A Pioneering Career at NUS

Seeram Ramakrishna's journey at the National University of Singapore (NUS) spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1996 after earning his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 1992. At NUS, he rose to become a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, serving as Vice-President for Research Strategy from 2008 to 2012. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking advancements in nanofiber technology, particularly electrospinning—a process that uses high-voltage electricity to draw charged threads of polymer solutions into nanofibers from a few nanometers to micrometers in diameter.

Electrospinning, often credited to Ramakrishna as its modern pioneer or 'father' by MIT Technology Review China, revolutionized materials science by enabling the production of ultra-fine fibers for applications in filtration, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and energy storage. His laboratory at NUS developed handheld electrospinning devices for emergency medical use, 3D scaffolds for regenerative medicine, and sustainable materials aligning with Singapore's green economy goals. With over 2,000 peer-reviewed publications and more than 227,500 citations as of late 2025, Ramakrishna was Singapore's most-cited scientist until recently, boasting an h-index of 221.

His contributions extended beyond research; Ramakrishna mentored countless PhD students and postdocs, fostering Singapore's talent pipeline in advanced manufacturing and biomedical engineering. NUS's ranking as Asia's top university owes much to such leaders who bridged academia and industry, collaborating with entities like A*STAR and local startups on nanofiber-based wearables and environmental solutions.

Recognition and Global Impact

Ramakrishna's accolades underscore his stature. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in the UK, he also holds fellowships in Singapore's Academy of Engineering, India's National Academy of Engineering, and was named a foreign academician of China's Academy of Engineering in 2023. In 2024, he received China's Government Friendship Award for aiding modernization efforts.

At NUS, he directed the Centre for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, driving interdisciplinary projects in sustainable materials. His work on intelligent wearables—smart textiles integrating sensors, actuators, and AI—positioned Singapore as a hub for next-gen health tech. Publications in Nature, Nature Communications, and Matter highlight innovations like nanofiber batteries and AI-enhanced prosthetics, cited thousands of times and influencing global standards.

Singapore's higher education benefited immensely; Ramakrishna's leadership elevated NUS Mechanical Engineering's global profile, attracting funding and international collaborators. His involvement in policy advisory roles shaped national strategies for research commercialization, aligning with Singapore's Smart Nation initiative.

The Move to Tsinghua University

In September 2025, Ramakrishna joined Tsinghua University as Chair Professor, Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor—the institution's pinnacle honor—and Director of the iWearables Center in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Tsinghua, often dubbed China's MIT, announced the appointment in late March 2026. President Li Luming praised him as a nanoscience leader, expecting breakthroughs in wearable tech and nanomaterials.

This full-time role builds on prior honorary positions at Tsinghua and IIT Hyderabad. Ramakrishna expressed enthusiasm for Tsinghua's legacy, aiming to advance cross-disciplinary wearables combining nanofibers, sensors, and AI for health monitoring and sustainable energy.

Implications for NUS and Singapore Academia

Ramakrishna's departure raises questions about talent retention in Singapore's higher education sector. NUS, consistently Asia's top university per QS rankings, relies on luminaries like him to maintain research excellence. While no official NUS statement addresses the move, it echoes broader concerns in Singaporean academia where competitive offers from global powers lure top minds.

Singapore invests heavily in R&D—over S$20 billion annually via NRF—but faces competition from China's 'Thousand Talents' and vast resources. Ramakrishna's exit highlights the need for enhanced incentives like higher salaries, research autonomy, and family support to stem potential brain drain. Yet, his Singaporean roots and past roles suggest continued ties, possibly fostering Sino-Singapore collaborations.

Materials science at NUS remains robust, with ongoing nanofiber programs at SERIS and IMRE. Successors can build on his legacy, but losing Singapore's most-cited researcher underscores the fluid global talent market.

Brain Drain or Brain Circulation?

Singapore has long grappled with brain drain, particularly in STEM, as talents seek opportunities abroad. Policies like the Global Investor Programme and research grants aim to reverse this, promoting 'brain circulation' where expatriates contribute bilaterally. Ramakrishna's case exemplifies this: his China experience could bridge partnerships, as seen in NUS-Tsinghua joint labs.

• Singapore's strategy: Attract overseas talent via scholarships, retain locals with career tracks.
• Challenges: High living costs, funding caps vs. peers' offers.
• Opportunities: Leverage alumni networks for knowledge exchange.

Experts view such moves as positive if yielding collaborations, aligning with Singapore's open innovation model.

Future of Materials Science in Singapore Universities

Singapore's higher ed ecosystem—NUS, NTU, SUTD—thrives in materials science. NTU's fibre & electrospinning labs continue Ramakrishna-inspired work, focusing on sustainable composites. Government initiatives like SEMICON Singapore bolster semiconductor materials R&D.

Ramakrishna's iWearables at Tsinghua may inspire similar centers here, integrating AI for health wearables amid aging demographics. NUS could recruit emerging stars, maintaining momentum in electrospinning for medtech exports.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Industry leaders praise Ramakrishna's translational impact; his patents (70+) spawned startups in wearables. Academics note Tsinghua's resources accelerate research, but Singapore's ecosystem offers unparalleled Asia-Pacific connectivity.

Social media buzz on Reddit and X highlights mixed views: pride in his achievements, concern over losing homegrown talent to China. Students at NUS reminisce his mentorship, hoping for continued influence.

Collaborative Horizons

The move opens doors for NUS-Tsinghua ties. Past joint projects in sustainability could expand, benefiting Singapore's green tech ambitions. Ramakrishna's dual expertise positions him as a bridge, potentially hosting exchanges or co-supervising PhDs.

Outlook for Singapore Higher Education

Singapore must innovate retention: flexible hybrid roles, global adjunctships, equity in promotions. Ramakrishna's legacy endures, inspiring next-gen researchers. As universities like NUS evolve, balancing global mobility with local anchors ensures competitiveness in materials science and beyond.

His transition reaffirms Singapore's role in nurturing world-class talent, even if paths diverge.

Photo by Mari Ganesh Kumar on Unsplash