Yichao Wang

Dr. Yichao Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry & Environmental Science, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University. He is also an adjunct fellow at the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University. He has been awarded several competitive fellowships and Australian Research Council (ARC) grants, including ARC Discovery Project (DP260102558) in 2025, Future Fellowship (FT230100065) in 2024, Discovery Project (DP220102729) in 2023 and Alfred Deakin Research Fellowship in 2017, recognising his outstanding achievements and leadership in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology and plant nanobionics. His leadership extends to major national facilities, serving as principal investigator on successful beamtime projects (e.g., IDs: M19906 and M21168) at the Infrared Microspectroscopy (IRM) beamline, Australian Synchrotron.

He has established an exceptional track record in the field of functional nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on their applications in sensing, optics, electronics, nanozymes, plant nanobionics, plant stress resistance and nanomaterials–plant interactions. Dr. Wang’s innovative research bridges the interface between advanced materials and biological or plant systems, advancing both the fundamental understanding and technological applications of nanomaterials in diverse areas. His pioneering work on nanozymes and their use to enhance plant stress resistance, as well as his studies of plant nanobionics and nanomaterials–plant interactions, are at the forefront of developing novel approaches for agricultural innovation, environmental monitoring and sustainable technologies. He has authored over 90 scientific manuscripts published in prestigious, high-impact journals, contributing several seminal works that have shaped developments in the field. His research has appeared in top-tier journals such as ACS Nano, Nano Letters, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Materials Today, Small and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, among other leading publications.

Dr. Wang is also a regular detailed assessor for leading national and international funding agencies, including the Australian Research Council, New Zealand and European funding bodies, reflecting his expertise and standing in the global research community.

Dr. Wang is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientists and welcomes prospective PhD and Master’s applicants to reach out regarding potential research projects and funding opportunities. Highly motivated candidates with an interest in cutting-edge nanotechnology, materials science, plant nanobionics, nanozymes, plant stress resistance and interdisciplinary materials research are encouraged to email Dr. Wang at yichao.wang@rmit.edu.au for further information.