CRIS celebrates International Women’s Day

This International Women's Day, we spotlight six remarkable women from CRIS and its programmes who are committed and passionate about advancing clinical research and innovation in their respective areas of expertise.

These range from spearheading cell therapy and precision medicine programmes; expanding the reach of clinical research networks; driving innovation and enterprise for healthcare; setting up robust legal frameworks; and shaping corporate direction through strategy and planning.

Their bravery in stepping out of their comfort zones, resilience and passion will have far-reaching impact on the nation’s healthcare research ecosystem.

We hope their stories will inspire women everywhere to pursue their dreams, defy limitations, and believe they can create lasting impact no matter where they are.

Forging her own path in uncharted territory

Dr Pauline Tay is the Director at the National Health Innovation Centre Singapore ↗ (opens in new tab) (NHIC), which strives to create impact in the field of health technology innovation and establish Singapore as a leading hub for health innovation and enterprise in Asia.

Find out how she charted her own career path, her leadership philosophy and the exciting projects she is leading at NHIC.

The little things in life, literally

Dr Patricia Tay is a Clinical Research Network Manager at the Singapore Clinical Research Institute ↗ (opens in new tab) (SCRI) where she coordinates the development and maintenance of the research networks by encouraging and facilitating research through collaborations among clinicians. Clinical research networks are critical platforms to gather clinical evidence which would not have been possible with single sites. These networks facilitate and enhance the collaborative partnerships between academia, industry and public institutions.

Find out more about the pivotal role Patricia plays as the key communication link between clinicians, their research work and a wider network of researchers in the region.

Discipline and practice

Jayanthi Ravi, Assistant Director, Legal, oversees the finer details of contracts and framework agreements to facilitate successful public-private partnerships at the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium ↗ (opens in new tab) (STCC) that will advance oncology research in Singapore.

Unknown to many, Jayanthi is also trained in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance.

Read more about the discipline, precision and creative interpretation required to master this classical Indian dance parallels her work in legal and compliance.

Sowing the seeds of progress for Singapore’s national precision medicine programme

In Singapore, exciting developments are underway in the field of precision medicine. Dr Zheng Weiling, a Senior Business Development Manager at Precision Health Research, Singapore ↗ (opens in new tab) (PRECISE), is one of those leading the charge.

Weiling’s work involves building partnerships within the industry, showcasing the latest developments in Singapore’s precision medicine landscape, and presenting strategies to encourage companies to set up operations in Singapore. These cross-collaborations within the industry can also help local companies acquire new capabilities and grow their businesses.

Learn more what she finds fulfilling about her role at PRECISE to better healthcare outcomes for the population.

From lab bench to corporate planning: Advancing clinical research that will drive healthcare solutions for patients

Dr Chen Huijia, Senior Manager for Planning and Strategy, finds purpose in supporting the strategic initiatives at CRIS, which houses six key national clinical initiatives and translational platforms under the Ministry of Health to advance clinical research and innovation for a future-ready healthcare system.

Learn more about how she made the switch from a career in the research lab to business development and corporate planning, all of which have been meaningful roles in driving healthcare for the greater good.

Everything everywhere all at once

Dr Francesca Lim is the Chief Medical Officer at the Advanced Cell Therapy and Research Institute, Singapore ↗ (opens in new tab) (ACTRIS) where she contributes to the development of the national cell therapy services strategy. One of its upcoming milestones in August this year will be the opening of the ACTRIS state-of-the-art cell therapy manufacturing facility.

Learn about her dynamic role in leading these initiatives, the many hats she wears and how she stays joyful above it all.