From embryonic development to organic electronics to sustainable chemical reactions, the three winners of L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Singapore 2023 discuss their work, their experiences as women in STEM, and why we need more girls in the lab
The areas of research and trailblazing work of these three pioneering women scientists from Singapore may have little in common.
Dr Xue Shifeng, who hails from the National University of Singapore, is on a mission to prevent birth defects. She studies the genetic mutations that affect human embryo development and her discoveries include identifying gene mutations leading to babies being born without a nose.
Dr Leow Wan Ru, from A*STAR’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy, and Environment (ISCE2) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has carried out pioneering work that allows for the production of ethylene oxide, used widely in the plastics industry, to be powered by renewable electricity with no carbon emissions.
While Dr Le Yang, Group Leader and Principal Scientist at A*STAR, is focused on organic and flexible electronics, developing energy-efficient devices and accessible health metrics to contribute to a more sustainable and user-centric future.
But the three scientists were all celebrated for their trailblazing work at the forefront of science at the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2023 ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last November, each receiving S$10,000 to advance their research.
The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in the field of science and shine a light on pioneering women whose work is having significant positive impact with the hope of encouraging more women and girls to pursue studies and careers in science and further the field because, as Tomas Hruska, Managing Director of L’Oréal Singapore said, "the world needs science, and science needs women".
Here, the winners discuss their passion for science, the importance of their work, their personal experiences of the gender gap and why they want to see more women and girls in the lab.
Dr Xue Shifeng
Where did your interest in science stem from and what made you want to pursue it as a career?
My interest in molecular biology started in high school when we learned about molecular tools that can edit DNA. It feels magical to me that we can make changes to the code of life.
What I find most fascinating about science is that when there's something you don't know, you can design experiments to find the answers. You may be the first in the world to discover the answer.
What appealed to you about your particular area of research and why is your work important?
I became particularly interested in embryonic development during university, after taking a lab class where I observed the development of fish and frog embryos from eggs. It felt like witnessing the beginning of life. I was struck by how every embryo developed in a similar way.
I wanted to understand what guides cells to their destinations and determines their roles. After working with animals for a few years, I shifted my focus to human development and now study human congenital disorders. Every parent wants a healthy baby. My research aims to understand how genes are turned on and off during development to make a healthy baby and what happens when the process goes wrong.
For me, a significant achievement has been the identification of genetic mutations causing individuals to be born without a nose, a condition known as Bosma Arhinia Microphthalmia Syndrome (BAMS). The gene that is involved happens to control how many other genes are turned on or off. This discovery has provided a profound understanding of the gene's role in early embryonic development and brought insight into how the human nose is formed.
We continue to work with clinicians on other congenital disorders to identify their genetic basis. This gives us a rare opportunity to study the function of genes in humans. For patients, this simplifies and facilitates their diagnosis, putting an end to their sometimes years-long diagnostic odysseys. This can enable doctors to work more effectively in treating their patients, particularly in cases involving never-seen-before conditions. This knowledge can also enable early identification of potential deformities in the baby during pregnancy, offering parents and doctors the necessary time for treatment if available.
L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science aims to help bridge the gender gap for women in science—how have you experienced the gender gap as a woman in science?
A common deterrence for women [to pursue science] is that being a scientist is not compatible with having a family. For me, having a child is life-changing in more ways than one. It definitely changed when and how I work. Now I have much better time management and separation of work and life. It helps to have institutional and family support. Therefore I think having a family can go in parallel with the demands of doing science.
My mother worked as an engineer while I was growing up. She introduced me to solving problems with science and engineering. She also showed me that it’s possible to have a successful career and raise a family.
Why is it important to encourage women and girls to pursue science and what advice do you have for the next generation?
Science is not just for the elite few. We need a diversity of ideas and experiences. The best ideas may not come from the most senior or male person in the room.
[To young women or girls considering a career in science, I would say,] Do it! Science needs enthusiastic people. Look out for platforms such as the L’Oréal For Women In Science programmes. These are great platforms to be heard and can provide access to networks. Having mentors and sponsors who can help promote you is extremely helpful. For young women exploring career options, do internships in laboratories to get a feel for whether this is something you enjoy–it also gives you experience and looks good on your resume.
