8 recognised at this year's President's Science and Technology Awards

Key Concepts

President's Science and Technology Awards, viral infectious diseases, COVID-19 response, young scientists, innovation, enterprise, basic research, mosquito-borne viruses, cancer, advanced semiconductor tech, infection and immunity, antibody treatments, antivirals, vaccine discovery, diagnostics, molecular virology, immuno-engineering, biomaterials, chronic diseases, type 1 diabetes, microneedle patches, nanomaterials, DNA delivery, immune cells.

President's Science and Technology Awards

• Recognition: 18 leaders and innovators were recognized at the President's Science and Technology Awards.
• Fields of Work: The awards covered fields such as mosquito-borne viruses, cancer, and advanced semiconductor technology.
• Top Medal: Professor Tan Eng Chye received the top medal for his leadership and dedication to driving Singapore's research.
• COVID-19 Response: Two scientists were awarded for breakthroughs in viral infections that supported the nation's COVID-19 response.
• Young Scientists Award: Four individuals under 40 years old were recognized with the Young Scientists Award.
• Administration: The awards are administered by the National Research Foundation.
• Future Plans: The focus is on the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 plan, building on existing strengths and pushing for more ambitious impact.
• Investment: Continued investment in basic research capabilities, talent, and infrastructure is planned.

Interview with Award Recipients

Professor Lisa Ng (President's Science Award)

• Affiliation: Executive Director of the East Infectious Diseases Labs.
• Area of Expertise: Viral infectious disease research.
• Breakthroughs: Understanding how viruses infect and cause severe or mild diseases. Focus on identifying ways to control diseases through antibody treatments, antivirals, and vaccine discovery.
• Diagnostics: Emphasis on improving diagnostics for more sensitive detection and differentiation of diseases.
• Motivation: Inspired by the 2003 SARS outbreak in Singapore to focus on research questions with clinical impact. Aims to use science to help the community.
• SARS Outbreak Impact: The SARS outbreak shaped her focus to address problems originating from clinical needs.

Professor Ndt (Young Scientist Award)

• Affiliation: Presidential Young Professor from U.S. Biomedical Engineering.
• Area of Expertise: Immuno-engineering.
• Immuno-engineering Definition: Manipulating the human immune system to treat chronic illnesses.
• Basic Idea: The immune system is dynamic and can be engineered to treat diseases.
• COVID-19 Example: Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize and eliminate viruses.
• Current Research: Developing biomaterials to modulate the immune system for treating chronic diseases like type 1 diabetes and cancer.
• Multi-pronged Approach: Demonstrated faster healing rates in preclinical studies.

Specific Applications of Immuno-engineering

• Diabetes: Developed Microneedle patches that dissolve to release drugs and instruct immune cells within the skin, promoting wound healing by up to 200% in preclinical models.
• Cancer: Developed nanomaterials technology to deliver DNA into immune cells, helping them recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

Future Research Directions

Professor Lisa Ng

• Focus: Mosquito-borne viral infections, particularly understanding how small viruses cause long-term chronic joint pains.
• Motivation: COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to explore new approaches to solve problems.

Conclusion

The President's Science and Technology Awards recognize significant contributions to various scientific fields, including viral infectious diseases, immuno-engineering, and more. The awardees are focused on addressing critical health challenges through innovative research and technological advancements. Professor Ng's work on viral infections and Professor Ndt's work on immuno-engineering exemplify the potential of scientific research to improve human health and well-being. The emphasis on translating research findings into clinical applications and developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools highlights the commitment to addressing real-world problems.