News In Brief: October 2023

Launch of TARIPH Centre for Respiratory Research Excellence

The Academic Respiratory Initiative for Pulmonary Health (TARIPH) Centre for Respiratory Research Excellence and TARIPH Patient Network, spearheaded by LKCMedicine, was officially launched on 20 September 2023. Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Mr Heng Swee Keat launched the Centre, which is led by Associate Professors Sanjay Chotirmall and John Abisheganaden. The first-of-its-kind Centre will focus on technological innovations to improve lung health, analyse the impact of climate change on respiratory health, and build a database of Asian-focused lung diseases. The Centre contains Singapore’s first patient panel for respiratory medical research.

Launch of Academy of Clinician Scientists and Innovators (ACSI)

LKCMedicine and National Healthcare Group (NHG) launched the Academy of Clinician Scientists and Innovators (ACSI) on 6 September 2023 to develop research and innovation capabilities of medical students, doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. An offshoot of the new Collaborative Framework Agreement that was signed between NHG and LKCMedicine on the same day, ACSI aims to develop clinician scientists and innovators to achieve impactful translational research, especially in the areas of population health, primary care, community health, mental health and infectious disease.

LKCMedicine Staff clinch National Medical Research Council Awards

Faculty from LKCMedicine clinched several awards and grants by the National Medical Research Council. Assoc Prof Leow Khee Shing Melvin and Assoc Prof Jimmy Lee won the Clinician Scientist Award, while Assoc Prof Sanjay Chotirmall, Assoc Prof Sunny Wong, Asst Prof Tor Phern Chern, Asst Prof Guan Xue Li, Asst Prof Kazuyuki Kasahara, and Research Fellow Chew Guo Yan Elaine received research grants. These awards and grants recognise talented clinician-scientists and researchers who conduct cutting-edge and internationally competitive translational and clinical research. Congratulations to all deserving awardees!

Unceasing Commitment to Sustainability

In recognition of its dedication to excellent environmental and sustainability practices, LKCMedicine received the Eco Office (Champion) certification for its Novena Campus awarded by the Singapore Environment Council at the 24th Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards 2023 event. The establishment of LKCMedicine’s Green Committee further emphasises this commitment, and the forthcoming months promise even more green initiatives aimed at elevating environmental consciousness.

Official Opening of co11ab Novena

NTU Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and National Healthcare Group (NHG) have officially opened co11ab Novena, the first biomedical technology incubator in Singapore to be embedded in a healthcare precinct. The S$15 million incubator’s physical space was unveiled by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, as the Guest of Honour. Situated at LKCMedicine Novena campus, co11ab aims to advance healthcare innovations by fostering a thriving ecosystem for biomedtech startups, and by bridging the gap between ground-breaking research and successful commercial ventures.

LKCMedicine Students’ Medical Society Welcomes Its New Executive Committee

LKCMedicine students have elected the AY23/24 LKCMedicine Students’ Medical Society Executive Committee (LKCMedSoc ExCo) on 8 September 2023. The Committee will be led by Lim Rong (M4) as President, taking over from AY22/23 LKCMedSoc ExCo led by Ernest Ong (M5).

Fifth Cohort of the Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (GDSM) Programme Graduates

Twenty-three healthcare professionals successfully completed the GDSM programme, co-developed by LKCMedicine and the Singapore Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre @ Changi General Hospital. The graduation ceremony held on 15 September 2023 was attended by Guest-of-Honour Adjunct Associate Professor Benedict Tan. Mr Tye Lee Tze, Singapore’s first podiatrist, delivered the annual GDSM lecture.

Pioneer Cohort Graduates from Master of Science in Science of Learning Programme

Four full-time students graduated from the new Master of Science in Science of Learning programme on 19 July 2023. The Master of Science in Science of Learning is a distinctive interdisciplinary programme involving LKC School of Medicine and National Institute of Education.

Faculty Appointments

Assistant Professor Navin Verma Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology

On 1 July 2023, Assistant Professor Navin Kumar Verma was elected Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), UK – the highest level of professional recognition bestowed to scientists who have achieved distinction in biological research. The T-cell immunologist is also noted as a global expert by expertscape for his contributions in Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 signalling.

Dr Christine Cheung Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure

Dr Christine Cheung, a Nanyang Assistant Professor has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure with effect from 1 September 2023. Her accomplishments in vascular biomedicine and influential role in advocating for women in science underscore her significant academic contributions.

Delegations from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University of Newcastle, Australia visit LKCMedicine

Provost and President of TCD Professor Linda Doyle and TCD Head of School of Medicine Professor Colin Doherty met with Dean Professor Joseph Sung on 21 July 2023 to discuss several research topics including the use of technology in medicine and medical education.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Office PVC – Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Professor Elizabeth Sullivan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Ms Sunny Yang, Assistant Dean International Professor Alison Hutton, and Associate Professor Thomas Chong from University of Newcastle were hosted by Associate Professors Sanjay Chotirmall and Sunny Wong on 26 September 2023.

Both delegations explored teaching methods, research themes and toured key facilities. The visits are a step towards strengthening potential partnerships between the schools.