthopaedic implants and making a meaningful impact during the COVID-19 pandemic are achievements I am particularly proud of. These accomplishments reflect my dedication to both advancing scientific knowledge and applying it to solve real-world problems.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

Develop a Breakthrough Medical Implant: I aspire to create a nextgeneration medical implant that significantly improves patient recovery and quality of life. This goal reflects my passion for applying materials science to address critical healthcare challenges.

Global Research Collaboration: Establishing a global research network that brings together leading experts to tackle major challenges in materials science and engineering is a key ambition. I believe that interdisciplinary and international collaboration is essential for driving innovation and making significant scientific advancements.

Adventure Travel: Exploring some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth is a personal dream. Combining my love for adventure with a deeper understanding of different cultures and environments will enrich my life and provide new perspectives that can inspire my work.