DrFangfang Chen

Dr Fangfang Chen is a computational materials scientist, specialising in the design of next-generation battery electrolytes. Based at Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), she leads a computational electrolyte design program that bridges fundamental molecular simulation with real-world battery performance, working at the interface of computational modelling, materials chemistry, and clean-energy technology.

Dr Chen’s research has delivered important insights into the molecular design and transport mechanisms of advanced battery electrolytes, with her work published as first or corresponding author in leading journals such as Nature Materials, Nature Communications, Energy & Environmental Science, Joule, and JACS. She is particularly recognised for her research on ionic liquids, poly(ionic liquid) electrolytes, and computationally guided electrolyte design. Her research has attracted substantial competitive funding, notably two ARC Discovery Projects (DP21 and DP24). She has also been recognised through selective national and international programs and fellowships, including an ARC Future Fellowship (FT26), a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Invitation Fellowship (2026), the veski inspiring women STEM side-by-side program for mid-career leaders (2023), and the APEC Inclusive Science Leadship Program (2022),

A defining feature of Dr Chen's work is integrating computational investigation with experimental studies and translating fundamental knowledge into real-world outcomes. She has led computational partnerships with several industry partners and built strong international collaborations across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her work has informed electrolyte design and battery pre-conditioning protocols that support next-generation battery development.