Our people, making an impact

From national research honours and alumni leadership to cross-Pacific collaboration and student-led initiatives, the past quarter offered many reminders that Duke-NUS’ impact begins with its people.

National recognition for research and innovation

Forty Duke-NUS clinician-scientists, researchers and innovators received prestigious talent development grants at the National Medical Research Council Awards 2026.
The awards spanned categories including the Singapore Translational Research Investigator Award, Clinician-Scientist Award, Health Promotion, Preventive Health, Population Health & Health Services Research Clinician-Scientist Award and Clinician-Innovator Award.
A further 24 clinician-scientists received Transition Awards and NMRC Research Training Fellowships, supporting the development of Singapore’s next generation of research leaders.
Professor Ivy Ng, Duke-NUS Governing Board member, Senior Advisor to the SingHealth Board, and immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth, received the NMRC Distinguished Contributor Award. The honour recognised her sustained contributions to building Singapore's translational and clinical research infrastructure and developing clinician-scientist talent.

Anissa Widjaja represents Singapore in US leadership exchange

Assistant Professor Anissa Widjaja, Head of Business Development & Industry Alliance at Duke-NUS and recently appointed Assistant Dean, was selected by the US Embassy in Singapore to represent Singapore in the Freedom 250: US Science, Technology & Entrepreneurship program from 20 June to 11 July.

Organised by the US Department of State under its prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program, the exchange brought together 20 emerging leaders from 20 countries to examine how governments, universities, investors and industry collaborate to foster entrepreneurship and move innovation towards commercial and societal impact.

Across Washington, Baltimore, Dallas, Providence and Philadelphia, Anissa engaged with leading universities, innovation ecosystems and government agencies to explore intellectual property strategy, university-industry partnerships, startup incubation and research commercialisation.

Assistant Professor Anissa Widjaja was selected to represent Singapore at the Freedom 250: US Science, Technology & Entrepreneurship program. // Image credit: Anissa Widjaja

“Innovation isn’t just about brilliant ideas or cutting-edge technology. It’s about people. Trust, collaboration and investing in people create lasting impact.”

Assistant Professor Anissa Widjaja

A community that keeps coming home

A heartwarming reunion of Duke-NUS alumni, filled with inspiring conversations and treasured memories. // Image credit: Duke-NUS Medical School

On 19 June, Duke-NUS welcomed alumni from 16 graduating cohorts for its second annual Alumni Reunion Dinner.

Attended by Founding Chair of the Duke-NUS Governing Board Mr Tony Chew, current Chair Mr Goh Yew Lin, faculty, leaders and members of the School community, the evening celebrated a growing network of more than 1,000 graduates whose work continues to shape healthcare, research and education in Singapore and beyond.

Three alumni were recognised for their contributions.

Dr Anu Pandey, from the Class of 2015, received the Exemplary Alumni Award for strengthening the alumni community. Dr Wong Ker Yi, from the Class of 2012, received the Inspiring Alumni Award for her dedication to education, mentorship and research. Dr Rena Dharmawan, from the Class of 2011, was named the inaugural Visionary Alumni for her leadership and innovation in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.

“Alumni continue to contribute to the School and the wider healthcare ecosystem in many ways. While their paths have taken them in different directions, they remain an integral part of the Duke-NUS story and a powerful expression of the School’s impact and potential.”

Professor Patrick Tan

Dean

A new horizon for collaboration

Professor Mary Klotman, Dean of Duke University School of Medicine, shares her vision for DASH. // Image credit: Duke-NUS Medical School

Held from 2 to 4 June, the inaugural Durham and Singapore Horizon summit, or DASH, brought together faculty and leaders from Duke University, Duke-NUS and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
Designed to build sustained research and education collaborations, DASH convened experts from academia, healthcare, industry and philanthropy around shared priorities including integrated data tools for precision medicine and nucleic acid therapeutics.
Rather than relying on collaborations to emerge incidentally, DASH aims to create a more deliberate pathway through which promising ideas can be developed, supported and moved towards real-world impact.
“The goal is to establish collaborative work that is greater than any one institution,” said Professor Mary Klotman, executive vice president for health affairs at Duke University, dean of Duke University School of Medicine , and chief academic officer for Duke Health. “Work that can grow, scale and ultimately attract the support needed to make a lasting impact.”
Professor Victor Dzau, President of the US National Academy of Medicine, noted that the summit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the United States, underscoring the wider significance of cross-Pacific scientific and medical partnership.
DASH now provides a foundation for teams across Durham and Singapore to continue developing projects beyond the summit itself.

Six years among Singapore’s best employers

A collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture underpins research at Duke-NUS Medical School. From left: Associate professor Lena Ho, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Programme; associate professor Chetna Malhotra, research director at the Lien Centre for Palliative Care; professor Patrick Tan, dean; and assistant professor Mart Lamers, Emerging Infectious Diseases programme. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA

Duke-NUS has been recognised as one of Singapore’s Best Employers for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting a workplace culture built on shared purpose, collaboration and intellectual freedom.

The recognition comes as the School continues to create an environment where faculty, researchers and staff have the support, resources and connections to challenge established thinking, strengthen science and contribute to better healthcare.

Ultimately, Duke-NUS’ success rests on its people. By giving colleagues the space and confidence to test ideas, work across boundaries and pursue meaningful impact, the School continues to build a workplace where people can do their best work and make a difference.

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Our people, making an impact

National recognition for research and innovation