Jin Zhang

Scientia Associate Professor Jin Zhang, an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, is leading research efforts in the following fields: Functional fibres and composites; Triboelectric and piezoelectric energy harvesting and self-powered sensing; Biodegradable polymers and composites; Electroactive fibres and smart textiles; Multifunctional coatings and surfaces; Lightweight fibre reinforced polymer matrix (FRP) composite structures (e.g., high temperature performance, fire resistance); 3D printing of polymers and composites. Associate Professor Jin Zhang leads a multidisciplinary research group in materials, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, with expertise spanning polymer matrix composites (including polymer nanocomposites, fibre-reinforced composites and biocomposites), fibres and textiles, biodegradable polymers, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Her research focuses on developing sustainable and high-performance materials for applications ranging from healthcare and packaging to energy harvesting, transportation and aerospace. A/Prof. Zhang has published more than 145 peer-reviewed journal articles, which have attracted over 12,000 citations (H-index 56, Google Scholar; FWCI 4.08, Clarivate). She has been recognised among Stanford/Elsevier's Top 2% Scientists worldwide from 2019 to 2025, highlighting her position among the most highly cited researchers globally. Her research expertise encompasses the design, processing, and application of advanced polymeric and composite materials, including biodegradable polymers and composites, triboelectric energy harvesters and self-powered sensors, lightweight FRP structures with superior thermal and fire performance, functional fibres and textiles, polymer nanocomposites for gas barrier and thermal management applications, multiscale and multifunctional composites, and photopolymerization-enabled 3D printing of polymers and composite materials. Her work combines fundamental materials science with translational research to address challenges in sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. A/Prof. Zhang has extensive experience managing large collaborative research programs and has worked closely with a broad range of industry partners, including Ecopha Biotech, Santevation, the Postgraduate School of Dentistry, Future Food CRC, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Auto CRC, Quickstep Technologies, Thales Australia, Transurban, and Quarry Mining. In recognition of her research leadership and expertise, she was appointed to the Australian Research Council College of Experts in 2025 and invited to join the European Science Foundation College of Expert Reviewers in the same year. As a dedicated research mentor, A/Prof. Zhang has supervised 14 PhD students to completion. Her graduates have received prestigious awards, including the Defence Materials Technology Centre National Innovation Award, the UNSW Dean's Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis, and the CASS Travel Award, and have subsequently established successful careers in academia and industry, including positions at the University of Sydney, RMIT University, Carbon Revolution, and ATA Scientific. Beyond her academic achievements, A/Prof. Zhang is committed to research translation and public engagement. Her research on biodegradable packaging, smart fibres and textiles for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing, and recycled plastics for infrastructure applications has attracted international attention and been featured in outlets including Nanowerk Spotlight, Ecology Daily News, Science Featured, Voxel Matters, Engineers Australia's Create Digital, and The Australian. Through these activities, she continues to promote sustainable materials innovation and its impact on society. Fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites, multiscale and multifunctionality, functional fibres and textiles, biodegradable polymers and composites, functional nanocomposites