3 Singapore Scientists Win Top National Research Honors

Singapore just celebrated three scientists whose discoveries are reshaping everything from how we treat disease to how we power our cities.

The National University of Singapore researchers received the President's Science & Technology Awards on August 28, 2026, the country's most prestigious recognition for scientific achievement. The honorees span different career stages, proving that groundbreaking innovation knows no age limit.

Professor Wu Jishan took home the President's Science Award for his revolutionary work with carbon-based molecules. For decades, scientists relied on stable molecules for electronics, but Prof Wu proved that highly reactive "open-shell" molecules could be controlled and designed for practical use.

His breakthrough turned unstable molecules into functional materials for next-generation technologies. The applications range from advanced computing to quantum systems that could transform how we process information.

Two rising stars received Young Scientist Awards for their potential to become world leaders in their fields. Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang developed artificial intelligence tools that identify genes causing complex diseases, with a special focus on Asian populations who have been underrepresented in genetic research.

His work directly addresses a critical gap in precision medicine. When medical databases lack diversity, treatments work less effectively for underrepresented groups.

Assistant Professor Hou Yi leads research on perovskite-based solar cells at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. His innovations in solar technology promise more efficient and affordable renewable energy solutions for tropical climates.

The Ripple Effect

These achievements extend far beyond laboratory walls. Prof Wu's molecular discoveries are already influencing how scientists worldwide approach quantum computing and advanced photonics. Meanwhile, Asst Prof Liu's AI methods are enabling doctors to develop more targeted treatments for patients whose genetic backgrounds were previously overlooked in research.

The solar energy advances from Asst Prof Hou's team could accelerate Southeast Asia's transition to clean power. Better solar technology means more households and businesses can afford to switch from fossil fuels, multiplying the environmental impact across entire regions.

All three scientists emphasized that their awards recognize entire teams of students, collaborators, and mentors. Prof Wu specifically credited nearly two decades of collective effort that transformed "fundamental curiosity into new directions for advanced materials and quantum technologies."

Their work reinforces Singapore's position as a global innovation hub while training the next generation of scientific leaders who now hold positions worldwide.