Introduction to Blender for Scientific Concept Art: Modelling a COVID Test Kit

22 Aug 2025 01.00 PM - 03.00 PM LT2A - North Spine, 65 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637460 Current Students

Ever wondered how stunning scientific visuals are made? With Blender, you can turn raw data and concepts into captivating 3D imagery, even if you’ve never touched a 3D tool before.

Join us for a hands-on workshop on Friday, 22 August 2025, 1:00-3:00 PM, led by Dr Foo Yong Hwee, Senior Research Fellow at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), where you’ll discover how to model, light, and render your very own COVID test kit from scratch.

Registration

https://event.ntu.edu.sg/introduction-to-blender-for-scientific-concept-art

Abstract

Blender is a powerful, free, and open-source 3D creation software used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and virtual reality. While most creative software tools are like single-purpose kitchen appliances (one handles modelling, another animation), Blender is the full kitchen. It packs all the essential tools into one place, letting you model, animate, render, edit video, and more without ever leaving the workspace. 

In this session, we’ll explore Blender’s core tools and workflows, specifically geared toward scientific visualisation:

  1. Navigating the Blender interface
  2. Basic 3D modelling techniques
  3. Applying materials and textures
  4. Simple lighting and rendering setups.

Throughout the session, Yong Hwee will use a COVID-19 test kit as a model to demonstrate each concept. Whether you're completely new to 3D or just new to Blender, this session is designed to help you get comfortable exploring and using Blender.

Biography

Yong Hwee is not a trained 3D artist; rather, he is a senior research fellow with a PhD in fluorescence biophysics. His research focuses on bioimaging and fluorescence spectroscopy. He began learning Blender as a hobby during Singapore's COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period.

In late 2022, after joining IDMxS from SCELSE, he produced a scientific video for the institute's launch—his first major project applying his self-taught 3D skills. Over his three years at IDMxS, he created numerous 3D scientific illustrations and animations, bridging the gap between science and visual storytelling.

Yong Hwee has since returned to SCELSE as a senior research fellow. He manages SCELSE’s Advanced Biofilm Imaging Facility and is a member of the NTU Optical Bio-Imaging Centre (NOBIC), where he supports imaging projects across SCELSE.

Spaces are limited - register now to secure your spot!

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