All smiles: Lai (left) and Zeichner at the event. – John Deehan Photography and the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee
BATTERIES are a vital component of modern life, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Cognisant of the growing transition to these options, Lai May Ching made battery development the primary focus of her PhD studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
A final-year student, the Malaccan was recently recognised for her research, winning the Bronze prize in the Chemistry category at STEM for BRITAIN 2025.
The scientific poster competition and exhibition, held at the UK Parliament on March 11, featured outstanding research being undertaken by early-career researchers at UK universities, with the aim of giving members of both Houses of Parliament insight into their work.
Presenting her research to politicians and expert judges, Lai highlighted how compressing battery materials affects their performance, using advanced three-dimensional (3D) imaging from electron microscopy, and artificial intelligence.
The research is part of her broader PhD work, which focuses on understanding how lithium-ion batteries degrade over time.
Using advanced electron microscopes, she examines battery materials at the nanoscale, studying particles tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair.
Her research reveals tiny structural changes and the formation of unwanted layers on battery components that reduce performance over time.
Lai, who was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to participate in the event, said advanced imaging techniques are essential for developing next-generation energy storage.
“As we transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy, understanding the internal structure of batteries at the microscopic scale will help us create more efficient and durable power solutions,” she explained.
Reflecting on her win, she said receiving the Bronze award was a “tremendous honour”.
“I am especially grateful to my parents and siblings for their support and inspiration, which motivated me to pursue a PhD. I would also like to thank my close friends for their constant encouragement – their support has made this journey even more fulfilling,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for her supervisor, Prof Caterina Ducati.
“Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my research journey,” she said.
Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner commended Lai on her achievement.
“May Ching’s success at the competition is a brilliant example of the cutting-edge research being carried out by talented young scientists in Cambridge.
“Her work in battery technology using electron microscopy is not only impressive but also important for the future of sustainable energy. I look forward to seeing where her contributions take her next,” he said in a recent press release.
Organised by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, the event, held annually since 1997, featured presentations from finalists in the Chemistry, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics categories.
Prizes were awarded to presenters in each discipline whose posters best communicated high-level science, engineering or mathematics to a lay audience.
