Two researchers from CDE who have distinguished themselves in the field of science have been presented with fellowships awarded by the Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS). Professor Chen Xiaoyuan (Biomedical Engineering) and Adjunct Professor Loh Xian Jun (Materials Science and Engineering) are among six individuals from NUS to have been presented with SNAS fellowships for 2024.
Prof Chen has been elected as SNAS Fellow for his contributions to the fields of molecular imaging and nanomedicine; whilst Prof Loh has been honoured for his work in the field of thermogelling polymers, from molecular understanding to clinical applications.
Established in 1976, SNAS is an independent institution that promotes technological advancements and disseminates scientific knowledge in Singapore. It has been awarding the prestigious SNAS Fellowships to outstanding scientists since 2011.
Professor Chen Xiaoyuan (Shawn)
Prof Chen holds joint appointment at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology under the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at CDE.  He is also Research Director of the Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme and the Clinical Imaging Research Centre at the NUS Medicine.
Prof Chen is a world-renowned imaging scientist who is highly acclaimed for his work in molecular imaging, nanomedicine, radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics. His research covers a range of topics from nanomedicine for gene and drug delivery to molecular imaging probe development to creating ultrasensitive nanobiosensors for biomarker detection. His work has significant implications on the advancement of basic science and has translational and clinical applications.
He is founding editor of the journal Theranostics and co-founder of Yantai Lannacheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. In recognition of his breakthrough achievements, Prof Chen was elected as a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and a member of the Academia Europea.
Adjunct Professor Loh Xian Jun
An adjunct professor with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at CDE, Prof Loh is a pioneer and recognised global expert in the area of biodegradable thermogels. He develops these materials for applications such as biomedical, engineering, cosmetics, personal care and food.
Prof Loh’s research interests primarily lie in the area of soft materials, with underlying themes, including modification of naturally available biodegradable polymers for the synthesis of soft materials, characterisation of the soft materials properties, and development of simple fabrication techniques to fabricate these soft material constructs.
He is the current President and member of the Executive Committee of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry, and he is also the co-founder of Vitreogel Innovations, a spin-off company that develops thermogels for clinical applications.