International Women’s Day is not just a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come–it’s a chance to celebrate the progress we’ve made and push for a future where inclusion is the norm, not the goal. It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table, it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, every perspective valued, and every person empowered to lead, regardless of gender. True inclusion isn’t just about power for women, but about building a world where men and women stand as equals, shaping the future together.

At Duke-NUS, we see this happening in real time. In this issue of MEDICUS, we celebrate the trailblazers who are redefining science and medicine–not just by succeeding in their fields, but by reshaping them. Ann-Marie Chacko, Co-Chair of this year’s International Women in STEM & Medicine Symposium, is at the forefront of this transformation, fostering a culture where women in science don’t just participate but thrive. Her leadership, alongside the brilliant minds featured in this issue, is paving the way for a future where female scientists, innovators and clinicians lead groundbreaking discoveries, mentor the next generation, and redefine what leadership looks like in STEM.

Meet Atiqah Lee, whose work in ageing research is deeply personal—she doesn’t just study how communities can better support seniors, she’s building the kind of environment she hopes to age in herself. Dr Anu Pandey chased her childhood dream of becoming a doctor, overcoming setbacks along the way, and is now making a difference in paediatric emergency medicine. Tay Hwee Goon is on a mission to restore vision, using translational research to bring sight-saving therapies closer to reality.

And yet, stories like theirs aren’t as common as they should be. Women in medicine and science continue to face systemic barriers—from unequal funding opportunities to deeply ingrained biases about leadership. If we want a future where breakthroughs in healthcare and research reflect the full talent pool of humanity, we need to do more than celebrate achievements—we need to change structures, shift mindsets, and keep asking the tough questions about what real inclusion looks like.

This issue is a tribute to the extra-ordinary women shaping science at Duke-NUS and beyond. It’s also an invitation: to listen, to learn, and to actively take part in creating a more equitable future.

And if you’re inspired by the stories you read, don’t just stop there. Join us at this year’s International Women in STEM & Medicine Symposium, where Ann-Marie Chacko and a panel of changemakers will explore what’s next in the journey toward equity in science and healthcare. Because a more inclusive world isn’t just better for women—it’s better for all of us.

And finally, beyond inclusion, this issue is packed with stories of vision, resilience, and impact—and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed putting them together. Tell us what resonated with you, what inspired you, and what you’d love to see more of. Your thoughts, feedback, and yes, even a little love, keep us going.

Happy reading!

Anirudh Sharma
Editor-in-Chief