Qi Zhao

Qi Zhao is a Professor in Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, focusing on advanced surface engineering and biomaterials. Their research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in healthcare technologies.

• Key Research Areas: Surface engineering, antibacterial coatings, hydrogel development, and biomedical materials.
• Projects: Investigating surface properties of biomaterials for urinary catheters (2016–2021) funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Recent work includes optimizing diamond-like carbon coatings for corrosion resistance, hybrid antibacterial surfaces combining laser structures with nanocomposite coatings, and silver nanoparticle-based hydrogels to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Collaborations span multidisciplinary teams including Campbell, Nabi, and Abdolvand. Their research bridges materials science, biomedical engineering, and sustainable healthcare solutions.

• Activities: Peer-review contributions for ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering and public engagement in Discovery Days 2019.