100 years of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS Medicine
Published: 25 Jul 2025
From left: Associate Professor Kevin Tan, Head of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, NUS Medicine; Professor Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health, Ministry of Health, Singapore; Professor Chong Yap Seng, Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine, Dean, NUS Medicine; and Prof Yeoh Khay Guan, Kishore Mahbubani Professor in Medicine and Health Policy, Chief Executive, NUHS.
On Friday, 18 July 2025, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), marked its centennial anniversary with the 2025 Centennial Symposium. Held at the Clinical Research Centre Auditorium at MD11, the full-day event welcomed Professor Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health at the Ministry of Health, Singapore, as Guest-of-Honour.
The Symposium brought together leading researchers and clinicians from around the world to reflect on a century of progress and to share the latest insights in microbiology and immunology. Among the highlights was a keynote presentation by Professor Gao Fu from the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He spoke on the topic “COVID-19: Virus and receptor discovery and development of vaccine and antibody”, offering a detailed look into how the virus operates—its structure, its mode of transmission—and how this understanding paved the way for the rapid development of vaccines and antibody treatments.
Another key speaker was Professor Tadatsugu Taniguchi, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo. Prof Taniguchi’s presentation in the symposium was titled “Interferons and Beyond; What could be the struggle to fill our heart?”. Prof Taniguchi’s research revolutionised how we understand interferons and their regulatory mechanisms, which set the stage for research into immunity, disease treatment, and vaccine development, and laid the foundation for modern cytokine biology.
The Symposium was the culmination of a year-long celebration that began earlier in the year. In March 2025, the Department held a Centennial Roadshow featuring interactive booths and microbiology-themed carnival games that introduced students from a range of disciplines to the exciting frontiers of microbial science. This was followed by a microbial art jamming session on 14 March, where staff and students expressed their creativity by “drawing” with colourful microbes—resulting artworks were later showcased on the department’s Instagram account.
From 13 to 27 May 2025, the department organised a Centennial Learning Journey, comprising ten workshop sessions that welcomed approximately 1,000 students from 25 different schools. These workshops offered students a hands-on introduction to the microbial world, the immune system, and the often-overlooked ways in which microbes can support human health and well-being.
An ongoing creative competition, Petri Palette, will announce their winners on 12 December 2025. In this competition, Singaporeans are invited to submit their creative works that relate to microbiology and immunology, ranging from digital drawings, hand-painted art, microscopic images from experiments to poems or even songs. Entries are open until 30 November 2025.
Together, these events commemorated the department’s legacy of education, research, and public engagement, while also looking ahead to the next 100 years of discovery and innovation in microbiology and immunology.
As part of their Centennial celebrations, a Gala dinner was held on 18 July 2025. It was a heartfelt and memorable evening as current and former staff gathered for a cosy reunion to mark the department’s 100th anniversary. The event was a celebration not just of history, but of the enduring bonds forged over decades of shared discovery, mentorship, and collaboration. Emcee Joe Augustin lent his signature wit and warmth to the evening, keeping spirits high and the programme flowing seamlessly.
A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cutting of the centennial cake by all five of their Heads of Department—a symbolic gesture honouring the leadership that has shaped their department across generations. The ambience struck the fine balance between elegance and intimacy, with the soulful vocals of acclaimed jazz singer Alemay Fernandez guiding guests on a nostalgic musical journey. It was a night filled with laughter, stories, and deep appreciation for a legacy that continues to inspire.
Here are some photos of the event, with credit to LiveStudios:
Heads of Department for the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, from left: A/Prof Vincent Chow (2002-2005), Prof Mary Ng Mah Lee (2012-2013), A/Prof Kevin Tan (2020 till now), Prof Nicholas Gascoigne (2013-2020), Prof David Michael Kemeny (2005-2012).
About the Department of Microbiology and Immunology
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology focuses on understanding fundamental biological processes related to microorganisms and the immune system. Its work spans immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. What sets the department apart is its diverse research questions, varied experimental approaches, and strong international reputation. Despite the breadth of research, all investigators share a common goal: to explore molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that underlie biological and disease processes.
The department plays a key role in medical, life sciences, and nursing education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It combines cutting-edge research, rigorous education, and meaningful clinical relevance — both for Singapore and the broader biomedical community.
