Issue 57
Feb 2026
DOSSIER
BY PROFESSOR ROGER FOO, VICE-DEAN (RESEARCH), NUS YONG LOO LIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR THAI TRAN, ASSISTANT DEAN (RESEARCH), AND MS AMUTHA RAJU, MANAGER, DEAN’S OFFICE, NUS MEDICINE
NUSMedSci Alliance holds public outreach sessions termed MedSci Brew to demystify life sciences research.
MedSci Brew evolves from models of community outreach that we have seen elsewhere. Initiated at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) campus in November 2024 by Amutha Raju, Manager at the Dean’s Office, and driven by Associate Professor Thai Tran and members of the NUSMedSci Alliance, MedSci Brew has grown into an innovative outreach series.
The NUSMedSci Alliance brings together preclinical and clinical researchers across NUS Medicine, NUHS, and community partners.
It shares the research work at NUS Medicine in outreach events with the public. Instead of formal lectures, this initiative transforms everyday spaces—think air-conditioned cafés, libraries, schools, and community centres—into hubs for question-and-answer sessions. The goal? To make clinical and biomedical science accessible, relatable and impactful for everyone: students, caregivers and office workers.
Conversations that matter
Each MedSci Brew session is designed as a two-way conversation. Led by passionate NUS Medicine and NUHS researchers, topics cover everything from mental health and AI, to wellness, resilience, and the latest in biomedical discoveries. Attendees ask questions, share experiences, and leave informed and even inspired.
“MedSci Brew isn’t just about sharing research—it’s about breaking down barriers. The initiative advances Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in the research that we do, aiming for inclusivity by reaching to all communities, including non-English speakers and lower-income families and celebrates the human stories behind scientific progress,” said Professor Roger Foo, NUSMedSci Alliance Advisor and NUS Medicine’s Vice-Dean for Research.
Students at Dazhong Primary learning about heat resilience at the “Everything you wanted to know about the life sciences” booth set up in their school on 27 May 2025.
Let’s brew a brighter, healthier future together! Bring your questions, curiosity, and love for a good conversation. MedSci Brew is where science meets everyday life— one story, one community at a time.”
It’s an exciting new space where our scientists can truly shine—sharing their groundbreaking research and discoveries with the community! Even better, it invites the community to be part of the research journey—by exchanging ideas and asking thoughtful questions that help shape and refine our research focus.”
A Year of Impactful Engagements
Since its inaugural session in November 2024, MedSci Brew has hosted a series of thought-provoking engagements across Singapore:
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Libraries: From “Your Medicine, Your Life” at Central Public Library in Bras Basah, to a session detailing “Personalised Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression” at Harbourfront, library sessions have drawn crowds eager to learn and discuss. |
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Schools: Students at Dazhong Primary, Dunman Secondary and Raffles Institution have explored topics such as heat resilience and the science behind well-being, from Assoc Prof Jason Lee and his research team. |
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Queenstown Health District: Engaging conversations including “Healing Minds with AI” showcase how technology is shaping the future of mental healthcare. |
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Community Hubs: Even parents at Dad’s Adventure Hub joined the session on “Fathering Beyond Provision”, sparking intergenerational dialogue about science and health. |
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