Nominations for YSA 2025 is now OPEN. Deadline: 28 February 2025

About the Young Scientist Award (YSA)

The YSA is administered by the Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS) and supported by the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF)*. This prestigious award was launched in 1997 and awarded annually to publicly recognize highly innovative and productive young Singapore-based scientists and engineers who have shown great potential to be world-class researchers in their fields of expertise.

*Previously supported by the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR).

Eligibility   

  • Nominees should be 40 years old or younger on the 1st of January in the year of nomination 

  • Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents actively engaged in R&D activities in Singapore  

  • Foreign citizens who have been working in Singapore for at least three years at the point of application  

Note: Self-nominations are allowed.

Award Categories

  1. Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)

  2. Physical, Information and Engineering Sciences (PIES).

Up to two winners will be awarded for each category. 

In honor of their achievements, each winner will receive 

  • Certificate signed by the Minister-in-charge of NRF (currently DPM Heng)

  • Plaque with citations

  • Medallion with national crest

  • Lapel pin

  • Cash prize of $10,000

Judging Criteria

  1. Potential 

    • Is it likely that the candidate will develop into a world-class researcher in the years to come?

  2. Vision 

    • Does the candidate possess a clear vision or creative ideas towards the development of science and technology?

  3. Track Record 

    • Has the candidate carried out any outstanding work or secured (significant) funding for research in recent times in Singapore?

  4. Scientific and Innovation Value 

    • Does the research advance the frontiers of science?

  5. Impact of Contribution 

    • Does the work of the candidate have a potential impact in creating significant new knowledge, in creating IP, e.g. patents, and leading to other applications or industrial R&D in Singapore?

  6. Drive and Initiative 

    • Does the candidate strive for excellence in his/ her work and, in doing so, show great drive in his / her research endeavours?

  7. Inspiration 

    • Is there any evidence that the candidate is a team-player and/ or provides inspiration to others?

How to Nominate 

  1. Complete the Online Form.

  2. Download the Nomination Form and follow the submission instructions given.

  3. Download the Referee Form and follow the submission instructions given. 

  4.  Download the Nominator’s Information Form and follow the submission instructions given. 

For shortlisted candidates

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and required to deliver a 10 minute presentation showcasing their research achievements, followed by a Q&A session with the Board of Judges. This presentation is scheduled for June or July. Candidates are encouraged to include items from the judging criteria in their presentations.

  • Shortlisted candidates who are unable to attend the in-person presentation due to valid reasons are strongly encouraged to record their presentation for the panel of judges. Please contact general@snas.org.sg / admin@snas.org.sg for more information.

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For more information, contact general@snas.org.sg / admin@snas.org.sg