News In Brief: April 2026
LKCMedicine Leads NTU–Nestlé Research Effort to Advance Studies in Healthy Longevity and Women’s Health
Researchers from LKCMedicine are spearheading a new multi-year research partnership between NTU Singapore and Nestlé to explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and biology influence ageing and women’s health. Central to the collaboration is LKCMedicine’s Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) Study whose anonymised data will drive insights into metabolic health, mobility, sleep, and menopause, informing science-based nutritional solutions for healthy longevity.
Associate Professor Sanjay Chotirmall Holds New Leadership Role at SCELSE
Assoc Prof Chotirmall has been appointed Interim Director of SCELSE until a new permanent Director is appointed. He will assume full responsibility for the Centre’s operations and governance while maintaining his current responsibilities at LKCMedicine as Vice-Dean (Research), and will represent SCELSE in high-level engagements within NTU, NUS and the National Research Foundation, as well as with other national ministries.
Assistant Professor Kazuyuki Kasahara Wins NTU Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Award
LKCMedicine’s Asst Prof Kasahara was recognised for his commitment to animal welfare, compliance and ethical research with the Principal Investigator-RCR Champion Award (Animal Research). He organises knowledge-sharing sessions and applies the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) to ensure scientific rigour, reproducibility and public trust. The Award celebrates researchers who significantly promote ethical research conduct and safeguard the integrity of the research process.
LKCMedicine Collaborates with ArtScience Museum for Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy
Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy features a gallery showcasing a small selection of pathological specimens, medical illustrations, student reflections and images, coordinated by LKCMedicine’s Anatomy and Communications & Outreach teams. The exhibition explores the human body across cultures, time and artistic expression. Professor Pang Weng Sun and Digital Education Technologist Chen Mingyue spoke at the Opening Symposium on 21 March 2026. The exhibition will last until 16 August 2026, with subsidised fees for NTU staff, faculty and students. For more details, click here.
NTU Appoints Mdm Siti Rohanah Koid as Acting Chief Communication Officer
Former LKCMedicine Communications & Outreach Director Mdm Siti Rohanah Koid has assumed the role of NTU’s Acting Chief Communication Officer from 1 April 2026. Under her leadership for the past 14 years, the School achieved significant milestones in rebranding and outreach, including flagship programmes such as Art & Science of Medicine Festival and MedCamp, and received multiple institutional and external awards that raised LKCMedicine’s visibility and reputation. Ms Christine Teh will replace Mdm Rohanah as Deputy Director, Communications & Outreach, effective 1 May 2026.
Strengthening the LKCMedicine Faculty
LKCMedicine welcomed two new faculty members to its research community earlier this year. Nanyang Assistant Professor Thanh Ngoc Nguyen (Ricky) joined on 26 February 2026, bringing expertise in mitophagy and autophagy research from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Assistant Professor Weiqiang Chen (Javier) joined on 2 March 2026, strengthening the School’s work in viral immunopathogenesis. Meanwhile, Nanyang Assistant Professor Franklin Zhong was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure, effective 1 March 2026.