Dr Xu obtained his BSc degree in Applied Chemistry at East China University of Science and Technology before completing his PhD within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Steven Bell. Following the completion of his PhD, Dr Xu was awarded the 2019 Kathleen Lonsdale Royal Irish Academy Prize, which is given in recognition of the most outstanding PhD research in chemical science on the Island of Ireland each year.

Dr Xu's research interests lie in the preparation and applications of plasmonic nanomaterials, particularly the preparation of hybrid materials containing plasmonic nanoparticle assemblies for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and catalysts, with this most recent award acting to support a new research project entitled "Directing Competitive Adsorption on Nanoparticles", which Dr Xu will lead.

Speaking of his Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, Dr Xu said:

"I am absolutely delighted and extremely excited to have this opportunity to return to CCE as an academic member to start my academic career. I am truly thankful to The Leverhulme Trust, QUB, my PhD supervisor Prof Steven Bell and the countless people that have supported me throughout the way."

Professor Steven Bell, Head of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Dr Xu's former PhD supervisor, commented:

"Fellowship programmes are a great way for the School to bring in young members of staff like Dr Xu who can invigorate us all with their enthusiasm and energy. I’m sure that Dr Xu will continue to make significant contributions not just to research, but more broadly to the life of the School in his new position."

The School wishes to congratulate Dr Xu on this fantastic achievement.