ONE is not born knowing everything but born to learn everything. Confessing herself to be an instrument of science, Dr Chan Yean Yean has subscribed to this motto for as long as she can remember.
Coupled with her passion for science, it was befitting that Chan won the 2009 Unesco-L’Oréal For Women In Science (FWIS) International Fellowships Award recently.
Chan, 32, was one of 15 researchers worldwide to receive the award at a ceremony held in Paris last month. The annual Unesco–L’Oréal FWIS programme was established in 1998 to recognise the contribution of women scientists to society.
It is divided into three levels: the prestigious Laureates Award, which recognises five exceptional women scientists every year; the International Fellowships Award; and the National Fellowships Award.
The International Fellowships are granted to promising young women researchers in life sciences at the doctoral or post-doctoral level to allow them to pursue research at an institution abroad. Each researcher is awarded up to US$40,000 (RM142,000) over two years to help finance her research.
Chan is the third Malaysian to receive the award so far after Dr Suraini Abdul Aziz (2001) and Dr Nyon Mun Peak (2006). Suraini is associate professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia while Nyon is pursuing her post-doctoral research at Birkbeck College, University of London, in Britain.
Kelantan-born Chan holds a PhD in medical microbiology from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), specialising in the development of biosensors for molecular diagnosis of infectious disease.
“My research focuses on the emerging field of electrochemical DNA biosensors to make diagnosis cheaper, faster and safer.
“It will result in rapid and accurate detection of infections which will lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies,” said Chan via e-mail.
The new method of detection combines nanotechnology, electrochemistry and molecular medicine.
“With this technology platform, I will be able to develop a cheaper, faster and safer portable DNA biosensor system both for point-of-care diagnosis and community use.
“(This system) greatly reduces testing time and simplifies the protocol to facilitate quick preventive action, diagnosis and treatment,” said Chan, who’s currently in Australia pursuing research at her host institution, School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Winning the FWIS award serves as a career boost to Chan, who also holds a degree in forensic science from USM.
“As a young scientist, I think such programmes are imperative to encourage women to pursue their careers.
“This programme not only recognises future talents of young women scientists, but provides the means to enhance their knowledge and expertise,” said Chan, whose late father was a car mechanic and mother, a housewife.
A career in science was an obvious choice for Chan.
“I enjoy learning new things, which is one of the criteria of a researcher. Apart from my passion for research, I am motivated by a desire to improve the well-being of humanity and hope that my knowledge will benefit future generations,” said Chan, who aims to invent and develop innovative diagnostic and surveillance tests to improve world health.
Chan credits two former professors at USM as her role models in life.
“My former supervisors Prof M. Ravichandran and his wife, Prof P. Lalitha inspired me to become a good scientist because of their passion for research, desire for knowledge and never-ending encouragement to the students.”
As much as success is sweet in the time-consuming field of research, errors and failures also abound.
However, Chan applies a positive and practical attitude in such situations.
“I always take a step back and look at the problem from afar. I tell myself to take a rest, study the problem and start again with new insight,” she added.
Planning is pivotal in her line of work, advice that she readily offers to younger researchers.
“Plan before you work and work on what you have planned. Believe that you can do it,” said Chan, who likes to travel and watches movies to relax.
The 2009 National Fellowships Award is now open for application. Women under 35, currently pursuing their doctoral studies or PhD holders in the field of material sciences, are invited to apply. Send in applications to the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco by July 31. Details and forms can be obtained from loreal.com.my
-The Star/ANN
