His major research and clinical interests are in neurochemistry, molecular biology and treatment of stroke and dementia. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, served on several editorial boards (Stroke, Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry), trial steering committees and data safety monitoring boards. He is currently the Principal Investigator of the CHIMES trials, which has extensive international collaborations.

Dr Chen has also developed an international reputation for participation in academically driven as well as industry sponsored clinical trials. His aim is to develop synergies with basic neuroscience research and to translate novel scientific findings into therapeutic possibilities as well as to provide clinical insights for disease specific laboratory research.

Apart from international collaborative research programmes, Dr Chen works very closely with scientists from A*STAR and NUS. They have been studying biochemical and genetic markers underlying the pathophysiology of stroke. Longitudinal studies are also in progress to study the natural history, risk factors for and treatment to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia after stroke.