A Day in the Life of a Polymer Scientist in WA

REGISTER HERE (do not use the "register interest" link in the right panel)

Abstract

What does a polymer scientist actually do day to day, and how does that work end up helping industry in Western Australia?

This talk traces my journey from a largely fundamental chemistry background to working in applied, industry-facing research that is inherently multidisciplinary. Most real-world problems are not single-discipline problems and solving them often requires drawing on knowledge well beyond polymers alone.

Over time, my work has expanded to include elements of electrochemistry, electronic design, biology, and physics, all grounded in a core foundation in chemistry. Rather than presenting these areas in isolation, the seminar will focus on how they intersect in practice when addressing real industry problems.

Along the way, I’ll share examples of what works, what doesn’t, and the realities of doing industry-facing research, including practical constraints, unexpected challenges, and why interdisciplinary thinking matters. The aim is to give a realistic picture of how polymer science supports industry in WA, and to spark discussion around potential collaboration opportunities.

About the Presenter:

Dr Nicholas Tan Sheng Loong is a Research Associate at the Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, Australia. He completed his PhD in 2021 under the supervision of Professor Andrew B. Lowe, focusing on organorhodium-based initiators in the controlled polymerization of arylacetylenes.   This work led to publications in high-impact journals, including Angewandte Chemie.

Following his doctorate, he joined the Curtin Corrosion Centre in 2021 as a postdoctoral researcher under Professor Kod Pojtanabuntoeng. His postdoctoral work has included the development of stimuli-responsive polymers and ultra-low thermal conductivity materials, conducted in close collaboration with Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB).

Through industry-engaged research, his work has expanded across multiple disciplines, including polymer science, electrochemistry, materials characterisation, electronics, and food science. This multidisciplinary background underpins his approach to addressing complex, real-world engineering and materials challenges, such as advanced materials development, failure analysis, and the upcycling of food waste into functional materials.

His current research focuses on anti-fouling polymer coatings and their influence on localised electrochemical behaviour in service environments.