L’Oréal – UNESCO For Women in Science (2023)

Congratulations to Asst Prof XUE Shifeng, from the Department of Biological Sciences, who was one of three women who received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Singapore Award (2023) at an awards ceremony on 22 November 2023, for her work on epigenetic repression in development and disease, focusing on human congenital disorders.

Her passion for understanding genes in embryonic development and disease started during her university days in a laboratory session, where she was amazed by fish and frog embryos developing from eggs. This transformative moment shaped her decision to delve into understanding the orchestration of genes in embryonic development and disease. She then transitioned to working on human congenital disorders.

Asst Prof Xue’s work in molecular biology has not only expanded the understanding of embryonic development but has also provided profound insights into human congenital disorders.

She says, “I am thankful for all the mentors past and present for supporting me. I have also been very honoured to work with talented young scientists who have joined me in the journey of exploring gene regulation. With this award, I hope to inspire more young women to discover the wonders of our world.” 

The L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, a global initiative launched in Singapore in 2009, provides an endowment to help women scientists advance their research.

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