Fighting African swine fever and inspiring future scientists

Today on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, meet Dr Priscilla Tng, a BBSRC Discovery Fellow at The Pirbright Institute.

Priscilla works on African swine fever virus (ASFV), a devastating disease affecting pigs and wild boar, with no internationally licensed vaccines or treatments. Priscilla is uncovering how pig immune cells respond to the virus, paving the way for next-generation ASF vaccines. Her work is vital for protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring healthier, happier pigs worldwide.

From studying the nervous system of fruit flies to combat trauma in Singapore, Priscilla’s career journey has been anything but ordinary.

In this interview, she shares her path to ASF research, challenges and advice for women in STEM.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

"I enjoyed my science lessons in school, especially the practical experiments in the laboratory.

Whilst I was in college, I approached several university professors to volunteer in their laboratories. I was fortunate to intern at the Tropical Marine Science Institute, Singapore, where I investigated the diets of blennoid fish.

This and other research internships, such as exploring the complex nervous system of fruit flies and the surface structures of North Sea plankton, convinced me that I wanted to build my career in research. I was drawn by the challenge of investigating complex problems and the potential to contribute to solutions for real-world problems."

How did you get into your role?

"I have taken a rather unconventional and somewhat ‘squiggly’ path to ASF research.

I started off working in combat trauma research within the defence industry in Singapore. After a family relocation to the UK, I shifted my focus to synthetic biology, where I worked on engineering transgenic mosquitoes that could reduce disease transmission.

Through this experience, I developed an interest in virus-host interactions, which led me to join the ASF Vaccinology group at Pirbright. It was during this time that I identified research gaps that needed to be addressed to advance ASF vaccine development. These insights inspired me to apply for a fellowship."

Did you have any role models or mentors who influenced your journey?

"I’ve had the privilege of receiving strong guidance throughout my education and career. Many inspiring team members, group leaders, friends and family have helped guide and motivate me and I believe it is the collective influence of everyone who has been part of my journey.

Each person, in their own way, has contributed meaningfully, and my path is the culmination of all their efforts."

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in science?

"As a mother, I would say that balancing research work with family life has been an ongoing challenge. I have been fortunate to have strong family support and understanding line managers.

Early in my career, the stability of permanent roles in industry made it easier for me to manage family life with young children. In contrast, the early stages of academia can be more stressful due to the uncertainty of contract-based roles, which is one of the reasons I made the transition only when my children were older.

Furthermore, securing continued employment in academia is a challenge, so I took the initiative to apply for my own funding. It is, however, important to recognise that funding challenges affect all early career researchers in academia.”

What achievement in your career are you most proud of?

"I think the real accomplishment is my journey itself. Science is full of challenges and uncertainties, and the ability to keep moving forward despite setbacks is something I think everyone in this field should be proud of."

What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career?

"The best advice I have received would be to ask for help when needed. There are many people who are willing to help, but we, as individuals, need to be confident and unafraid to ask for it.

Asking for help can not only support us in times of need, but also open new opportunities. I find that this advice has been invaluable in my career."

What advice would you give to girls and young women interested in science?

"My advice is to take the initiative and look for opportunities to explore whether this path is right for you.

Do not be afraid to approach research groups and volunteer for projects or internships to gain research experience. Be curious, eager to learn, try new things and embrace challenges. If you're interested in pursing science, be proactive in asking for support and guidance to help reach your goals.

You do not know what the outcome will be unless you try."

What do you think can be done to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM?

"I believe early exposure to STEM careers is key to encourage more women to consider these as potential career paths. Many students lack access to practical experiences or have misconceptions about what working in STEM is really like and we scientists sometimes struggle to communicate the appeal and impact of our work.

To bridge this gap, my children and I developed the concept for an immunology activity kit. Together with colleagues from the The Babraham Institute and funding from the British Society for Immunology , we have built a physical activity kit to help students learn about immunology, vaccines and some of the methods we use in our research. This kit is currently undergoing trials in schools, and we hope it will inspire more young people, particularly girls, to explore the possibilities of STEM careers."

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self starting in science?

"I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of changing research focus or career paths, even though I have familial responsibilities. It might seem like a huge step backwards in terms of career progression, but in the long run, these experiences help to shape a more diverse and meaningful career.

The twists and turns along the way have contributed to the path I am now on, and it all comes together in the end."