The National Conference of Scientific and Space Attachés and Agricultural Experts took place in Naples from 10 to 12 September 2025. The event was attended, among others, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and the Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini.
At the conclusion of the conference, the “Farnesina Awards” were presented, and once again this year Singapore was among the recipients. Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli awarded the Science, She Says! prize for the Asia-Pacific region to Dr. Yu Jun Tan of the National University of Singapore (NUS) for her outstanding and cutting-edge research work.
For several years now, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been presenting this award to a young non-Italian female scientist (up to the age of 40) who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology in collaboration with Italian scientists and research groups.
Dr. Yu Jun Tan was awarded the prize “for her outstanding contribution to science and technology, with innovative research on sustainable and bio-inspired materials. Her leadership and international collaboration inspire young female scientists and demonstrate the significant impact of women in sustainable technology.”
Her nomination was proposed by Professor Cecilia Laschi of NUS, supported by Professor Leonardo Ricotti of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and Professor Barbara Mazzolai of the Italian Institute of Technology, and submitted by the Embassy of Italy in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
Dr. Yu Jun Tan is actively involved in the bilateral robotics project under the Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Italy and Singapore.
It is worth highlighting that last year, another brilliant young researcher from Singapore, Michelle Hong of Menarini Biomarkers Singapore PTE, received the same award for the Asia-Pacific region, further demonstrating the excellence of the collaborations between Italian and Singaporean researchers.
