Daniel TAN (Research fellowship)

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Exchange to University of Queensland, Australia

Chemistry is a fascinating subject because it’s the study of how non-living things burst into life by reacting with each other. Chemistry has many applications in life, including drug design. My home country Malaysia is a developing country which is still lagging behind Australia in the field of Chemistry. I’m extremely grateful to be granted the 2011 Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship. The fellowship enabled me to spend a 5.5 month research programme at the University of Queensland (UQ).

With its experienced academicians, helpful staff and well-equipped laboratories, UQ has indeed exposed me to the latest research methods in drug design. I successfully tested out a chemical reaction which gave product yields of above 95% at UQ. The method is currently used by my UQ colleagues. Moreover, the progressive research environment at UQ has also taught me how to work smartly and efficiently. It is little wonder that UQ was ranked the top 26th life sciences university in the world by the 2011-2012 Times Higher Education ranking (http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2011-2012/life-sciences.html).

During my programme, I met many interesting people from different countries. Victoria, my friendly lab mate hails from the exotic Reunion Island. I also met many warm and hospitable Australians like Steve who enjoys outdoor activities. I was given a taste of this exciting activity when he brought me on a hiking trip to Mt. Tibrogargan. Mt. Tibro is one of the famous Glass House Mountains in South East Queensland. The trip gave me a greater appreciation for nature.

I hope that more students from developing nations will be given such great opportunities like this.

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