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Duke-NUS turns 20: A year of milestones, memories and making history

We kicked off our 20th anniversary celebrations in grand style, from a record-breaking philanthropic gala to a meaningful reunion between our parent universities, Duke and NUS, in Singapore. Along the way, we launched new traditions—our first-ever alumni appreciation evening and the distinguished professor recognition ceremony.

The momentum didn’t stop there. We welcomed ten new Master Academic Clinicians, marked a major leap forward in pandemic preparedness, and came together to give back whether it was through the annual Deans’ pancake breakfast or by bringing joy to young cancer patients. And amidst it all, we reinforced our commitment to empowering clinician-researchers and scientists alike, while paying tribute to a trailblazer who helped shape Duke-NUS from the very beginning—Professor David Virshup.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest moments from this milestone year so far.

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Duke-NUS raises more than S$30m at anniversary gala

More than 300 distinguished guests, including Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, came together to celebrate the School’s achievements and renew their support at the Duke-NUS 20th anniversary gala dinner, held on 11 January. The event also marked a major philanthropic milestone for the School, which announced that it had raised more than S$30 million in gifts and pledges towards student financial aid and advancing cutting-edge research. This includes a S$5.5 million donation from the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat.

A group photo of senior leadership members and guest-of-honour at the Duke-NUS Gala Dinner

“As in 2005, when Duke-NUS was born, I have that same confidence that Duke-NUS will achieve even greater things going forward. Your faculty and staff will continue to be pacesetters for many fields of medicine and public health. Your students and graduates will excel, distinguishing themselves with their talents and passion. Your doctors will add health and wealth to living for Singaporeans and the wider region.”
Minister Ng Eng Hen

Duke-NUS hosts first-ever Distinguished Professorship ceremony

Distinguished professorship recipients, both past and present, share the stage for a group photo with senior leaders and stakeholders from Duke-NUS and SingHealth

On 17 January, the inaugural Distinguished Professor Recognition Ceremony was held to honour trailblazing faculty from the School and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC) who were awarded distinguished and faculty professorships.

Established in partnership with donors, the Distinguished Professorships represent the highest appointment bestowed by the School. To complement the distinguished professorships, the School established faculty professorships to recognise outstanding mid- and early-career faculty with exceptional potential.

“This is the first time that we formally assemble to honour this incredible group of distinguished professors, and while this event arguably is a bit overdue, I believe it is particularly fitting that we launch this event during the milestone year for Duke-NUS…our 20th anniversary.”
Dean Professor Thomas Coffman

Deans’ Pancake Breakfast makes a meaningful comeback

Ms Karen Chang snaps a quick shot commemorating her four pancakes with four hungry pancake lovers behind her.

Marking its return with piping hot pancakes and a delicious array of breakfast delights, the annual Deans’ Pancake Breakfast was held on 7 February. At the event, senior management and leaders from Duke-NUS and SingHealth enthusiastically took to the griddle, flipping pancakes—all for a good cause.

The breakfast sets were sold on a pay-as-you-wish basis, with all proceeds going towards Duke-NUS students’ community service projects—Camp SIMBA and Project DOVE.

Ten Master Academic Clinicians inducted

Ten outstanding clinician-leaders were inducted into the Hall of Master Academic Clinicians on 28 February. Members of this year’s cohort represent five leading healthcare institutions—Changi General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital.

Established in 2021, the Hall of Master Academic Clinicians honours clinicians who exemplify leadership in clinical practice, research, education and innovation. This induction of the fifth cohort brings the total number of Master Academic Clinicians to 45.

The event also celebrated the academic milestones of 25 senior faculty members who were appointed or promoted to the ranks of associate and full professor.

“What makes them truly exceptional is that they don’t just impart knowledge, they ignite a passion for medicine among their mentees–inspiring our next generation of young clinicians to care deeply…but also, to think boldly.”
Prof Thomas Coffman

A homecoming of spirit: Inaugural Duke-NUS Alumni Appreciation Dinner

On 4 March, esteemed alumni, faculty and leaders gathered for the inaugural Duke-NUS Alumni Appreciation Dinner. The evening’s highlights included the presentation of the Duke-NUS Medical Alumni (DNMA) Association Appreciation Awards and the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Held in celebration of the School’s 20th anniversary, the event introduces a new tradition to foster a deeper sense of community and collaboration among alumni.

Empowering clinician-researchers: A new era of support at the SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC

The inaugural SingHealth Duke-NUS Clinician-Researcher Engagement Evening was held on 24 January to bolster support for clinician-researchers across career stages. Participants heard from innovation leaders, academic clinical programme leads and academic mentors from across the AMC who gathered to explore robust support strategies for clinician-researchers.

The pilot of AskADD, an academic policy chatbot designed to help faculty navigate academic appointments, promotion and tenure policies and procedures, was also launched at the event.

PBSTA excursion brings joy to young cancer patients

This year, the Duke-NUS Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Awareness (PBSTA) Day expanded its reach as student volunteers organised a pre-event excursion to Gardens by the Bay for the young patients and their families. Held on 12 January, the excursion saw children engaging in activities and arts and craft. The main awareness day is planned for May 2025.

“Beyond medicine, diagnosis and healing, I wanted to do something to make an indelible impact in their lives.”
PBSTA volunteer Mr Timothy Ng Yu, first-year MD student volunteer

Startup built on Duke-NUS discovery acquired by European biotech company

CoV Biotechnology, a Singapore-based biotech company with assets developed by Duke-NUS Professor Wang Linfa, has been acquired by Leyden Labs to drive research and development efforts to tackle emerging threats posed by avian influenza and other respiratory viruses in Asia.

“To ensure early intervention against potential pandemic threats, we need a more proactive and pre-emptive approach, with a focus on innovating pathogen-agnostic, broad-spectrum solutions.”
Prof Wang Linfa

Duke and NUS meet in Singapore

On 6 March, board and leaders from Duke University and the National University of Singapore, Duke-NUS’ parent universities, came together for a long-awaited reunion. They were joined by leadership members from the School and its academic medicine partner, SingHealth, for an intimate evening which began with an insightful fireside chat exploring Asia’s place in a shifting world featuring Ambassador-at-Large Professor Chan Heng Chee with Duke-NUS Dean Professor Thomas Coffman as the moderator. The evening ushered in two days of meaningful conversations that explored building on the success of the Duke-NUS partnership.

Board chairs, presidents and deans from Duke, NUS, Duke-NUS and SingHealth pose for a commemorative photo with special guest Ambassador-at-Large Prof Chan Heng Chee (fourth from right).

A heartfelt tribute to Professor David Virshup

Duke-NUS celebrates David Virshup’s 18 years of impact

On 7 March, a special symposium was held to celebrate Professor David Virshup’s enduring legacy as he prepares to embark on his next chapter in Durham.

The event, which was attended by Duke-NUS faculty and staff as well as guests from around the world, was a fitting tribute to a scientist, mentor, and leader whose influence transcends research—marked by moments of laughter, heartfelt reflections and at times even a few tears.

As the founding director of the School’s Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Prof Virshup played an integral role in shaping the research landscape within and beyond the programme, while continuing to drive transformative discoveries in his lab.

“You’ve been like a family to me–a little bit dysfunctional, but family nonetheless. So thank you all for the fantastic 18 years.”
Prof David Virshup