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2025 Global Young Scientists Summit

Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Youngju Kim

• • Thanks to the support of the National Research Foundation of Singapore and Korea, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 13th Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS 2025) at the National University of Singapore. GYSS brings together emerging scientists from around the world to engage with internationally renowned researchers, including Nobel laureates. The summit features various forms of lectures, including quickfire pitches and fireside chats, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines – from natural sciences to future technologies. Participants also have the opportunity to showcase their research through poster presentations and networking sessions, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. GYSS 2025 took place over five exciting and enriching days, from January 6th to 10th, each moment filled with inspiration, learning, and exchange.
    
    
  • Before the official start of GYSS, participants were given a group tour of various research facilities in Singapore. I had the opportunity to visit Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), where I explored cutting-edge microbial community analysis techniques. While I was initially overwhelmed by their advanced research methodologies, the visit inspired me to think of new ways to enhance the quality of my own research. Later, at Singapore Management University (SMU), I was introduced to the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in climate change research. One researcher demonstrated a virtual reality model that allowed users to experience the potential impacts of extreme climate scenarios. It was incredible to see such innovative approaches being used to address environmental challenges – particularly climate change, a subject I am deeply passionate about.
    
    
  • The next day, GYSS 2025 officially began with an opening ceremony, followed by an inspiring lecture by Nobel Laureate Louis Ignarro, titled "Nitric Oxide is Not Just a Gas Blowin’ in the Wind." Meeting a Nobel laureate for the first time was an exciting experience in itself, but Professor Ignarro’s insights on nitric oxide and its role in medicine were truly fascinating. In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to discuss my research with scientists from diverse fields during the poster session, exchanging ideas and gaining valuable perspectives. The day concluded with a networking dinner, where I connected with researchers from around the world, including Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia. It was an incredible start to an enriching and unforgettable summit.
    
    
  • Among the many lectures I attended over the next few days, the most fascinating was by Joan Rose, recipient of the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize. Her talk on the evolution of environmental virology and the detection of viral pathogens in wastewater systems was filled with knowledge, experience, and passion. I also had the opportunity to introduce my research on plastic biodegradation in aquatic environments, and she provided invaluable insights into wastewater treatment innovations and their role in reducing plastic pollution. Another highlight was the After Dark Networking Session, which offered a more casual setting to exchange ideas with fellow scientists. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we found common ground in our experiences as young researchers. We shared our everyday challenges, concerns, and aspirations, making the summit even more memorable.
    
    
  • The summit concluded with a closing plenary lecture by Professor Sue Black, followed by the closing event at Sentosa Island. GYSS 2025 provided an incredible opportunity to build strong professional relationships with researchers from Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and beyond: connections that will undoubtedly be valuable for future collaborations. It is rare to have direct conversations with top-tier researchers, including Nobel laureates, but GYSS made it possible. These discussions not only deepened my knowledge but also inspired me to push forward in my research journey. Additionally, visiting NTU, SCELSE, and SMU gave me a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s world-class research ecosystem and provided insights that could contribute to the future growth of my own research lab.
    
    
  • I am immensely grateful to my fellow Korean researchers, the event organizers, and, of course, Professor Myung and our Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, for making this experience so meaningful.