Prof. Dr. Xiaoyan Song | Cermet materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiaoyan Song, Beijing University of Technology, China

Professor Xiaoyan Song is a distinguished faculty member at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. She leads the Metallic Nanomaterials and Computational Materials Science group and serves as the Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials under China’s Ministry of Education. Her research focuses on the design, preparation, and characterization of metallic nanomaterials, including rare-earth materials, hard metals, and cermets. She has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers and holds more than 60 authorized patents, some of which have been industrialized into high-grade engineering products. Professor Song has received numerous honors, including the Humboldt Fellowship and the China National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Xiaoyan Song embarked on her academic journey at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1999. Her research in materials science began with a strong foundation in metallurgy and advanced composites, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to the field. Her early work was characterized by a keen interest in the microstructural properties of metallic materials, which would later define her professional focus. Following her Ph.D., she expanded her horizons internationally, securing a prestigious Humboldt Fellowship to conduct postdoctoral research at Darmstadt University of Technology in Germany from 2000 to 2003. This experience provided her with advanced training in computational materials science and experimental analysis, equipping her with a unique interdisciplinary skill set that would become invaluable in her later work.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Upon completing her research in Germany, Prof. Song returned to China and joined the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Beijing University of Technology. She swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming a leading figure in the institution. Today, she serves as the Leader of the Hard Metals and Refractory-Metal Based Composites Group. Additionally, she holds the esteemed position of Director of the Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials under the Ministry of Education in China. Her work is pivotal in driving innovation in the development and application of hard metals, tungsten-based composites, and refractory high-entropy alloys. Her group integrates experimental techniques with computational materials science to push the boundaries of material durability, wear resistance, and mechanical performance.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Song’s research revolves around the design, development, and optimization of advanced metallic materials. Her expertise lies in WC-based hard metals, W-based composites, and refractory high-entropy alloys. Her innovative approach includes:

• Microstructural Analysis: Investigating the relationship between microstructure and material properties, leading to enhanced performance characteristics.
• Computational Materials Science: Employing advanced simulations to predict material behaviors and optimize compositions before experimental synthesis.
• Industrial Applications: Translating laboratory discoveries into real-world engineering applications, including cemented tungsten carbides with superior strength, toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Her contributions have led to over 380 peer-reviewed publications and more than 90 authorized patents, several of which have been successfully industrialized. The high-performance tungsten carbide materials developed by her team are now mass-produced and widely applied in high-end engineering sectors, demonstrating her commitment to both academic excellence and industrial impact.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Song’s outstanding contributions to materials science have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors:

• China National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, a testament to her leadership in scientific research.
• First Prize of Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award, highlighting her pioneering work in material innovation.
• Second Prize of Municipal Natural Science and Technology Award (four times), acknowledging her consistent contributions to advancing materials science. Her recognition extends beyond China, with international academic societies and journals seeking her expertise. Since 2013, she has served as the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials. In 2024, she was elevated to the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief, reinforcing her status as a global leader in her field.

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