To transform and advance the medical research and innovation in Singapore, LKCMedicine and the National Healthcare Group (NHG) have launched the Academy of Clinician Scientists and Innovators (ACSI). Officially unveiled on 6 September 2023 at the Centre for Healthcare Innovation, this landmark initiative will cultivate the research and innovation capabilities of medical students, doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Co-led by LKCMedicine Dean and NTU Singapore’s Senior Vice-President for Health & Life Sciences, Distinguished University Professor Joseph Sung, and NHG Senior Advisor, Professor Leo Yee Sin, ACSI is a major milestone in the deepening partnership between NHG and LKCMedicine and reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing translational research to improve patient outcomes.

A Platform for Future Leaders in Medical Research

To nurture the next generation of clinician scientists and innovators, ACSI will focus on three key areas:

• Recruitment & Development – Identifying and training promising talents early
• Networking & Support – Connecting young clinicians with mentors, peers, and senior academics
• Enhancement – Increase visibility of the Academy’s resources and celebrate the successes of our research and innovation achievements

NHG Chairman, Mr Tan Tee How, highlighted the critical role of research and innovation in translating science into real-world solutions—not just for patient care, but also to shape healthcare policies and drive population health improvements. He emphasized that NTU’s strengths in technology, media, and behavioral sciences will complement NHG’s clinical expertise, creating a powerful synergy for impactful research.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of LKCMedicine Governing Board, applauded the exceptional and productive partnership between NHG and LKCMedicine, which has already nurtured six cohorts of capable, committed, and compassionate medical doctors. With ACSI, the goal is to foster the next generation of world-class clinician scientists and medical innovators.

Building a Stronger Ecosystem for Medical Research

By building on existing collaborations such as the National Skin Centre (NSC) and the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), as well as the Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore (RRIS), the Academy will contribute significantly to developing cost-effective solutions for patient care.

Professor Leo Yee Sin shared her hopes for ACSI, stating that while many healthcare professionals aim to improve treatments for their patients, some will go on to become globally renowned researchers, bringing Singapore’s medical innovations to the world stage.

A Transformational Vision for Singapore’s Healthcare Future

With Singapore facing challenges such as an ageing population, rising healthcare costs, and emerging infectious diseases, ACSI is poised to drive excellence in clinical research and innovation. This initiative reaffirms NHG and LKCMedicine’s dedication to developing world-class medical talent, advancing scientific discovery, and improving healthcare outcomes for future generations.

Through education, mentorship, and collaboration, the Academy will not only nurture the brightest minds in medicine but also cement Singapore’s position as a global leader in healthcare research and innovation.

“With the launch of ACSI, we are not only nurturing the next generation of clinician scientists and innovators but also transforming research into real-world healthcare solutions that will improve lives in Singapore and beyond”