"SCI provides university students with opportunities to communicate with industrial scientists, which can broaden their vision and help them to get more chances for their career development."
My research focuses on total synthesis and drug discovery.
How did you first get involved with SCI?
I learned about SCI from my department’s newsletter and the concept of connecting academics and industries interests me.
What do you hope to gain from your involvement with SCI?
I hope to enhance my research career through participating in the training and events that are tailored toward early career researchers. I would also like to meet new friends and make connections with industries that would bring applicability to my research. As an ambassador, I would like to develop my skills in leadership, organising, and communication.
SCI aims to be ‘where science meets business’. What is the potential commercial application of your research?
My current research focuses on the total synthesis of natural product and its analogues. This natural product has the potential to enhance human cognition in normal conditions and to treat memory impairment in neurodegenerative diseases, making it a promising anti-dementia drug candidate. My research employs cytochrome P450 enzymes to catalyse the C-H hydroxylation reactions, which allow a more sustainable and shorter approach to the target compounds.
Why would you encourage your peers to join SCI?
I would strongly encourage my peers to join SCI in order to access all the opportunities and benefits being offered by this unique society. SCI has a range of bursaries and scholarships for students, and also a platform to connect communities inside and outside of academia.
Yi Ni Ong
University of Oxford – Department of Chemistry
