Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2026
Singapore, Singapore
5–9 January 2026
Claire Baine is a biomedical laboratory technologist with extensive experience in immunology and vaccinology research. She currently works with the Immunomodulation and Vaccines (I-Vac) Group at the MRC/UVRI-LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, contributing to the VAnguard project, which investigates how biological, structural, and social factors influence vaccine efficacy. Claire’s responsibilities include sample processing, performing serological and immunological assays, and presenting data, all of which support the group’s efforts to establish immune correlates of vaccine impact in East African communities.
Claire, an Immunopaedia Ambassador, attended the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) in early January, and has shared her experiences below.
Claire Baine at the GYSS 2026
Attending the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2026 in Singapore was a truly inspiring and enriching experience. Organised by the National Research Foundation, the summit brought together a vibrant and diverse community of scientists, from disease researchers and engineers to robotics experts and science communicators, highlighting the profoundly interdisciplinary nature of innovation. Over five days, we engaged in thought‑provoking discussions, fireside chats, and lab visits that offered glimpses into the future of science and technology.
GYSS 2026 Opening Ceremony
We had the privilege of listening to and engaging with distinguished speakers, including Nobel Prize, Turing Award, and Millennium Technology Award laureates, who shared their scientific journeys, groundbreaking discoveries, and reflections on fulfilling careers in research. Their stories offered not only intellectual insight but also wisdom on resilience, curiosity, and the importance of pursuing questions that can transform how we understand the world.
One of the most memorable moments for me was the session with Prof. Randy Schekman, a Nobel Laureate celebrated for his discovery of the molecular machinery that regulates vesicle trafficking, the cell’s essential transport system. His talk explored how such basic cellular mechanisms underpin transformative medical applications, such as insulin production. I particularly appreciated his reflections on how seemingly fundamental research connects across disciplines and how scientists can balance passion for discovery with life beyond the lab. His warmth and humility made the conversation especially powerful.
Beyond Prof. Schekman’s session, the laureates collectively covered an incredible range of topics, from AI and computational theory, to advances in bioengineering, sustainable materials, and precision medicine. Hearing directly from such accomplished researchers reinforced how much of today’s progress depends on curiosity‑driven science, collaboration, and the courage to explore uncharted ideas.
Throughout the summit, it was equally rewarding to meet and exchange ideas with fellow young scientists from around the world. The conversations in lectures, over coffee breaks, and at evening events sparked new perspectives and collaborations that I hope will continue beyond the summit.
I’m deeply grateful to the Global Young Scientists Summit, the National Research Foundation Singapore, EMBO, and my supervisor Gyaviira Nkurunungi for making this experience possible.
GYSS 2026 reminded me that science thrives when we connect across boundaries, disciplinary, cultural, and geographic, to pursue knowledge that benefits us all.
Claire Baine at the National University of Singapore
Article by Claire Baine – Immunopaedia Ambassador
