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Confessions of Promiscuity: A Chemist's Quest for Discovery

Abstract

In academia, "promiscuity" takes on a meaning that transcends its usual connotations, symbolizing the restless curiosity that drives researchers to explore diverse fields, collaborate across disciplines, and chase countless ideas—often simultaneously. In this talk, I reflect on my journey as both an alumnus and former faculty member of the Australian National University, sharing personal anecdotes and research highlights that illustrate my own academic "promiscuity”. From navigating the expectations and challenges of academic life post-ANU to embracing the trials and tribulations that shaped my career, this talk offers a candid reflection on the paths that I have pursued—and occasionally abandoned—in my pursuit of discovery. Ironically, the concept of "promiscuity" has also found relevance in my research on drug discovery and development, where it plays a critical role in the identification of new therapeutic opportunities.

This talk offers a general yet personal perspective on my life in academia in Singapore: the opportunities seized, the experiences gained, and the research that continues to excite me.