From Breaking to Making Rules: A Vision for Materials Science by Prof. Bharat Jalan

CEMS Professor Bharat Jalan recently authored his first editorial in his new role as Deputy Editor at Science Advances.

In his editorial, titled, “From breaking rules to making rules in materials science,” Jalan traces his path from growing up around molten iron in India to pioneering new ways of “programming matter” through advanced synthesis techniques. He discusses how innovation in synthesis science enables researchers to move beyond traditional thermodynamic limits, stabilizing “impossible” materials and creating entirely new bonding and structures.

Jalan writes that “the cleanest crystals often emerge through the messiest routes,” capturing the spirit of discovery that thrives on discomfort with the known. His editorial calls for embracing creativity and curiosity to redefine how scientists make, rather than just follow, the rules of materials discovery.

Read the full editorial on Science Advances website.