As a researcher in drug delivery, my goal is to curate novel therapeutic options for patients and thereby improve the quality of life. By joining the Forum, I hope to have the opportunity to interact with Shaw laureates, leading academics and fellow young scientists with the same common goals, which will not only inspire new research ideas in me but also foster potential collaboration opportunities. I am particularly interested in learning not only about the research but also the academic journey of Shaw laureates and leading academics, which will guide me in my future academic career planning. I also hope to present my research to a wider audience outside of my specialty to gain feedback, explore exciting collaboration possibilities, and promote the field of drug delivery.

My research interests are centred around the pulmonary delivery of drug (small molecule/biologics)-loaded nanoparticles via inhalation (nebulization or dry powder inhalation), where the merits of nanotechnology and inhaled drug delivery are synergistically combined to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases. I particularly am interested in applying rational engineering approaches, such as Design of Experiments and process analytical technology, to strength process control and manufacturing scale-up of inhalable nanoparticle-based formulations. With the US FDA no longer requiring animal studies prior to clinical trials and the advocacy of the 3R (replacement, reduction, and refinement) principles, I am also interested in developing novel non-animal-based approaches to evaluate efficacy of
inhalable therapeutics by utilizing various in vitro and ex vivo models such as precision cut lung slices and organoids, paving a new regulatory pathway for inhalable therapeutics. My ultimate goal is to play a role in accelerating the development of inhaled therapeutics, not only benefiting patients with respiratory diseases with novel therapeutic options and improving their quality-of-life but also drive advancements in regulatory science of inhalable therapeutics.