Prof Koh is the Faculty’s Vice Dean (Research and Development) and Director of NUS’ Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions. He is also Associate Vice President and Chief Sustainability Scientist at NUS, overseeing sustainability-related research on a whole-of-university strategy that bridges academia, policy, industry and civil society.
Our Stories of Impact
“We can now better understand, control and fabricate quantum materials with extreme precision – a big step forward for future quantum technologies.”
Assoc Prof Lu’s research interests include atomic-scale materials design and the investigation of atomic-scale science in low-dimensional materials towards next-generation solid state devices and atomically-precise catalysis. His work is published in top journals including the Nature and Science series.
“We simplify thrombectomy surgeries by automating catheter navigation through vascular structures using precise electromagnetism. This could save many lives.”
Physics and Applied Mathematics technopreneur (2012) Mr Wu believes in empowering medical professionals with next-generation medical robots. His innovations facilitate complex interventional surgeries, reduce radiation exposure and enable remote surgical procedures.
“Our intelligent transport management software optimises delivery routes – making last mile deliveries seamless and cost-effective for our customers.”
Life Sciences technopreneur (2007) Mr Rahim launched several biomedical startups before transitioning to technology innovation. He founded VersaFleet to digitalise supply chains, enabling efficient dispatch and smooth customer experiences.
Our Firsts
Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein
The Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein was launched on 5 September 2024 with a US$30 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund. It will drive research and commercialisation efforts to develop “ultimate proteins” – advanced hybrid foods that match traditional meat-based products in taste and price.
First in Asia to advance alternative proteins research
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Collaborating Centre in Singapore
First IAEA Collaborating Centre in Singapore
In September 2023, the Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA) was designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, joining a global network of centres recognised for their contributions to nuclear science. Under a four-year partnership, the Collaborating Centre will advance accelerator science technologies for real-world applications, ranging from materials science to cancer care.
Dr Najat Mokhtar
IAEA Deputy Director General and Head Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
New scenario-modelling facility
An interactive scenario-modelling facility was launched at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in December 2023 to enhance regional collaboration on nature-based carbon projects. The $1 million facility was developed by NUS’ Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions and ST Engineering Geo-Insights and enables stakeholders to compute the mitigation potential and economic opportunities for carbon projects across Southeast Asia, accounting for factors such as carbon prices and policies.
NUS Associate Vice President and Chief Sustainability Scientist and Director of CNCS
Inaugural Science Summer Institute 2024
The NUS Science Summer Institute (SSI), held from 2 to 11 July 2024, brings together senior undergraduates in the region for an immersive experience in science research.
Participants attended plenary lectures covering multidisciplinary topics, toured our research centres, attended thematic lectures and practical masterclasses (video) at the four participating departments and engaged in fireside chats with our professors. On the last two days, local students also joined them in the SSI Symposium to showcase research work through poster or oral presentations. Our inaugural run drew around 150 students from 43 universities across nine countries.
Chair, SSI (2024) Committee
Research Collaborations with Industry
Our researchers’ collaborations with industry, government and academic partners generate solutions to address complex real-world problems.
Our Award-Winning Scientists
Our scientists are widely recognised by their peers for their achievements and enjoy high international standing. They are the recipients of prestigious accolades which recognise their exceptional contributions to science and research.
NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye, Department of Mathematics, was conferred the National Day Meritorious Service Award (2024) for his exceptional contributions to education as well as his leadership roles in Singapore and globally.
Prof Liu Xiaogang, Department of Chemistry, received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Centenary Prize (2024) and the Falling Walls’ Physical Sciences Award (2024) for his work in photon conversion in novel nanocrystals and their applications in the medical field.
Dr Yi Luying, Department of Chemistry, was named to the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 (2023) for developing novel and intelligent optical fibre sensors for a wide range of applications.
Asst Prof Tan Yong Zi, Department of Biological Sciences, received the national Young Scientist Award (2023) and was named to the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 (2024) for his groundbreaking work in developing cryogenic electron microscopy methods to understand protein structures in disease.
Asst Prof Xue Shifeng, Department of Biological Sciences, was one of three women to receive the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Singapore Award (2023), in recognition of her work on epigenetic repression in development and disease focusing on human congenital disorders.
Prof Loh Kian Ping, Department of Chemistry, was conferred the Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS) Fellowship (2024), for his pioneering work in two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, of which several patents have been licensed by companies.
Our Presidential Young Professors
The Faculty actively engages top young talents as NUS Presidential Young Professors as part of our ongoing efforts to pursue excellence in science research.
Asst Prof Jiao Chunlei,
Department of Biological Sciences, develops technologies for multiplexed biomarkers detection, offering comprehensive and cost-effective solutions for monitoring pandemic pathogens and diagnosing complex conditions like sepsis and cancer.
Asst Prof Wei Jiangbo, Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, pioneers mechanistic studies and technique development to understand and manipulate RNA features. This unlocks new frontiers in transcriptomics and therapeutics, paving the way for precision medicine.
Asst Prof Han Shaoning, Department of Mathematics, focuses on mathematical optimisation, seeking to develop efficient and reliable solutions to address structured optimisation problems which pose significant computational challenges.
Asst Prof Yang Liu,
Department of Mathematics, develops scaleable machine learning methods to solve scientific problems. His work has the potential to reshape the future of scientific computing.
Asst Prof Zou Liujun,
Department of Physics, aims to characterise, classify and realise entanglement patterns in quantum matter, which may inspire future technological applications, such as quantum computation.
The Faculty of Science is one of the top in Asia and the world for science education and research. The Annual Report showcases the Faculty’s achievements for the year and highlights the transformative impact of our endeavours in education, research, enterprise and community through inspiring stories of our science community.
Produced by
Science Dean’s Office, Corporate Communications
Advisors
Prof Sow Chorng Haur, Vice Dean (Outreach & Admissions)
Assoc Prof Chew Fook Tim, Vice Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
Assoc Prof Chng Shu Sin, Vice Dean (Student Life & Alumni Relations)
Contact
For enquiries, please email corpcomms.science@nus.edu.sg