As the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) celebrates its 75th anniversary, we are excited to spotlight Dr Nicholas Ng, a distinguished alumnus whose career journey reflects the profound impact of his time at JCSMR. Now the Managing Director of Promega Corporation’s subsidiary in Singapore, Nicholas shares his story of balancing academic research and family life while pursuing his passion for understanding transcription activation through chromatin remodeling.

Nicholas embarked on his PhD studies at JCSMR in 1992 with a young family—his wife and their one-year-old son—in tow. Reflecting on the early days of his research journey, he describes it as a bold adventure into an exciting but unfamiliar field. His research focused on transcription activation through chromatin remodeling, an area that was relatively new at the time. Nicholas spent the first year and a half setting up and optimising experimental systems involving the assembly of nucleosome complexes and transcription factor binding, which laid the foundation for his later successes.

JCSMR was a natural choice for Nicholas, who was awarded the prestigious ANU PhD Scholarship and the Sir John Crawford Scholarship. Drawn by the school’s strong reputation in translational medical research, he was particularly interested in the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. He was fortunate to be accepted into Professor David Tremethick’s lab, where he found the guidance and mentorship that would shape his research career. “I was blessed to be accepted into Professor Tremethick’s lab,” Nicholas says, reflecting on his time under the mentorship of someone he continues to regard as a great friend and role model.

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Professor David Tremethick’s first lab group in the early 90s. Seated in front, right is Professor Tremethick, with Nicholas Ng standing behind him. (Image: JCSMR Archives)

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                                                                                                 Nicholas with his wife and son (Image: supplied).

One of Nicholas’s biggest challenges was finding the right balance between his PhD research and family life. His son was just a year old when they arrived in Canberra, and the years spent raising his son in a new country were both memorable and demanding. Nevertheless, he and his wife successfully managed both family and academic responsibilities. Nicholas credits much of his ability to succeed in this balancing act to the supportive environment at JCSMR and the leadership of Professor Tremethick. “I learned strong research and analytical thinking skills, which have been incredibly handy in the commercial world I’m in now,” he shares.

Nicholas’s hard work paid off with significant achievements. His research generated a wealth of original data, culminating in a publication in the prestigious EMBO Journal. He recalls the thrill of uncovering new aspects of transcription factor-chromatin remodeling interactions, which opened up new avenues of inquiry. The excitement of these breakthroughs, combined with the patience and precision required to optimize experimental systems, made his time at JCSMR both challenging and rewarding.

Beyond the academic accomplishments, Nicholas fondly remembers the camaraderie he shared with his fellow PhD students and lab mates. His time was spent conducting multiple experiments, often working late into the evenings, and developing strong bonds with colleagues from neighboring labs. “I made great friends with the security guards who often saw me in the hallways late at night,” he recalls, reflecting on the sense of community that characterized his time at JCSMR.

The analytical and critical thinking skills Nicholas developed during his time at JCSMR continue to influence his professional journey. After completing his PhD, he joined Promega Corporation, a leading US-based life sciences company. Over the past 28 years, he has risen to become the Managing Director of Promega’s Singapore subsidiary, where he oversees commercial operations and business development in regional Asia markets. His deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies, nurtured at JCSMR, has enabled him to effectively translate research needs into practical solutions in the biotechnology industry.

As JCSMR celebrates its 75th anniversary, Nicholas reflects with pride on his association with the institution. “JCSMR’s research culture and its people leave a lasting impact,” he says. “I still visit the JCSMR webpage to marvel at the contributions and achievements made by faculty researchers in immunology, cancer, genomics, and neuroscience.” His strong connection to his alma mater is evident, and he remains an enthusiastic advocate for the school’s continuing legacy of excellence.

Looking ahead, Nicholas offers advice to current and future students at JCSMR. “The experience at JCSMR will leave a strong impact on your motivation and aspirations,” he says. “In whatever you do next, you’ll have a strong desire to make a positive influence, and that drive comes from the vibrant and stimulating environment that JCSMR provides.”

Dr Nicholas Ng’s journey from JCSMR to his leadership role in biotechnology is a testament to the enduring value of a strong research foundation. His story showcases how JCSMR continues to inspire and equip its graduates for success, not only in academic circles but also in industries that shape the future of life sciences and biotechnology.