Prof. Abolfazl Akbarzadeh | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yi Yan Yang | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Singapore

👨‍🎓Profiles

• Scopus Profile
• ORICD Profile
• Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Yi Yan Yang began her academic journey in chemical engineering at Tsinghua University, P.R. China, where she served as an Assistant/Associate Professor from 1990 to 1998. Her foundation in polymer science and chemical engineering laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in biomedical innovation and nanomedicine. This period marked her transition into interdisciplinary research, focusing on advanced materials and their practical applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Her illustrious career spans multiple leadership roles within ASTAR, Singapore. She served as Group Leader at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), progressing to key executive positions such as Covering Executive Director at both IBN and the Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging. Currently, she holds the title of Distinguished Principal Scientist at the Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), ASTAR. Additionally, since 2019, she has been an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Orthopedics, National University of Singapore (NUS). Her leadership and strategic vision have significantly shaped Singapore's research landscape.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

She has made groundbreaking contributions in the fields of polymer science, nanocarriers, nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems. She has led 56 research projects, collaborating with global industry leaders like IBM, Merck MSD, and Procter & Gamble. Her work includes the development of antimicrobial and antiviral polymer coatings, polymeric hydrogels for antibody delivery, and novel nanocarriers for mRNA vaccine delivery. Her innovations extend to tackling antimicrobial resistance, polymer-based drug delivery systems, and mRNA therapeutics, significantly contributing to infectious disease treatment and next-generation vaccines.

🔭 Impact and Influence

Her research has had a global impact, as evidenced by her h-index of 95 and over 29,000 citations on Google Scholar. Recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2022, her contributions include pioneering antimicrobial polymers, which were named among Scientific American’s Top 10 World-Changing Ideas. Her technologies have led to the founding of companies like TriSafe HealthTech Pte. Ltd., translating laboratory research into real-world applications that address critical global health challenges.

🌟 Academic Publications and Patents

She has authored 303 publications in prestigious journals, including Nature Materials, Nature Nanotechnology, ACS Nano, and Advanced Materials. Her portfolio also boasts 92 patents, demonstrating her innovative spirit and commitment to advancing technology. These publications and patents underscore her expertise in drug/gene delivery systems, antimicrobial technologies, and nanomedicine.

💡 Collaborations and Partnerships

Her collaborations with globally renowned researchers, such as Dr. James L. Hedrick (IBM Almaden Research Center) and Dr. Yue Wan (Genome Institute of Singapore), have led to advancements in polymer chemistry, mRNA vaccine development, and therapeutics. Her partnerships extend to prominent institutions and industries, including Smithfield Hog Production, IHI, and ST Dynamics, fostering innovation across biomedical, pharmaceutical, and consumer care sectors.

📈 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is defined by her transformative work in biomedicine, polymer science, and infectious disease control. Her technologies have not only influenced the academic community but have also resulted in practical solutions addressing global health crises. Looking ahead, Dr. Yang remains committed to advancing mRNA nanoformulation, antimicrobial therapies, and nanocarrier systems to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

💥 Technical Skills and Expertise

She is a pioneer in the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers, lipid nanoparticles, and self-assembling macromolecules. Her expertise in nanomedicine and drug delivery is complemented by her skills in developing mRNA nanoformulations, antimicrobial polymers, and polymeric hydrogels for various biomedical applications.

👨‍🎓 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an Adjunct Professor at NUS, She has actively engaged in mentoring students and early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists. Her leadership roles in research institutes and collaborative projects reflect her dedication to knowledge sharing and academic development.

🛠️ Consultancy and Industry Impact

Her collaborations with industry giants, including IBM, Procter & Gamble, and Merck MSD, have translated scientific innovations into commercial products. These partnerships have led to the development of groundbreaking solutions such as antimicrobial coatings, polymeric hydrogels, and nanocarriers for drug and vaccine delivery, contributing to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and consumer care.

📖Notable Publications