The team is led by Professor Zhanfeng Cui FREng and Professor Wei Huang of the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR). Yejiong Yu is a graduate of Environmental Engineering. After graduating from UNNC in 2016, Yejiong chose to embark on his research career as a PhD candidate in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford and studied under the guidance of Professor Cui. 

At the early stages of the pandemic, Yejiong and his research team members began working on a speedy test to identify carriers of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Because Yejiong’s doctoral research has focused on storing and transporting biological products at room temperature or even higher, within a short period, they developed a test kit that can be stored and supplied without being refrigerated, and can provide a result within 30 minutes. 

This means the test kit is more economical and readily deployable in quantity and could be used with huge benefits in developing countries and even in communities in the developed world.  

The first product, Oxsed RaViD Direct, has received CE certification and is now commercially available. Yejiong was also invited to serve as a technical consultant to the manufacturer and participate in rolling out the product to meet the massive need around the globe.  

When speaking of his undergraduate study, Yejiong recalled that he appreciated the experience of applying knowledge to solve practical problems through various activities like Engineering Week and practical lab sessions.  

“The study experience at UNNC equipped me with cutting-edge knowledge as well as transferable skills,” he said. “More importantly, I had numerous opportunities to explore my interests. I soon figured out my passion and applied early for a PhD programme.”  

This year, Yejiong will complete his doctoral dissertation and he wishes to seek further development in research. As for suggestions for UNNC students, he encourages everyone to find their real passion and turn it into a reality with hard work.