Medical training continues to evolve with technology. As our future physicians need to keep up with developments in their field, formulating a curriculum that incorporates state-of-the-art research and educational technologies remains a priority.
”
Prof P GOPALAKRISHNAKONE
FAMS (Academy of Medicine, Singapore); DSc (NUS);
PhD (University of London); MBBS (University of Ceylon)
Department of Anatomy
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Scientific Achievements
- Internationally recognised as a leading expert in the characterisation of the structure and function of animal toxins, who seeks to identify promising new leads for treating diseases such as arthritis, cancer and neurodegeneration
- Developed novel physicochemical methods to detect and identify many lethal biological toxins
- Made seminal findings that have since been translated into eight patents being granted
- Published widely in numerous established scientific journals, with over 160 globally peer-reviewed papers and more than 350 conference presentations, monographs and books
Academic And Service Achievements
- Devoted exceptional scholarship as well as sustained academic leadership and service to the University for more than three decades since joining NUS in 1982
- Established a strong research programme in venoms and toxins at NUS, putting the University at the forefront of toxin research internationally
- Contributed key insights and analyses to aid the research and development of Singapore's chemical and biological defence capabilities
- Served as chair or a member of many NUS as well as national and international committees
- President, International Society on Toxinology (2008 – 2012)
- Visiting Professor and Consultant, Vietnam Military Medical University (since 2006)
- Principal Fellow, Australian Venom Research Unit (since 2005)
- Advisor, Toxicology, Ministry of Health, Vietnam (2004)
- Treasurer, Asia-Pacific Society on Medical Toxicology (1989 – 1992)
- Member, Working Group on Natural Toxins and International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization (1988 – 1992)
- Chairman, 10th World Congress on Animal, Plant and Microbial Toxins (1991)
- Chairman, International Programme on Chemical Safety and Meeting of the Working Group of Experts on Natural Toxins, World Health Organization (1989, 1991)
- Founding President, International Society on Toxinology (Asia-Pacific) (1987 – 1990)
- Council Member, Society on Toxicology (since 1987)
- Chairman, First Asia-Pacific Congress on Animal, Plant and Microbial Toxins (1987)
- Consultant on Snakebite and Treatment in Developing Countries, World Health Organization (1981)
- Member, University Senate Delegacy (2013, 2003, 2002)
- Clinical Anatomy Programme Director for Residency Training, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (since 2010)
- Departmental Research Director, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2002 – 2005)
- Member, Faculty Promotion and Tenure Committee, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2002 – 2003)
- Member, University Senate (since 1999)
- Chairman, Venom and Toxin Research Programme (since 1985)
- Melbourne-Asian Century Visiting Fellowship Programme (2014 – 2015)
- Long Service Award, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2013, 2009)
- Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2011, 2004)
- Annual Teaching Excellence Award, NUS (2010, 2005)
- Long Service Medal, Ministry of Education, Singapore (2009)
- Third ASEAN University Network Distinguished Scholars Programme (2006 – 2007)
- Edward Clarence Dyason Universitas 21 Fellowship (2003 – 2004)
- Research Excellence Award, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2003)
- Ministerial Citation for Outstanding Research, National Science and Technology Board (2000)
- Outstanding University Researcher Award, NUS (1998)
- World Health Organization Fellowship (1981, 1980, 1972)
- Commonwealth Medical Scholarship (1976 – 1979)
" To be at the forefront of venom R&D, and to translate my expertise in toxinology to commercial applications in the pharmaceutical industry."