Three NUS professors conferred the Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science
Three NUS professors were honoured by prestigious scientific journal Nature, for their commitment towards nurturing the next generation of scientists. Professor Lim Chwee Teck from the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NUS College of Design and Engineering, Professor Koh Woon Puay and Professor Tai E Shyong from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health were presented with the Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science.
The Awards celebrate outstanding support and mentorship in science, and recognise those who support young researchers in their career development. Rotated annually amongst different countries, the 2022 edition marks the first time that the Awards was hosted by Singapore – or a Southeast Asian nation – since it was first introduced in 2005.
Prof Lim received the lifetime achievement award in recognition of his holistic approach to mentorship and his embracing of diversity. His focus on entrepreneurial and tech-transfer mentorship also stood out as a key form of support for his mentees.
Both Prof Koh and Prof Tai were joint-recipients of the mid-career achievement award. The judges were impressed by Prof Koh’s caring, constructive, candid and personal style of mentoring, which focuses on the importance of collaborations as well as women in scientific leadership. Viewing mentorship as a privilege, Prof Tai stood out for his tailor-made approach to each mentoring opportunity which leverages their unique skill sets that complement those of others.
