Meet the Grantee: Dr. Andy Tay
“Bioengineering immuno-stimulatory magnetotactic microrobots (MTBbots) for treating solid tumours”
Dr. Andy Tay from National University of Singapore is convinced that we need to do everything, “get all the 'crazy' ideas we have and try them” in order to fight cancer. This includes using immunogenic magnetic bacteria against cancer. During his Short Term Grant at the Chair of Microbiology of Prof. Dr. Dirk Schüler, Andy Tay was able to advance on this important research project … and he was marveled by the architecture of Bayreuth city center.
If you had to explain the research project of your Short Term Grant to the person you metin the elevator, how would you describe it?
Andy Tay: With Prof. Dr. Dirk Schuler, we are developing magnetotactic bacteria as immunogenic agents to activate the immuno-suppressed immune cells in solid tumours as a form of cancer therapy. We plan to test the various magnetotactic bacteria strains that the Schuler lab has engineered to test their ability to awaken the immune system and infiltrate into solid tumours.
Was there a special moment in your life that made you decide for your research focus?
AT: I think magnetic bacteria are really special microorganisms that have evolved to make use of the Earth's magnetic field for navigation. Wouldn't it be great if we can also exploit this unique ability of theirs to fight cancer?
What is in your opinion the future of your field? In what way can research in your fieldcontribute to meeting the urgent challenges of our time?
AT: Cancer is tough to treat because the cells evolve with treatment, leading to resistance and relapse. That's why we need to get all the 'crazy' ideas we have and try them. That include using immunogenic magnetic bacteria against cancer. Only with that, do we stand a chance against this aggressive disease.
What does international research mobility in today's world mean to you?
AT: With the Internet, a big question is whether scientists need to be mobile or we could simply connect virtually. In my humble opinion, whenever physical meeting is possible, we should try to embrace it. Human interactions are special and in person meetings have the ability to make bonds and collaboration stronger. That's why I really advocate for the initiatives like the short term grants to promote scientific exchanges.
What was your personal experience during your stay?
AT: I have been in Bayreuth before. It's a small and nice city. My favourite would be walking to the city center and be marveled by the architecture. Eremitage and the Opera house are a must visit too!
What were your expectations when you applied for the Grant?
AT: I wanted to be sure that we could collaborate and come up with a fruitful plan, and we achieved that. This is important because time is precious and resources are limited. As a recipient of the grant, I want to make sure that the collaboration with my host will start after the visit.
Andy Tay graduated in 2014 from NUS with a First-Class Honors in Biomedical Engineering. He later headed to the University of California, Los Angeles for his PhD studies and graduated in 2017 as the recipient of the Harry M Showman Commencement Award. Andy next received his postdoctoral training at Stanford University before heading to Imperial College London as an 1851 Royal Commission Brunel Research Fellow. He is currently a Presidential Young Professor in NUS.
Andy is a recipient of international awards including the Interstellar Initiative Early-Career Faculty Award, Christopher Hewitt Outstanding Young Investigator Award, Terasaki Young Innovator Award. He is listed as a 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 (US/Canada, Science), 2020 World Economic Forum Young Scientist and 2022/3 Top 2% Scientist in the World by Stanford University.