Awards and Accolades

Featured Awards for IMCB

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) was honored with the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in 2000. This award recognized IMCB's work towards improving the quality of life in Asia through its outstanding contributions to biotechnology research. This award also recognised IMCB’s impressive growth since its establishment in 1987 into the first major center of biological science research in Asia.

In 2003, IMCB received the National Day Award, specifically the President's Certificate of Commendation, for its pivotal role in combating and containing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The institute's researchers were at the forefront of SARS research, contributing to the rapid identification of the virus and the development of diagnostic tests. This award highlighted IMCB's critical role in protecting public health during a global health crisis.

Recognition of IMCB Researchers

Over the years, IMCB researchers have been distinguished with numerous prestigious awards, both locally and internationally. These accolades include the President's Science & Technology Awards, National Research Foundation (NRF) Investigatorship and Fellowship, the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Clinician Scientist Award, and the L’Oreal ��For Women in Science Fellowship, among others. Additionally, IMCB scientists have been recognized with international honors such as Nikkei Awards, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Young Investigator awards and memberships in esteemed scientific bodies.

These awards reflect the excellence and leadership of IMCB in the global scientific community, showcasing the institute's impact on research and innovation across multiple disciplines.

Significant Awards and Recognitions Received by IMCB Researchers

Nobel Prize

2002: Sydney BRENNER - Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology ^{1, 2}

¹At the time of receiving the Nobel Prize in 2002, Sydney Brenner was affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley.
² During the period of 1985-1995, Sydney Brenner served as the founding chairman of the IMCB Scientific Advisory Board, playing a pivotal role in establishing IMCB as a world-class research institute.

Nikkei Awards

2000: Catherine PALLEN - Nikkei Award

EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization)
EMBO is a leading organization that fosters excellence in the life sciences, promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and collaboration among scientists. Established in 1964, EMBO supports researchers at all stages of their careers through fellowships, courses, workshops, and conferences. The organization also publishes prestigious scientific journals and is known for its advocacy for the advancement of science in Europe and beyond. EMBO's community includes more than 1,900 members who are recognized for their contributions to the life sciences, making it a vital network for the global scientific community.

2022: Prof Nick Barker - Elected as an Associate Member of EMBO
2021: Wee-Wei Tee - EMBO Global Investigator
2021: Yu FU - EMBO Global Investigator
2017: Daniel MESSERSCHMIDT - EMBO Young Investigator
2015: Nicolas PLACHTA - EMBO Young Investigator
2004: Ashok VENKITARAMAN - Elected as Member of EMBO

President's Science & Technology Awards
The President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) are the country’s top honours for research scientists and engineers in Singapore. Given annually, the PSTA recognises individuals and teams that have made exceptional contributions in pushing the boundaries of the science and technology (S&T) landscape in Singapore.

There are three distinct awards – the President’s Science and Technology Medal, the President’s Science Award, and the President’s Technology Award. The PSTA also celebrates the Young Scientist Award. The Young Scientist Award is administered by the ��National Academy of Science (SNAS) and supported by the National Research Foundation, ��(NRF).

President’s Science and Technology Medal (PSTM)
The highest accolade of all PSTA, the President’s Science & Technology Medal (PSTM) is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished, sustained and exceptional contributions, and played a strategic role in advancing Singapore’s development through promotion and management of science and technology (S&T).

2022: Wanjin HONG

President's Science Award (Formerly National Science Award prior to 2009)
The second highest accolade for all PSTA, the President’s Science Award (PSA) recognises accomplishments generally acknowledged by other S&T practitioners as being significant and impactful to their field.

2012: Yue WANG
2010: Yoshiaki ITO
2007: Uttam SURANA
2005: Lian-Hui ZHANG
2004: Alan PORTER
2004: Byrappa VENKATESH
2001: William CHIA
2001: Xiaohang YANG
1999: Wanjin HONG
1999: Kong Peng LAM
1996: Kam Man HUI
1996: Edward MANSER
1995: Catherine PALLEN

Young Scientist Award
The Young Scientist Award is awarded to researchers aged 40 years and below, who are actively engaged in R&D in Singapore, and who have shown great potential to be world-class researchers in their fields of expertise. This award is administered by the ��National Academy of Science (SNAS) and supported by the National Research Foundation, ��(NRF).

2021: Sarah LUO
2019: Huilin SHAO
2018: Shifeng XUE
2016: Huili GUO
2014: Melissa FULLWOOD
2003: Peter LOBIE

National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards

The National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards are prestigious accolades presented to individuals and teams in recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to scientific research and innovation. These awards celebrate excellence in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and technology, with a focus on advancing knowledge and driving impactful innovation in Singapore. By honoring exceptional talent, the NRF Awards aim to inspire further research and development that can contribute to national growth and address global challenges.

NRF Investigatorship Award

2024: Qi-Jing LI
2022: Fu YU
2018: Jonathan Yuin Han LOH
2017: Nick BARKER

NRF Fellowship Award

2025: Shuang LIU
2024: Leslie BEH
2023: Chuan YAN
2021: Caroline WEE
2021: Sarah LUO
2018: Shiyan NG
2017: Qingfeng CHEN
2016: Wee-Wei TEE

National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Awards

The National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Awards honor outstanding contributions to medical research in Singapore. These awards recognize excellence in areas such as biomedical science, clinical research, and translational medicine, supporting innovations that improve healthcare outcomes. By acknowledging the achievements of researchers, the NMRC Awards aim to encourage continued advancements in medical science and enhance the nation's healthcare landscape.

2022: Xinyi SU - National Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Award

L'Oreal For Women in Science Awards
The L'Oréal For Women in Science Awards celebrate and support the achievements of exceptional women in scientific research. These awards recognize female scientists who have made significant contributions across various fields, promoting gender diversity and encouraging more women to pursue careers in science.

L'Oreal ��For Women In Science National Fellowship

2024: Grace LIM
2019: Shi Yan NG
2017: Sherry AW
2014: Huili GUO

L'Oreal For Women in Science International Fellowship

2019: Sherry AW

��Stem Cell Society Susan Lim Award

The Dr. Susan Lim Award for Outstanding Young Investigator is an accolade presented by the Stem Cell Society ��(SCSS) to honor exceptional achievements of early-career independent researchers in stem cell-based research. Supported by the Dr. Susan Lim Endowment for Education and Research, the award highlights the significant contributions of Singapore-based scientists in advancing the understanding of stem cell biology and promoting applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine.

2022: Xinyi SU
2021: Shi Yan NG
2018: Adrian TEO
2017: Jonathan LOH

Other Notable Awards

2025: Ashok VENKITARAMAN - Fellow, Academy of the American Association for Cancer Research
2025: Jonathan LOH - International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Public Service Award
2025: Xinyi SU - Asia Pacific Eye 100 Award
2024: Joe YEONG - World Immunotherapy Council Asian Chapter Research Contribution Award
2024: Yu FU - A*STAR Fellow
2024: Qingfeng CHEN - A*STAR Fellow
2023: Wanjin HONG - Asian Scientist 100
2022: Wanjin HONG - ��National Academy of Science Fellow
2022: Nick BARKER - Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) International Award
2021: Xinyi SU - Elected as Member of Macula Society
2021: Xinyi SU - ��Ten Outstanding Young Persons of ��Award
2020: Xinyi SU - Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retinal Society Leadership Development Program Gold Award
2020: Sherry AW - Asian Scientist 100
2019: Xinyi SU - Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology’s Young Ophthalmologist Award
2019: Adrian TEO - ��Ten Outstanding Young Persons of ��Award
2017: Ashok VENKITARAMAN - Basser Global Prize
2017: Nicolas PLACHTA - Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Scholarship
2016: Shanthi WASSER - MTI Commendation Award
2014: Wanjin HONG - Public Administration Medal (Silver)
2009: Neal COPELAND - Elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences
2009: Nancy JENKINS - Elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences
2009: Jean Paul THIERY - Received into the Legion d'honneur
2007: Philip W. INGHAM - Elected as Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
2004: David LANE - Buchanan Medal
2003: Yoshiaki ITO - Tomizo Yoshida Prize
2003: Hong Lan TAY - PNG - Public Service Administration Medal (Bronze)
2001: Ashok VENKITARAMAN - Fellow, UK Academy of Medical Sciences
1999: Peng LI - Young Investigator of The Year Award
1998: Thomas LEUNG - Outstanding University Researcher Award
1998: Edward MANSER - Outstanding University Researcher Award
1995: Y. H. TAN - National Science and Technology Medal

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Featured Awards for IMCB

A*STAR celebrates International Women's Day

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