The Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS) is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 Dr Susan Lim Award for Outstanding Young Investigator, supported by the Dr Susan Lim Endowment for Education and Research.

The award recognises outstanding scientific achievements by investigators at the early stages of their independent research careers in stem cell research. It highlights the significant and continuing contributions of Singapore-based researchers to advancing our understanding of stem cell biology and harnessing the potential of stem cells in disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative medicine.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have held their first full-time assistant professorship or an equivalent position in an academic, industrial or clinical research setting for no more than seven years at the time of nomination *.
• Be an SCSS member in good standing.
• Be an independent investigator conducting original research in stem cell research and cell therapy, encompassing basic science, clinical development or translational research.
• Be nominated with the support of at least two SCSS members in good standing.
• Be available to attend the SCSS Annual Symposium 2026, held in conjunction with the SNAS Forum 2026, in person from 7–10 December 2026. The award recipient will also be invited to attend the Speakers’ Dinner.

The award recipient will be selected at the sole discretion of SCSS.

THE AWARD 
The award includes a S$5,000 personal cash prize and complimentary registration for the SCSS Annual Symposium 2026 / SNAS Forum 2026.

The recipient will be recognised during a Symposium session and will deliver a keynote lecture, tentatively scheduled during the morning sessions on Thursday, 10 December 2026. A representative of SCSS or the recipient’s mentor will have the opportunity to formally present the award and highlight the recipient’s scientific achievements and contributions.

NOMINATION PROCESS 
Each nomination must be supported by at least two SCSS members in good standing. Nomination letters may be submitted separately or as a single letter co-signed by the supporting members.

The nomination letter(s) must not exceed two A4 pages and should include:

•  Key achievements: A statement of no more than 100 words highlighting the nominee’s most significant scientific accomplishment(s).
• Research contributions: An overview of the nominee’s contributions to stem cell research, both in Singapore and internationally.
• Research independence: A statement demonstrating the nominee’s status and achievements as an independent investigator.

Each nomination must be accompanied by:

• The nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV).
• A list of up to five of the nominee’s most relevant publications, with the majority being senior-author publications.
• Electronic copies of the selected publications, where available.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Nominations for the 2026 award are now open. All nominations must be received by 6 November 2026.
 
For enquiries or to submit a nomination, please write to:

Gerald Udolph

Stem Cell Society Singapore

Email: secretariat@stemcell.org.sg

* The assessment of what constitutes an equivalent position will be at the discretion of the award selection committee. Comparable positions within the international academic community may include, but are not limited to, Lecturer, Senior Scientist or Team Leader.