Spotlighting Excellence: A*STAR Highlights Three Pioneering Women Scientists in the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Singapore Awards
The 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Singapore Awards have recognized three exceptional early-career researchers for their groundbreaking contributions to critical fields like neuroscience, genetic therapies, and infectious diseases. A*STAR, Singapore's flagship research agency, has taken center stage in featuring these honorees—Dr. Jinyue Liu and Dr. Beverly Mok from its own institutes, alongside Dr. Mo Yin from National University Hospital (NUH)—celebrating their work that aligns with national priorities in health and biomedical sciences. This recognition underscores Singapore's commitment to fostering women in STEM, where they represent about 35% of the workforce despite comprising half the population, highlighting ongoing efforts to bridge gender gaps through initiatives like the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) plan, which invests S$25 billion in R&D.
Launched globally in 1998 by L'Oréal and UNESCO, the programme aims to promote women in science, having supported over 3,900 scientists worldwide. In Singapore, since 2009, it has backed more than 30 women with over S$300,000 in funding, focusing on young talents under 40 whose research promises significant societal impact. Each 2025 recipient receives S$10,000 to advance their projects, amplifying Singapore's biomedical ecosystem amid challenges like an ageing population and rising antimicrobial threats.
The Legacy and Significance of the Awards in Singapore's Research Landscape
Singapore's iteration of the L’Oréal-UNESCO awards targets the National Young Talents Programme, emphasizing Southeast Asian researchers tackling regional health issues. Past winners have advanced fields from cancer stem cells to sustainable materials, contributing to RIE2025 goals of translating discoveries into economic growth. A*STAR's spotlight on these 2025 honorees reflects its role in bridging academia and industry, collaborating with universities like NUS—home to NUH—where Dr. Mo Yin conducts her work.
Recent surveys reveal persistent hurdles: only 23% of Singaporean women in STEM feel adequately supported, compared to 52% of men, with biases in promotions and funding cited as barriers. Yet, progress is evident—female STEM enrolment has risen, aided by scholarships and mentorship programmes. These awards not only provide funding but also visibility, inspiring the next generation amid Singapore's push for 100,000 AI-skilled workers by 2029.
Dr. Jinyue Liu: Mapping the Brain's Hidden Wiring with Single-Cell Spatial Neuromics
Dr. Jinyue Liu, Principal Scientist at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), leads the Laboratory of Single-Cell Spatial Neuromics. Her pioneering work deciphers human brain connectivity, crucial for understanding disorders like autism, dementia, and depression, which affect one in four Singaporeans over their lifetime.
Her approach integrates nucleic acid-based technologies, advanced imaging, genomics, and AI. Step-by-step: First, her team assigns each brain cell a unique molecular 'QR code' via RNA barcoding. Second, spatial transcriptomics captures gene expression in 3D context. Third, AI algorithms reconstruct neural circuits from patient-derived brain organoids—miniature lab-grown brains mimicking human development. This enables tracing connections altered in disease, paving the way for early diagnostics and precision therapies.
Liu's contributions include proof-of-concept reconstructions of brain development, cited in neuroscience texts, aligning with Singapore's Healthy Longevity Grand Challenge under RIE2025. She advises aspiring scientists: "Don’t let uncertainty stop you—growth comes from saying ‘yes’ before you feel ready."Crafting a strong academic CV can help young researchers like those inspired by Liu secure grants and positions.
Real-World Impact and Future Applications of Liu's Neuromics Tools
- Enables non-invasive mapping of neural circuits in living tissue.
- Supports drug screening on organoids, reducing animal testing.
- Potential for AI-driven predictions of disease progression in Singapore's ageing society.
Collaborations with NUS and international partners amplify her work's reach.
Dr. Beverly Mok: Revolutionizing Vision Restoration Through Programmable RNA Therapeutics
Senior Scientist Dr. Beverly Mok at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) engineers RNA-based therapies for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), rare genetic conditions causing blindness in 1 in 4,000 Singaporeans. IRDs stem from mutations disrupting retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function.
Her process: (1) Identify patient-specific mutations using iPSC-derived RPE models from skin cells reprogrammed into stem cells, differentiated into RPE. (2) Design RNA editors to correct mutations at the transcript level, bypassing DNA risks. (3) Optimize delivery via nanoparticles exploiting the eye's immune privilege. (4) Validate functional restoration, like improved phagocytosis—RPE's debris-clearing mechanism.
Mok's platform holds promise beyond IRDs for other genetic disorders, supported by A*STAR's translational focus. Her advice: "Persevere through 99% failures—each informs the 1% success." For those eyeing research jobs in Singapore, her path exemplifies biotech innovation.
Dr. Mo Yin: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance with Asia-Wide Clinical Networks
Dr. Mo Yin, Infectious Diseases Consultant at NUH and Deputy Director of ADVANCE-ID, addresses antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a 'silent pandemic' killing 1.27 million annually, disproportionately in Asia. Her research builds pragmatic trial networks for real-world data on resistant infections.
Key initiatives: ACORN-HAI for hospital-acquired infections surveillance; REGARD-VAP for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Step-by-step: (1) Real-time genomic surveillance identifies resistance patterns. (2) Multi-country trials test stewardship interventions. (3) Data informs WHO guidelines, empowering low-resource settings. (4) Partnerships foster sustainable ecosystems.
Motivated by patient tragedies, Yin's work bridges clinical care and policy, vital for Singapore's post-COVID health security. She urges: "Trust your curiosity—it's your strongest compass." Explore clinical research opportunities to join such efforts.
Navigating Challenges: Women in STEM in Singapore's Higher Education and Research Ecosystem
Despite strengths—women earn 50%+ STEM degrees—barriers persist: underrepresentation in senior roles (20-30%), funding biases, work-life balance. UWS 2025 survey: 50% women face gender hurdles in career progression. A*STAR initiatives like mentorship and awards counter this, aligning with RIE2025's talent development (S$3.75B for emerging areas).
- Mentorship gaps: Pair with role models via programmes.
- Funding inequities: Target women-led grants.
- Family support: Flexible policies rising post-pandemic.
Universities like NUS offer scholarships; check scholarship resources.
Broader Impacts: Aligning with Singapore's RIE2025 and Global Health Goals
These researchers embody RIE2025's biomedical cluster (S$6.95B), addressing ageing (brain health), genetics (IRDs), and pandemics (AMR). Their tools promise economic spin-offs: neuromics for AI diagnostics, RNA tech for biotech startups, AMR networks for pharma trials.NRF RIE2025 overview
Stakeholder views: A*STAR CEO lauds visibility for women; UNESCO notes equity push.
Future Outlook: Paving Paths for the Next Generation
With RIE2030 eyeing S$37B, expect amplified women-focused funding. Honorees envision inclusive teams, equitable Asia partnerships. Actionable insights: Build networks early, embrace failure, pursue interdisciplinary work.
For aspiring researchers, thrive in postdoc roles. Explore openings at higher-ed jobs, university jobs, or Singapore academic positions.
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash
Conclusion: Inspiring Change in Singapore's Scientific Community
The 2025 awards via A*STAR's lens illuminate how women scientists drive Singapore's innovation engine. Rate professors on Rate My Professor, seek higher ed jobs, or career advice at Higher Ed Career Advice. Their stories motivate—join the quest at post a job.
