Four faculty members from the Department of Biomedical Engineering have been recognised with prestigious international honours at the triennial World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering 2025, held in Adelaide, Australia this October.
Organised by the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE), the World Congress is one of the field’s most influential global gatherings, celebrating outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and professional service in medical and biological engineering.
Emeritus Prof James Goh – IFMBE Honorary Life Member Award
Emeritus Professor James Goh received the IFMBE Honorary Life Member Award, which recognises distinguished biomedical engineers for their long-standing contributions to the IFMBE and the global biomedical engineering community.
A former Head of Biomedical Engineering, Prof Goh has made extensive contributions to musculoskeletal biomechanics, tissue regeneration, and the promotion of medical and biological engineering worldwide. He has held prominent leadership roles including President of IFMBE (2015–2018) and the International Union for Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine (2018–2022).
Prof Goh said, “I am honoured to be recognised by IFMBE, the world’s largest Biomedical Engineering organisation. It is an affirmation of a lifelong involvement in global leadership to transform health technology. This award celebrates the shared dedication of my colleagues and students, and it reaffirms the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and compassion in advancing global health.”
Prof Lim Chwee Teck – Otto Schmitt Award
Professor Lim Chwee Teck, NUSS Chair Professor, was presented with the IFMBE Otto Schmitt Award, which honours distinguished biomedical engineers who have advanced the field through innovation, leadership, and impact. He previously received the Vladimir K. Zworykin Award from the same Congress in Toronto in 2015.
A leading figure in mechanobiology, microfluidics, and wearable technologies, Prof Lim’s research has advanced cancer diagnostics, organ-on-chip systems, and AI-driven health monitoring. His work has also led to the founding of six startups, including one that went public in 2018.
“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the incredible teamwork and dedication of my research group and collaborators,” Prof Lim said. “Innovation in biomedical engineering is always a collective effort.”
Prof Li Jun – Vladimir K. Zworykin Award
Professor Li Jun received the Vladimir K. Zworykin Award for his research on supramolecular self-assembled nanomaterials and hydrogels, which have advanced the fields of nanomedicine and sustainable agriculture.
His research has led to the development of smart biomaterials for therapeutic delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering, as well as bio-based hydrogels that improve water retention and support Singapore’s food security goals.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of my team and collaborators, and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in driving innovations that impact both health and the environment,” said Prof Li.
Asst Prof Andy Tay – IFMBE-IAMBE Early Career Award
Assistant Professor Andy Tay was presented with the IFMBE-IAMBE Early Career Award, which recognises promising young researchers within seven years of completing their PhD.
A prolific scientist and educator, Asst Prof Tay has published over 30 research papers as corresponding author and trained more than 80 researchers and students. His lab focuses on harnessing the immune system for cancer immunotherapy and tissue repair through the use of biomaterials and nanotechnology.
Asst Prof Tay said, “This award affirms my lab’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, integrating knowledge across immunology, bioengineering, and material sciences to develop novel solutions for tackling cancer and diabetic wounds.”
He added, “Our motivation stems from harnessing the power of our immunity to treat diseases. Real-world problems are wicked because they are fraught with loosely defined boundaries and contested causes and solutions. If we stand a chance to overcome wicked problems, we need interdisciplinary approaches.”
‘Inspiring the next generation’
Reflecting on the department’s success, Professor Dean Ho, Head of Biomedical Engineering, said, “I am deeply proud of our colleagues whose remarkable achievements have been recognised by IFMBE on the global stage. Their pioneering research and unwavering dedication exemplify the very best of our biomedical engineering community, advancing science, transforming healthcare, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Prof Ho added, “These honours reaffirm our department’s international stature and Biomedical Engineering and CDE’s leadership in shaping the future of biomedical engineering for the betterment of humanity.”
