Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Jung-Yao Chen, National Cheng Kung University

---

Abstract

Our Emerging Investigator Series features exceptional work by early-career researchers working in the field of materials science.

---

Dr Jung-Yao Chen received her PhD in chemical engineering from National Taiwan University under the supervision of Prof. Wen-Chang Chen in 2016. She joined Prof. Alex Kwan Yue Jen's research team at the University of Washington in 2015. Currently, she is an associate professor in the Department of Photonics at National Cheng Kung University. Her research interests are process design, morphology analysis, and optoelectronic applications of photoactive materials including conjugated polymers, phosphorescent materials, and perovskites. Recently, Dr Jung-Yao Chen's research activity has been focused on the development of non-volatile photomemory on artificial synapses and photonic integrated circuits. The main objective is to explore the mechanisms behind the photo-recording functionality and develop ultrafast responsive photomemory with multi-level memory behavior. Her expertise in the field has been recognized by several prestigious programs, such as the Best Research Paper Award for Postdoctoral Fellows, the Young Scholar Fellowship, the 2030 Cross-Generation Young Scholars Program, the 2024 Future Tech Award from National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan, and the 2024 Outstanding Young Polymer Technology Award from the Polymer Society, Taipei.

Read Jung-Yao Chen's Emerging Investigator Series article ‘Solution-processable and photo-programmable logic gate realized by organic non-volatile floating-gate photomemory’ ( https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00036J ) and read more about her in the interview below:

Materials Horizons (MH): Your recent Materials Horizons Communication demonstrates a solution-processable and photo-programmable logic gate realized by organic non-volatile floating-gate photomemory. How has your research evolved from your first article to this most recent article and where do you see your research going in the future?

Jung-Yao Chen (JC): Since 2007, my research has centered on organic optoelectronics. Organic materials continually reveal extraordinary and diverse optoelectronic properties, which have enabled my team to consistently push the boundaries of what is possible in this field. My multidisciplinary training under the mentorship of Prof. Wen-Chang Chen (National Taiwan University) and Prof. Alex Kwan Yue Jen (University of Washington) provided me with a strong foundation in polymer physics, polymer composites, and device physics – including organic field-effect transistors, organic memory devices, and organic photovoltaics. With the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things and neuromorphic computing, photons have emerged as promising candidates to replace electrons for data transmission, owing to their inherent advantages such as high security, broad bandwidth, and minimal loss. Consequently, the development of photo-recordable devices is becoming a critical component for integrated photonic circuits. Our recent focus has been on non-volatile floating-gate photomemory, which synergistically combines the mechanisms of photovoltaics with non-volatile memory, making it a central topic in our laboratory. A significant breakthrough in our recent work is the realization of photo-patternability while maintaining excellent optoelectronic properties – an essential requirement for integrated circuits that had not been previously achieved. I am excited to share these advancements in our Materials Horizons publication, and I look forward to engaging with the community interested in integrated optoelectronics.

MH: What aspect of your work are you most excited about at the moment?

JC: I am particularly enthusiastic about the successful integration of photolithography – a pivotal process in conventional integrated circuits – into our organic non-volatile photomemory devices. Moreover, the adoption of cross-linking structures allows for the utilization of a wide range of charge-trapping materials, which has enabled the realization of solution-processable n-type channels for photomemory. This represents a notable advancement, as such functionality was previously unattainable. I believe these achievements lay a solid foundation for the future development of organic integrated optoelectronic systems.

MH: In your opinion, what are the most important questions to be asked/answered in this field of research?

JC: A fundamental question in this field is whether there are comprehensive guidelines that correlate optoelectronic device performance with materials design principles to meet the demands of future technologies. Additionally, as photonic integrated circuits continue to evolve, it is essential to investigate the feasibility and strategies for seamlessly integrating photomemory devices within these circuits.

MH: What do you find most challenging about your research?

JC: The adage “the more you know, the more you realize you do not know” resonates deeply with me. This perspective continually motivates me to explore unknown mechanisms and emerging topics. I view these challenges as valuable opportunities for intellectual growth and innovation, compelling me to think critically, develop creative solutions, and continuously refine my research methodologies.

MH: In which upcoming conferences or events may our readers meet you?

JC: I am serving as the organizer and host of the Neuronics Conference 2025, which will be held from June 17 to June 20, 2025. Additionally, I will be presenting our recent progress on non-volatile photomemory at the 19th Pacific Polymer Conference, scheduled for July 5–10, 2025.

MH: How do you spend your spare time?

JC: In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and exploring the world from diverse perspectives alongside my children.

MH: Can you share one piece of career-related advice or wisdom with other early-career scientists?

JC: Curiosity is the most powerful driving force in a scientific career. Continuously asking “why” and finding joy in the process of discovery will sustain your passion and propel your progress in research.

---