NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan had a productive week traveling abroad, connecting with international counterparts, exploring opportunities for global collaboration and celebrating academic achievements.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the director’s dynamic week began with a meeting with Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, permanent secretary for National Research and Development and chairman of A*STAR – Agency for Science, Technology and Research. The two discussed standing collaborations between Singapore and the United States. They pursued opportunities to deepen research collaborations between the two nations to fuel the translation of discovery to social impact through innovation. Later that day, Panchanathan met with National Research Foundation, Singapore CEO John Lim Hua Ern, to tour the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). The director met with researchers from CREATE to witness firsthand how a global network drives innovation.

On Tuesday night, Panchanathan presented at the National University of Singapore. The director guided the audience through the crucial impact of NSF-supported research and underscored areas for future strategic collaborations to uncover the full potential of scientific discovery.

The following day, Nov. 20, the director continued his Singapore trip by meeting with A*STAR CEO Beh Kian Teik to gain insight into Singapore’s investment ecosystem. Later, Panchanathan met with Senior Minister Teo Chee Huan and delegates to discuss advancing mutual progress by enhancing access to resources, infrastructure and expertise. Afterward, the director sat down with Minister Josephine Teo of the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to discuss the best methods to maintain a robust cybersecurity system and exchanged ideas to advance U.S.-Singapore’s critical and emerging technology initiatives.

The director concluded his travels in Singapore by participating in an industry roundtable on cybersecurity and privacy. As one of the most significant challenges to information technology in the digital age, the director emphasized the need to foster global partnerships with like-minded partners who build on best practices to combat cyberthreats.

After Singapore, Panchanathan traveled to India to attend the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning convocation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22. As the chief guest, the director gave the inaugural address to congratulate the class of 2024 on their significant academic achievements.

This Science News article "This week with NSF Director Panchanathan" was originally found on https://beta.nsf.gov/news/releases