Prof Paul Matsudaira Awarded Emeritus Professorship 2020

The Faculty of Science congratulates Professor Paul MATSUDAIRA from NUS’ Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), who was awarded the Emeritus Professorship in July 2020.

The prestigious Emeritus Professorship award is conferred to full professors on retirement in recognition of their sustained contributions in teaching, research and / or service to NUS and its community. 

Trained as an electron microscopist, Prof Matsudaira let images tell the story of molecules and cells. His research followed two themes: pursuing a lifelong fascination of the cytoskeleton, and developing microanalytical methods. With his methods, researchers could analyse proteins on mini-gels, sequence pmol quanti ties of proteins isolated on a blot, or separate DNA through microfluidic channels.

Borrowing tools from various science, engineering, and computational disciplines, Prof Matsudaira applied an interdisciplinary approach to his NUS research on the mechanics of embryonic development and the structure and dynamics of materials by in situ TEM (transmission electron microscopy). His DNA analysis methods serve as the basis for the rapid DNA fingerprinting technology incorporated in automated instruments worldwide.

NUS presented the opportunity to realise his ambitions for building excellence in integrated, interdisciplinary research. In 2009, he moved to Singapore to establish CBIS (Centre for BioImaging Sciences), head DBS, and co-found MBI (Mechanobiology Institute) at NUS.

During his time as Head, DBS expanded research and teaching in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, revamped its research cores in newly renovated state-of-the-art core facilities, and reorganised and streamlined its undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. CBIS grew into a world-class electron and optical imaging centre with a truly interdisciplinary faculty from the Faculties of Science, and Engineering, and the Duke / NUS Medical School.

 As a textbook author, Prof Matsudaira was passionate about teaching, and together with his colleagues introduced new modules such as integrated science / engineering biochemistry laboratories / lectures, the science of “A Brave New World” seminar, a multidisciplinary methods and logic curriculum, and an exciting Forensic Sciences Human ID laboratory.

Dean of Science Prof SUN Yeneng said, “Paul is renowned internationally for his path-breaking contributions to interdisciplinary research in epithelial tissue migration and remodelling during development and disease. His forward-looking leadership positioned DBS on the trajectory of excellence in education and research, and established CBIS and MBI as world-class facilities. I am very proud that Paul’s work in research and leadership is well-recognised and widely respected. Congratulations, Paul!”

A veteran of treks in the Himalayas and weekend climbs up New England mountains, Prof Matsudaira continued his love of walking and can often be spotted walking from his office to Bukit Timah where he lived. He said, “Walking home in the afternoon or walking in the Botanical Gardens in the early dawn hours allowed me to think about science.”

He said, “I feel particularly undeserving of this recognition for my efforts at NUS, but I am most appreciative to continue as Professor Emeritus.”

Prof Matsudaira obtained his B.Sc. in Biology and  B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Washington, USA (1975) and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Dartmouth College, USA (1981). After postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, Germany and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, he started his academic career at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and MIT.