YJ Group
Our research group investigates the design, processing, and mechanics of advanced biomaterials, spanning both synthetic and biological systems. We aim to uncover the fundamental principles governing large deformations and self-healing behaviors, while translating these insights into practical engineering solutions, such as soft machines, artificial muscles, biohybrid robots, and biomedical devices.
Our specific research interests
Processing of bio-based and bioinspired materials
- Natural materials
- Biodegradable materials
- Self-healing materials
- 3D printing
01
Mechanical behavior of materials
- Gels and non-Newtonian fluids
- Elastomers
- Living tissues
02
Smart and functional materials
- Self-healing
- Stimuli responsive materials
- Self-powered systems
03
Design and build adaptable machines and robots
- Soft robots
- Ecobots
- Biohybrid robots
04
Coming soon! Stay tuned!
Photos
SRP students winning Bronze @ SSEF 2026
Congratulations to Phoebe and Rishika on winning a Bronze at SSEF! Their mentor is Amanda Tan. Good job!
Congratulations Dr. Eddy Pang Yi Ler
Warm congratulations to Eddy on completing and defending his thesis! Kudos!
Pengyu receives Best Poster Award MRS
So proud of my PhD student, Pengyu Chen, for receiving the Best Poster Award at MRS Fall 2025 in Boston. Congratulations!
Congrats Dr. Chen Pengyu
Congratulations to Pengyu on successfully defending his thesis! Well done!
New paper published in Advanced Science
Congratulations to Xin Ying, Xiaolu, Eddy, and the team on our open-access publication in Advanced Science! This marks our first paper on bio-based materials — stay tuned for more exciting developments to come.
Science, She says! award
Super excited to receive the Science, She says! award from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at Naples, Italy. Proud to represent women in science, and I hope this inspires more young women to dream big and shape a more sustainable future.
SRP students winning multiple awards
Congratulations to Hilda, Linn-I and Jin Yuan (HCI) for the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award 2025! A total of 518 entries were submitted and only 37 were awarded. They have also won an SSEF gold award.
Congratulations to Ethan and Cheng Sheng (HCI) for a silver and a healthcare special award at SSEF.
SRP students winning Gold award
Congratulations to David, Timothy and Joel (ACS Independent) for the Gold award at the 26th International Elementz Fair. Only 32 Gold were selected among the 210 teams.
Eddy Pang receives Best Poster Award
Huge congratulations to my PhD student, Eddy pang, for winning the Best Poster Award at ICMAT 2025! Special thanks to our co-chairs and speakers of Symposium R at ICMAT 2025 for the successful conference.
Paper published in Advanced Materials
Congratulations to Xiaolu, Shaohua, and the team on our latest open-access publication in Advanced Materials. The paper has also been featured on the back cover.
New paper in npj robotics
Congrats to Jinrun and team on our new paper in npj Robotics! We show how shape memory polymers can drive untethered robots with light and heat — now with precise control using wide-beam light and our PTM model. No lasers needed!
10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Thanks to NUS News for featuring our group on the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Honoured to be part of this year’s theme — “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.”
New paper in Science Advances
I’m excited to share the publication of our recent paper in Science Advances! In this work, we introduce a novel material: a transparent, conductive, self-healing magnetic rubber. Good job, Zhang Xuan and team!
Zhang Xuan won Best Poster Award MRS
My postdoc, Zhang Xuan, won the Best Poster Award at MRS Fall 2024 at Boston! So proud of her!
News and media
2026 From Kombucha fermentation to green electronics – Advanced Science news
2025 Turning kombucha waste into sustainable electronics – CDE news
2025 Superhero material could reshape future tech – CDE news
2025 Marvel-ous science: The self-healing material that could change tech – MEDICUS
2025 Designing Soft Magnetic Materials for Soft Robotics and Wearables – NUS research features
2025 Inspiring women in STEM: Innovators, scientists, and role models shaping the future – NUS News ; NUS Facebook; NUS Linkedin; NUS X (Twitter); NUS Research X; NUS Instagram)
2023 Intelligent and Sustainable Materials for Soft Robotics – NUS research features
Awards
2025 Science, She Says! – link
2021 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific (TR35 – Pioneers) – link
2021 A*STAR AME YIRG
2021 MRS Postdoctoral Award – link
2020 IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award
2019 Best Poster Award International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) 2019
2018 Best Poster Award Advanced Materials Symposium Singapore (AM30): Advanced Emerging Soft Materials
2018 Best Poster Award 8th Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) Conference on Advanced Materials
2016 Best Paper Award 2nd International Conference on Progress in Additive Manufacturing
2014 Best Creative Part Award Electron Beam Melting (EBM) User Group Meeting 2014, Sweden
Team leader to a team of 5 in 3D printing of an Orchid jewellery using EBM (materials: Ti6Al4V)
2013 Commendation Prize (Fashion) Singapore International Fashion 3D Printing Competitions
Team leader to a team of 7 in 3D printing of a wearable fashion using FDM and Polyjet techniques
2013 FMC Technologies Book Prize (Academic Year 2012/2013) – Highest aggregate mark in “Materials Engineering”
2012 IA Book Prize (Academic Year 2011/2012) – Commendable overall performance in IA
