Prof Liu Bin (extreme left) was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame this year and received the Flame Trophy from Ms Jane Ittogi (middle), Guest-of-Honour and SCWO Patron, accompanied by Dr Seow Yian San, SCWO President (extreme right).

Professor Liu Bin, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology), has been inducted into the prestigious Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, in honour of her outstanding contributions as a scientist, engineer, innovator, and academic leader. The Induction Ceremony was held on 21 March 2025, during the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations’ (SCWO) 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner. As an honouree of the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, Prof Liu joins an esteemed community of trailblazing women who have shaped our nation, pushed boundaries in their fields and paved the way for future generations.

The Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame was launched by SCWO on 14 March 2014 as an expansion of the Wall of Fame that was established earlier to honour Singapore’s pioneering women activists, educators, and philanthropists. The Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame aims to recognise and salute the outstanding women of Singapore in all fields of endeavour.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to be inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame alongside other outstanding women who have made profound impact on Singapore. This recognition affirms my commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and my role as an academic leader and mentor. I hope it serves as an inspiration for more young women to pursue their passions and make their own meaningful contributions that help shape a better, more inclusive world for all,” said Prof Liu.

From a childhood passion to global impact

Since young, Prof Liu had a wide range of interests ─ she was passionate about mathematics and chemistry. She was also interested in artwork and cooking. Despite having a background in arts and social sciences, Prof Liu’s father understood the crucial role that science plays in shaping our world and he encouraged her to pursue a career in science and engineering.

Prof Liu enrolled into NUS to further her studies and earned her PhD in Chemistry, after obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nanjing University. Soon after completing her postdoctoral training at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Prof Liu returned to NUS in 2005 to serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering at NUS.

Prof Liu is world-renowned in the field of organic functional materials, particularly for her work in polymer chemistry and applications of organic nanomaterials in medicine, environmental monitoring, and energy systems. One of her most significant research contributions to the study of biocompatible luminogens began in 2011. Her findings led to the development of highly sensitive light-up molecular probes and nanoparticle probes that allow for long-term cell tracing and tumour imaging, crucial for cancer research and cell-based therapies.

Leveraging her research on biocompatible luminogens, Prof Liu co-founded Luminicell, an NUS start-up, to commercialise this cutting-edge technology.

Throughout her academic career, Prof Liu has received numerous accolades in recognition of her innovative and groundbreaking research. Some notable ones from the past year include the President’s Science Award 2024 for her team’s breakthrough discovery of the role of carbazole isomers in room temperature phosphorescence of carbazole, an organic semiconductor, resolving a 95-year debate in the field. She was also inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows Class of 2024, in recognition of her distinguished contributions to the development of nanomaterials for biomedical and energy applications.

Shaping the future of research through visionary leadership and mentorship

Prof Liu has been a key driver in elevating NUS’ international research reputation, forging strong partnerships with leading global universities to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives. As NUS’ Deputy President (Research and Technology), Prof Liu’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering innovation across faculties at NUS. A notable initiative, where Prof Liu played a crucial role, was the development of the NUS Sustainability Cluster, which aligned the University’s research efforts with global priorities in sustainable development.

Prof Liu is a strong advocate for women in STEM and encourages more women to pursue careers in science and engineering. She believes that girls should be granted the same opportunities as boys to pursue their interests and thrive in STEM fields. Prof Liu’s active interest in promoting opportunities for girls and women in science and engineering has contributed to the diversity and inclusivity of Singapore's scientific community.

Prof Liu is also committed to nurturing the next generation of research leaders and innovators. During her 18 years at NUS, she has mentored 36 PhD students and 63 post-doctoral fellows and visiting professors.

Taking great pride in her multiple roles - as a researcher, academic leader, and mentor - Prof Liu aims to continue to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and empower emerging scientists to achieve groundbreaking advancements in their respective fields.

When asked to share some advice with young women aspiring to excel in their fields, Prof Liu said, “As we progress in scientific fields, the number of female scientists tends to decrease. I encourage young women interested in STEM to believe in their potential and boldly pursue their passions. Don’t let fears or assumptions limit what you can achieve. Seek out mentors who can support and guide you along the way.”


News from: https://news.nus.edu.sg/prof-liu-bin-singapore-womens-hall-of-fame/