UTAR students showcase talent at Global Young Scientists Summit 2025

Five students from UTAR had a remarkable opportunity to attend the prestigious Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025, held from 6 to 10 January 2025 at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Organised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Singapore, the summit brought together 350 young researchers from 49 economies to engage with 18 Nobel laureates and renowned scientists.

The summit commenced with an inspiring speech by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat, who emphasised the critical role of research and innovation in tackling global challenges. This was followed by an opening plenary lecture by Nobel Laureate Prof Louis Ignarro, who captivated the audience with his humorous and insightful presentation on his discovery of nitric oxide’s role in cardiovascular health.

UTAR students Pan Swee Qi, Shanise Thean Pui Kei, Rania Ibrahim, Tan Xiao Wei, and Ivan Lim Kai Jie participated in various activities, from lectures and panel discussions to lab tours and poster presentations.

The summit featured thought-provoking lectures from Nobel Laureates, including Sir Richard Roberts, who spoke on DNA splicing and Type II restriction enzymes, and Sir Tim Hunt, who shared insights on cyclins and cell cycle regulation. These talks resonated deeply with the UTAR students, especially Rania Ibrahim, who appreciated the alignment with her field of study.

Another standout session was the fireside chat titled Women in Science: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes, featuring Prof Dame Sue Black and Prof Joan Rose. This intimate discussion addressed biases in academia and inspired attendees with stories of perseverance and success.

Several UTAR students presented their research during the poster sessions. Ivan Lim presented his work on halophilic bacteria for high-salt food waste disposal, while Shanise Thean shared her research on food waste biodegradation. Both students received valuable feedback that inspired new directions for their studies.

Pan Swee Qi also shared her experience presenting at the summit, where she engaged with participants from diverse fields and gained insights that broadened her research perspective. Shanise Thean expressed her gratitude for the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other young scientists.

Attendees toured research facilities, including laboratories at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). The tours highlighted innovative projects such as AI-driven climate simulations and advanced molecular biology techniques for combating chronic diseases. Tan Xiao Wei noted the use of digital twins to create virtual models of Marina Bay Sands and Paris La Défense, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary research.

Beyond formal sessions, the summit provided ample networking opportunities. The UTAR students connected with young researchers from around the world, fostering friendships and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Rania Ibrahim reflected on the camaraderie and shared passion for science that made the event truly special.

All five participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to UTAR for sponsoring their flights and supporting their participation. They acknowledged the summit as a transformative experience that enriched their academic journeys and motivated them to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.

The Global Young Scientist Summit 2025 was an unforgettable experience for UTAR’s representatives, who returned with enriched knowledge, valuable connections, and a renewed passion for impactful research.