Global Impact: MSE PhD Students Recognised Among Top Overseas Scholars
Four PhD students from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Materials Science and Engineering (NTU MSE) were recognised at the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad 2024, underscoring the School’s strength in cultivating world-class research talent. Among them, Year 3 PhD student Lin Baichen received the Extraordinary Prize (特别优秀奖) — a rare honour given to fewer than 20 top achievers worldwide each year, and the only such recipient in Singapore that year.
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Spotlight on the Extraordinary Prize
Jointly supervised by Professor Lam Yeng Ming and Adjunct Associate Professor Liu Huajun, Baichen’s research focuses on high-performance electromechanical coupling materials — materials that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. They are essential in technologies such as transducers, acoustic filters, sensors, and energy-harvesting systems.
His recent Nature paper, where he is first author, demonstrates a new approach to enhancing piezoelectric properties in thin films by introducing structural instability through ferroelectric–antiferroelectric phase competition. Using phase diagram analysis and theoretical calculations, the team confirmed the coexistence of two phases in sodium niobate, and — through strain engineering — successfully synthesised thin films exhibiting this coexistence. This method showed effective piezoelectric coefficients above 5,000 pm V−1, opening promising pathways for high-performance, thin-film next-generation piezoelectric materials over lead-based ceramic materials.
Baichen first became interested in his research area during his undergraduate studies, when he learned about the wide-ranging applications of functional oxide materials in electronics. His decision to pursue his PhD at NTU MSE was shaped by a desire for fresh perspectives and global connections.
I wanted to experience a different academic environment and connect with the global research community,” Baichen shared. “Singapore, as a hub for innovation and technology, provided an ideal environment to engage in meaningful research with real-world impact. NTU MSE stood out for its strong international reputation, cutting-edge research facilities, and dynamic, interdisciplinary culture.
Guided by expert mentorship, and through early literature review and discussions with his supervisors, his PhD journey led him to focus on electromechanical coupling materials — a direction sharpened by the rapid advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), such as sensors and acoustic filters in 5G communication.
A strong passion for academic research, an optimistic yet steady mindset, and the encouragement from my mentors, friends, and family have been incredibly important. Playing badminton since high school has kept me grounded, built resilience, and fostered friendships that have guided me personally and professionally.
Reflecting on his award, Baichen said:
It was both an unexpected honour and a great encouragement. It recognises not only the significance of the research, but also the invaluable guidance and collaboration I have received along the way. This inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.
Read the Nature paper → Ultrahigh electromechanical response from competing ferroic orders
