Shawn Tan Pei Feng National Science Scholarship (PhD)
Shawn Tan Pei Feng, National Science Scholarship (PhD) Receipent
A Researcher’s Homecoming: On Life Abroad and Returning to A*STAR The Profound Influence of Mentorship
Shawn's fascination with drug development began during his undergraduate studies, when a final year project led by Dr James Chan at A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*STAR SRL) caught his eye. This project became the catalyst that ignited Shawn's passion for pharmacokinetics – the study of how and to what extent drugs are absorbed and subsequently removed from the body.
Typically, clinical trials are performed to understand drug pharmacokinetics. However, clinical studies can't always be conducted with certain patients like chronic kidney disease patients or children. Pharmacokinetic modelling allows us to anticipate if a drug treatment will be effective or would lead to undesirable side effects in patients where clinical trials are not possible.
At the time, pharmacokinetic modelling was still a niche in Singapore. However, during his attachment at Dr Chan’s lab, Shawn was able to immerse himself in the complexities of pharmacokinetics, exploring how computational modelling and simulation could one day replace clinical trials, saving not just time but invaluable resources.
“Having the right mentor is super important. I’ve been lucky so far,” Shawn admits. Recognising Shawn's potential, Dr Chan had strongly encouraged Shawn to apply for the National Science Scholarship (PhD) and study abroad. "I give him a lot of credit for where I am today," Shawn adds, acknowledging the lasting impact of Dr Chan's mentorship.
The scholarship offered Shawn the opportunity to move across continents to pursue his passion. He chose the University of Manchester, a decision influenced by the institution’s reputation as a cradle for pharmacokinetics. Though his move coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, A*STAR remained dedicated to supporting its scholars. During the move, the A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA) offered financial coverage for any inconveniences or administrative tasks to ease the transition for Shawn and his wife, including covid-19 testing and quarantine expenses.
Manchester offered not only a rich academic environment for Shawn's chosen field but also a different approach to work and research. “There’s less focus on academic grades and more on learning,” he muses, appreciating the open-mindedness of his PhD supervisors, particularly Professor Aleksandra Galetin, whose mentorship has provided Shawn with both vision and space.
"I was fortunate to have her as my PhD supervisor,” he notes, reflecting on the delicate balance she struck between guiding him and allowing the intellectual freedom to grow. Under Professor Galetin’s supervision, he not only developed his research but also gained valuable insights into the pharmaceutical industry, learning to navigate the complexities of translating academic findings into commercial realities. This would lead him to publish multiple papers and win the Hartmut Derendorf Young Scientist Award - a prestigious scientific accolade previously awarded only to senior scientists and academics, up until his nomination.
Shawn’s journey is also marked by personal milestones. The birth of his daughter in January added a new dimension to his journey, one that was met with remarkable support, both from his supervisors and A*STAR. When Shawn shared the news of his wife’s pregnancy with Professor Galetin, he had braced himself for apprehension. Instead, he was met with nothing but congratulations and reassurances. “She gave me the flexibility I needed to work from home as much as I needed,” he recalls - his relief and gratitude still apparent even a year after.
A*STAR’s support network also played a big role in this chapter of Shawn’s life. From financial support to practical advice, the much-needed assistance allowed Shawn to focus not only on his research but also on the life he was building outside the lab.
Now, after four years of study abroad, Shawn prepares to return to Singapore at the end of 2024 to join the Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC). “I do miss home,” he confesses, eager to bring back the wealth of knowledge and experience gained from his time overseas.
His excitement lies not only in applying the cutting-edge research he has undertaken but also in contributing to A*STAR’s broader mission of advancing scientific discovery. As he returns full circle, stepping back into the ecosystem that nurtured his early interest, he knows the journey ahead is just as promising as the one he has left behind.
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FAQs /scholarships/home/faqs
Do I need to have prior research experience?
While having prior research experience helps to boost your application, it is not mandatory. A*STAR will make a holistic assessment of each application and take into consideration other factors such your achievements in science/maths related competitions and CCAs.
What are the allowances like for the A*STAR scholarships?
During the PhD studies, A*STAR scholars receive competitive monthly allowance besides full sponsorship of the tuition fees. Please refer to the coverage section of the respective scholarship pages for further details.
My examination results are not available yet. Can I apply for the scholarship?
Can a non-Singaporean apply for the scholarship?
Yes. However, you will be required to apply for Singapore Citizenship if you are awarded the scholarship. Non-Singaporean males are required to serve National Service prior to the commencement of undergraduate studies.
Do I need to secure a place at an overseas university before applying for the scholarship?
Please note that you should only accept a university offer after obtaining A*STAR’s approval for your choice of university and course of study.
What qualities does A*STAR look for in a scholar?
In addition to academic excellence and a passion in science, we are looking for people who are committed to a research or research-related career in Singapore. A*STAR is making a significant investment in each scholar and the aim is for every scholar to be part of Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem.
Do I need to serve a bond?
For overseas scholarships students will have to serve a bond from 2-6 years.