University Awards

University Research Recognition Award

Genomics has the potential to transform reactive medicine into preventive health. By working with colleagues in the ecosystem, we seek to harness the power of the genome to improve the lives of Singaporeans, as well as Asian patients across the globe.  ” Professor Patrick Tan Boon Ooi
Duke-NUS Medical School
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Research Interests

  • Genomics and epigenomics of Asian-endemic cancers
  • Precision medicine and population genomics
  • Genomic technologies

Research Achievements

  • Pioneering research using genomic approaches to unlock the molecular and clinical diversity of gastric cancer and other Asian-endemic malignancies, paving the way for advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Asian cancer patients
  • Co-discoverer of aristolochic acid, a constituent of traditional herbal remedies, as a cause of certain forms of urogenital and liver cancers
  • Leader of Singapore’s National Precision Medicine programme establishing the world’s largest genetic data bank of multi-ethnic Asian populations, which has enhanced research into Asian diseases, improved clinical practice, and contributed to public equality through a moratorium on the use of genetic information in insurance underwriting
  • Deciphered the genomes of plants of significant social and cultural value to Singapore, including the durian and national orchid Vanda Miss Joaquim
  • Contributed to national resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by leading the establishment of the Stronghold Diagnostics Lab, one of Singapore’s largest COVID-19 testing facilities founded by A*STAR and the National University Health System

Publication Credits

  • Published over 310 peer-reviewed journal articles
  • Obtained over 33,000 citations since 2006, with a Hirsch index of 101
  • Featured in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists List, which recognises the most-cited scientists in various disciplines, in the fields of oncology and carcinogenesis (2021, 2022)

International Standing

  • Editorial board member of Cancer Discovery (since 2023)
  • Advisory board member of the Qatar Precision Health Institute (since 2023) and Riyadh Biotech City (since 2022)
  • Member of the Board of Reviewing Editors for Science (since 2021)
  • Board member of the International Gastric Cancer Association (since 2016)
  • Elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (since 2013)

Awards and Accolades

  • Singapore Translational Research Investigator Award, National Medical Research Council (2022, 2016)
  • Public Administration Medal (Silver) (2022)
  • American Association for Cancer Research Team Science Award (Team Leader) (2018)
  • Japanese Cancer Association International Award (2016)
  • President’s Science Award (Team) (2015)
  • Chen New Investigator Award, Human Genome Organisation (2013)

Education

  • MD, PhD (Stanford University)
  • BA (Harvard University)
 Honour Roll Recipients