In this interview, Prof. Liang discusses his vision for the journal, his passion for research, and his thoughts on how young scientists might approach their careers.
Professor Gaolin Liang, from Southeast University, Nanjing, China, is the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of Digital Medical Engineering, a new open access journal published by ACS Publications in partnership with Southeast University. We asked Gaolin about his vision for the journal, his passion for research, and his thoughts on how young researchers might approach their careers.
In Conversation with Prof. Gaolin Liang
What did it mean for you to become the first Editor-in-Chief of Digital Medical Engineering?
It is a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility to be entrusted as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief for Digital Medical Engineering. This role offers me a unique opportunity to shape a new platform at the exciting intersection of digital medicine and medical engineering.
What is your vision for the journal over the coming years?
My vision for Digital Medical Engineering over the coming years is to establish the journal as a premier, must-read journal in the fields of digital medicine and medical engineering. It will be the home of transformative research that pushes the boundaries of how digital tools and engineering principles are applied to healthcare. We will strive for rapid publication of high-impact studies, from novel biosensors and medical imaging analyses to AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine platforms. Ultimately, we want the journal to reflect the most dynamic and promising advancements that shape the future of medicine.
Why should researchers in digital medicine and medical engineering consider submitting their next best manuscript to the journal?
Researchers in digital medicine and medical engineering should choose Digital Medical Engineering to publish their next best manuscript for several compelling reasons. First, DME is the first journal that perfectly matches the fields of digital medicine and medical engineering. Second, we offer the global visibility and reputation of ACS Publications, combining with the strong academic background of Southeast University. Third, as a new open access journal, your work will be freely available to a wide audience, maximizing its reach and impact. Last but not the least, DME has a fair, rigorous, and constructive peer-review process run by an expert editorial team.
What will you look for in the manuscripts you receive?
We will be looking for manuscripts that present significant, original, and rigorous research at the forefront of digital medicine and medical engineering. Key criteria include clear innovation and novelty, solid methodology and validation, potential for high impact on the field or clinical practice, and strong relevance to our scope. We are particularly interested in work that demonstrates a clear convergence of engineering principles with medical applications to solve real-world problems.
What excites you about your current research?
My research is focused on developing new molecular probes for the early diagnoses of diseases, and on soft materials (e.g., hydrogels) for disease treatment. What truly excites me is the clinical translation potential of these probes (or materials). I really hope they help the patients in near future.
What advice would you give to young researchers entering the field of digital medicine and medical engineering today?
My advice to young researchers is to be boldly interdisciplinary. Don't be afraid to step outside the comfort zone of your core discipline. Embrace the language and challenges of medicine if you're an engineer and learn the knowledge of engineering if you're from a medical background. Be persistent, collaborate widely, and communicate your findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
What about your life outside of research – how do you wind down and relax?
Outside of the lab, I find balance and relaxation in the hobbies of jogging, playing cards or mahjong. It's important to have these activities to clear my mind and re-think my research in a different way.
Submit Your Research to Digital Medical Engineering
Digital Medical Engineering is now open for submissions. You can showcase your research by submitting your next paper to the journal. Learn how here.
APCs for publication will be waived for all manuscripts accepted before Dec 31, 2028 after robust peer review.
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