Undergraduate research at the National University of Singapore (NUS) continues to gain momentum, driven by a strong culture of interdisciplinary exploration and innovation. Through initiatives such as the Research Experience Programme (REx), along with flagship events like the REx Conference 2026 (RExCon2026) and the REx Researcher Unbound Plus (RU+) series, students are engaging deeply with complex global challenges while collaborating with mentors and sharing their findings with broader communities.
Held on 21 January 2026, the REx Conference brought together more than 200 participants from across faculties, offering a dynamic platform for students to present research, exchange ideas, and connect with industry and academic partners. The event highlighted how interdisciplinary collaboration can generate innovative solutions with real-world impact.
Among the standout projects was a study by Daniel Chong, a third-year science student, who examined physical activity and screen time among children and adolescents in Singapore. His research revealed a concerning trend of low physical activity levels despite widespread interventions, providing data-driven recommendations for policymakers and health practitioners.
Another notable contribution came from Amolika Vishal Thapliyal from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, who received the Best Oral Presentation Award. Her research explored how different brain lesion locations in stroke patients affect language abilities, offering valuable insights that could improve rehabilitation strategies for individuals with aphasia.
Complementing the conference, the RU+ series focuses on enhancing students’ ability to communicate research effectively. Workshops such as “Building the Research Story” equip participants with skills to transform complex data into compelling narratives, reflecting the growing importance of research storytelling.
Through these initiatives, NUS is nurturing a new generation of thinkers and innovators who are equipped to bridge disciplines, communicate ideas effectively, and translate research into meaningful societal impact.
