April 2026 – A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS) Executive Director Dr Wan Yue received the prestigious HUGO Chen Award of Excellence at the Human Genome Meeting 2026 in Athens, Greece. The award was presented in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of genomics, and her work in next-generation therapeutic development. The award is a testament to her research excellence and her significant impact on the advancement of human genetics and genomics. Dr Wan Yue’s research focuses on understanding the functions of RNA structures and advancing novel RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. Her work continues to inspire and influence the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals

The Human Genome Organization (HUGO), conceived in 1988, is an international organisation of scientists involved in various aspects of human genetics. With over 2,000 members from 92 countries, HUGO has played an essential role behind the scenes for the human genome project. With its mission to promote international collaborative efforts to study the human genome and the myriad of issues raised by our increasing knowledge of the structure and function of the human genome, HUGO has had many noteworthy successes in bringing together scholars in the field.

The Chen Award of Excellence is given out in recognition of young scientists who have made significant contributions to the field during their early career years, and:

• who have performed extraordinary work in biomedical sciences which has changed the thinking in the human genomics field; and/or
• who have uncovered new insights which brought forth new therapies; and/or
• whose contributions have significantly impacted the Asia-Pacific region.   
  

Congratulations Dr Wan Yue, on receiving the HUGO Chen Award of Excellence 2026 for your outstanding contributions!