In a significant moment for the photonics and optical science community, Professor Xiaocong Zhang, a towering figure in the discipline, has announced his departure as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious journal Light: Science & Applications. This farewell marks the end of an influential tenure during which Zhang has not only steered the journal to new heights but has also shaped the direction of research and discourse within the expanding field of light-based science. His unique vision and dedication have profoundly impacted how emerging technologies in photonics are communicated and developed internationally.
Zhang’s editorial leadership began at a time when the field of photonics was undergoing rapid transformation, driven by breakthroughs in laser technology, quantum optics, and integrated photonic devices. Over the years, Light: Science & Applications under his co-editorship evolved from a promising publication into one of the most respected journals, recognized for presenting cutting-edge research that bridges fundamental science with practical applications. This transition required not only a deep understanding of the science but also the foresight to identify and nurture pioneering studies that defined the future of light-based technologies.
One of Zhang’s signature contributions to the journal was balancing theoretical advancements with experimental demonstrations. He understood that the vibrancy of photonics depends on a symbiotic relationship between conceptual innovation and technological realization. For example, studies on novel light-matter interaction regimes and advancements in ultrafast laser systems frequently found their home in the journal, showcasing breakthroughs that paved the way for revolutionary communication systems, medical imaging tools, and environmental sensing technologies.
During his tenure, Zhang also championed interdisciplinary approaches, recognizing that the future of optical science lies at the crossroads of physics, materials science, biology, and engineering. He actively sought contributions that embraced this diversity, encouraging authors to explore hybrid systems such as biophotonics devices and photonic quantum networks. This strategic editorial direction not only expanded the journal’s scope but also magnified its relevance across different scientific communities, a reflection of the increasingly interconnected nature of contemporary scientific inquiry.
Moreover, Zhang was instrumental in integrating emerging trends such as machine learning and computational imaging into the journal’s repertoire. He foresaw the transformative potential that artificial intelligence could have when used in tandem with optical data acquisition and processing. This insight attracted groundbreaking papers on AI-augmented microscopy, predictive modeling of light propagation, and data-driven photonic design, pushing the frontiers of optics research into new computational dimensions.
A hallmark of Zhang’s editorship was an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor and transparency. He implemented robust peer-review protocols and advocated for open data policies, ensuring that research published under his watch was not only innovative but also reproducible and accessible. These ethical standards have helped cement Light: Science & Applications as a trustworthy platform where the integrity of published work is a prerequisite, thereby enhancing its credibility and impact worldwide.
The editorial farewell also highlights the tremendous advancements in ultrafast optics and nonlinear photonics, areas that Zhang avidly supported. These domains have witnessed groundbreaking developments in pulse shaping, frequency comb generation, and light manipulation at the nanoscale, which were prominently featured in the journal. Zhang’s discerning eye recognized the importance of these advances in enabling technologies such as high-resolution spectroscopy, quantum information processing, and precision metrology, fueling robust academic and industrial interest.
Furthermore, Zhang’s leadership coincided with the growing emphasis on sustainability in photonics research. He actively encouraged submissions focused on energy-efficient light sources, environmentally benign fabrication methods, and photonic solutions for green technologies. This emphasis resonates profoundly in today’s context, where the scientific community is increasingly tasked with addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity through innovative light-based technologies.
Throughout his co-editorship, Zhang fostered a supportive environment for young researchers and early-career scientists. He championed initiatives for mentorship, invited commentaries, and special issues dedicated to emerging talents. This dedication to nurturing the next generation of optical scientists ensured that fresh perspectives and novel ideas continued to invigorate the journal, sustaining its role as an incubator for future breakthroughs.
Zhang’s departure comes at a time when the field anticipates major transitions with the advent of quantum-enabled photonics, integrated photonic circuits, and ultrahigh-capacity optical communication networks. His tenure provided foundational insights that equipped the research community to tackle these emerging challenges with renewed vigor. The editorial standards and scientific breadth he established will undoubtedly serve as a critical legacy guiding Light: Science & Applications into its next chapter.
As the photonics community bids farewell to his leadership, there is a shared recognition of Zhang’s role in fostering international collaborations and cross-pollination of ideas within the journal’s pages. By broadening the geographic and disciplinary diversity of contributions, he helped build a global network of researchers unified by a common pursuit of understanding and harnessing light. This connectivity is pivotal in accelerating innovation, especially in a field as rapidly evolving as photonics.
Zhang’s editorial philosophy also emphasized the importance of balancing fundamental research with translational potential. He nurtured a publishing culture where studies elucidating new physical phenomena stood side by side with those demonstrating practical device implementations. This equilibrium has played a crucial role in aligning academic inquiry with industrial applications, bridging the gap that often slows the transfer of laboratory discoveries into real-world technologies.
In reflecting on his editorial journey, Zhang highlighted the evolving nature of scientific publishing itself. He embraced digital transformation, encouraging multimedia integration and interactive content to enhance knowledge dissemination and reader engagement. His proactive approach to embracing new publishing paradigms, including preprints and open access initiatives, underscored his vision of democratizing scientific information while maintaining stringent quality controls.
The farewell message is more than a personal departure; it is a thoughtful culmination of years of dedication to advancing the science of light through scholarly excellence and visionary stewardship. Zhang’s influence resonates deeply not just in the pages of the journal, but in the broader fabric of photonics research worldwide. His legacy will inspire future editorial teams as they continue to shape the narrative of light science in an increasingly complex and dynamic research landscape.
Looking ahead, the journal is poised to build upon this strong foundation by continuing to publish transformative research at the intersection of optics and emerging interdisciplinary sciences. The community eagerly anticipates how Light: Science & Applications will navigate the coming era, one that promises unprecedented convergence of photonics with quantum technologies, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence. Zhang’s tenure eloquently closed this chapter while igniting hopes for a vibrant and innovative future.
In conclusion, Professor Xiaocong Zhang’s farewell as Co-Editor-in-Chief symbolizes a pivotal moment of transition within the global photonics community. His visionary leadership, commitment to scientific integrity, and advocacy for multidisciplinary collaboration have significantly shaped the landscape of light science publishing. The impacts of his work will undoubtedly endure, catalyzing continued advancements in one of the most exciting and rapidly developing fields of contemporary science.
Article References:
Zhang, XC. A farewell to Co-Editor-in-Chief (Nov. 14, 2025). Light Sci Appl 14, 390 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-025-02129-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-025-02129-w
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