Professor Laichang Zhang is the Program Leader–Mechanical Engineering and the Head of Centre for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing in the School of Engineering at Edith Cowan University (ECU). After receiving his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Zhang had worked at The University of Western Australian, University of Wollongong, IFW Dresden and Technical University Darmstadt before joining ECU. Prof. Zhang is a Highly Cited Researcher in the field of Materials Science (Clarivate) and Advanced Materials Laureate (International Association of Advanced Materials, Sweden). He is a leading researcher in metallic materials and manufacturing (3D printing/additive manufacturing, metallic biomaterials, lightweight alloys & structures, and high-strength alloys and composites), with high expertise in processing, microstructure and performance (e.g. mechanical properties, fatigue, corrosion) and high-quality publication in Science, Progress in Materials Science, Materials Science and Engineering R: Reports, Advanced Materials, Acta Materialia, etc. Some of his research findings had been covered by public media outlets, such as live TV on ABC News channel and on CCTV-4 (China Central TV) and mainstream newspapers and magazines (ABC online, The West Australian, News.com.au, Xinhua net, The Chronicle of Higher Education, etc.). Prof. Zhang also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Advanced Light Materials, Editor or Editorial Board Members for 10+ journals, e.g., International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, Advanced Powder Materials, Advanced Engineering Materials, Scientific Reports, Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters), etc. In addition, Prof. Zhang has demonstrated in academic and professional communities, e.g., Course Advisory Committee member, Member of Australian Council of the International Association of Advanced Materials, Conference Chairs/Co-chairs and Proceeding Editors for many international conferences, etc.
Recognition, Prizes, Honors and Awards (Selected)
- 2025, Advanced Materials Laureate (International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM), Sweden)
- 2025, 2023 Highly Cited Scholar (Scilit)
- 2025, Editor Contribution Award (Spinger Nature)
- 2025, 2021-2024 Outstanding Contribution Award (Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters))
- 2023-2025 (consecutive 3 years), Materials Science in Australia Leader Award, Research.com
- 2023, Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate)
- 2022-2024 (consecutive 3 years), Highly Ranked Scholar (ScholarGPS)
- 2022-2024 (consecutive 3 years), Best Editor Award (International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing)
- 2021 IAAM Scientist Medal (IAAM, Sweden)
- 2021 Outstanding Scientist Award (VDGOOD Professional Association, India)
- 2020-2025 (consecutive 6 years), World’s Top 2% Scientists (Mendeley Data, Elsevier and Stanford University)
- 2017 Top 10 Research Highlights of Amorphous in China
- 2005-2007 Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Germany)
Academic Services and Professional Activities (Selected)
- 2025-, Founding Editor-in-Chief, Advanced Light Materials
- 2024-, Editor, Advanced Powder Materials (IF: 24.9)
- 2022-, Associate Editor, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IF: 21.3)
- 2019-, Associate Editor, Frontiers in Materials (IF: 2.6)
- Editorial Board Members of 10+ journals, e.g. Advanced Powder Materials (IF: 24.9), International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IF: 21.3), International Journal of Mining Science and Technology (IF: 13.7), Advanced Engineering Materials (IF: 3.3), Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters) (IF: 3.9), Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (IF: 4.7), Materials Science and Technology (IF: 1.7), Metals (IF: 2.5), Scientific Reports (IF: 4.6), Advances in Materials Research: An International Journal (IF: 1.2), etc.
- Conference Chairs for the 13th International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Materials Engineering (AMTME 2026), 5th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering (AMCE 2025), 8th International Conference on Energy Technology and Materials Science (ICETMS 2024).
Research areas and interests
- 3D printing / metal additive manufacturing
- Lightweight alloys and structures
- Metallic biomaterials
- High-strength alloys and composites
- Catalysis materials