Boris’s motivation to pursue biomedical research stems from his family’s health challenges. Having witnessed the effects of lung cancer on his father and grandmother, he is determined to contribute to the development of new cancer treatments through interdisciplinary research.

As a student research helper in a cancer immunology laboratory, Boris investigates how tumours suppress the human immune system. He is also learning to apply algorithms and artificial intelligence models to analyse complex biological datasets, exploring how computational insights can complement laboratory research and contribute to new possibilities in cancer treatment.

Alongside his research, Boris cares deeply about the well-being of patients and their families. He has volunteered with adolescents with special educational needs, older people living with dementia and children with chronic health conditions, and currently serves as a volunteer tutor for children facing health challenges. Through these experiences, he has gained a deeper appreciation of the emotional and practical challenges that extend beyond physical illness, strengthening his aspiration to improve patients’ quality of life while supporting their caregivers.

By learning alongside mentors and peers from different disciplines in The D. H. Chen Foundation Scholarship Programme, Boris hopes to grow as a researcher who contributes not only to new treatment possibilities, but also to a healthcare future that is more compassionate, humane and responsive to the lived experiences of patients and caregivers.