Tianshu Lan

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About

Tianshu Lan is a materials scientist whose research lies at the dynamic intersection of soft matter optics, 2D materials, and bioinspired photonics. Lan’s most celebrated contribution is the development of a transparent hydrogel with engineerable interference colours, a breakthrough that marries the structural properties of 2D materials with the flexibility of hydrogels. This work, published in 2022 and already garnering nearly 100 citations, introduces large, tunable optical anisotropy into traditionally isotropic hydrogels, unlocking birefringence-based functionalities for applications ranging from contact lenses and imperceptible soft robotics to invisible wearable devices. By embedding 2D material nanosheets within a hydrogel matrix, Lan created a platform where colour can be precisely engineered through mechanical deformation—a feat that bridges the gap between structural colour and soft actuation. This innovation not only expands the design space for smart optical materials but also offers a new paradigm for creating responsive, visually dynamic interfaces. Lan’s work is widely recognized for its elegance and practical potential, positioning them as a rising leader in the field of adaptive photonic materials.