An application to YRP

You can download the application form (its a word document) from the YRP website and type in your answers.

Besides listing all your contact information, CAPs, and other CCAs, you'll be asked to write two short descriptions about your research experiences and your area of interest at YRP. This is a sample of what I wrote at the beginning of 2009, when I was in year 6. My attachment was in June that year but later extended to July.

List any prior experience you have in scientific research:

In 2007, I did a project under the Science Mentorship program (SMP) entitled Synthesis of Novel N-Heterocyclic and Fluorene-consisting Small Molecules as Fluorescent Probes. Insert abstract here. My team member and I presented a poster at the SMP opening ceremony.

In 2008, I did another project under the Science Research Program and the NUS Bioengineering division. The project was entitled Design and Fabrication of Microfludic devices and optimization of separation of two different beads in the detection area. Insert abstract here.

Write a short essay on what you understand by scientific research and which area of research (those offered by IBN) you are most interested in and why.

Scientific research should be used either to improve the lives of Man or to expand our knowledge. From what my projects have shown me, it may take months or even before any fruitful results manifest themselves. Sometimes, projects simply fail because they were not meant to be in the first place, such as the Michelson-Morley experiment on luminiferous aether. I believe some of the traits a good researcher must have are persistence, enthusiasm, stubbornness in face of what may seem like a worthless project, patience, and a willingness to go the extra mile. The study of anything has never been easy, but to plunge into the unknown is much harder, but also much more challenging and rewarding to the scientist, and hopefully mankind as well.

Cell and Tissue Engineering is one area I am keen to take up. Recently, there has been a lot of fanfare about shortage of kidney donors in Singapore, due to the debate about whether kidney donors should be offered financial compensation in a bid to increase the pool of donors. I found it very sad that many had to wait at least nine years for a kidney, and even more were struck off the list if they got too ill or old. This is one field I am considering for my future career as I hope to contribute to the development of man made organs and tissues to make life much easier for kidney patients and other patients on the waiting list for an organ which they may never receive.

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There will be two rounds of interviews. First round will be about your research interest, why you want to participate, and the like. Second round will usually be with the YRP Chair. In both cases, be prepared to talk about yourself, your school life, interesting activities you have participated in, and your rationale for choosing your area of interest. Usually, the YRP officers work quite fast after you've been offered an interview. From what I can tell, attachments are offered to decent number of applicants. Participants are expected to do a short presentation on their findings before their attachment terminates.