The intellectual journey of Seeram Ramakrishna began with a deep fascination for materials, structure, and function—an interest that would later redefine entire scientific domains. He pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he earned his PhD and developed the rigorous analytical mindset that continues to define his work.
Recognizing the importance of leadership alongside scholarship, Seeram Ramakrishna also completed executive education at Harvard University, strengthening his capacity to translate scientific knowledge into policy, strategy, and global impact. His advanced research exposure at MIT, Johns Hopkins University, and KIT, Japan, further refined his interdisciplinary outlook, preparing him to operate at the intersection of science, medicine, engineering, and sustainability.
Seeram Ramakrishna: Three Decades of Excellence at the National University of Singapore
For over 30 years, Seeram Ramakrishna played a foundational role in transforming the National University of Singapore (NUS) into a global powerhouse for interdisciplinary research and innovation. During this period, he served in numerous senior leadership roles that shaped institutional strategy, global partnerships, and research culture.
Key Leadership Roles at NUS
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Vice-President (Research Strategy)
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Dean, Faculty of Engineering
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Director, NUS Enterprise
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Director, Industry and Technology Relations Office
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Director, International Relations Office
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Chairman, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)
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Director, NUS Bioengineering Initiative
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Founder and Director, NUS Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Initiative (NUSNNI)
Through these roles, Seeram Ramakrishna championed cross-field research, industry engagement, and global collaboration, positioning NUS among the world’s leading institutions for interdisciplinary impact.
Seeram Ramakrishna: The Modern Father of Nanofibers
The global scientific community widely recognizes Seeram Ramakrishna as the modern father of nanofibers due to his pioneering contributions to electrospinning and nanostructured materials. His work fundamentally advanced the understanding of how nanofibers interact across biological, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and physical dimensions.
His research unlocked transformative applications in:
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Biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine
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Wearable and implantable healthcare technologies
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Energy storage and conversion systems
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Water purification and environmental remediation
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Smart textiles and intelligent materials
These contributions have redefined how materials are designed at the nanoscale—enabling functionality, efficiency, and sustainability previously thought impossible.
Global Influence, Citations, and Scientific Recognition
The scholarly influence of Seeram Ramakrishna is extraordinary by any metric. As of 2026:
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H-index exceeds 220
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Over 230,000 citations on Google Scholar
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More than 500 Q1 journal publications
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Consistently listed as a Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate) since 2014
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Ranked 11th globally in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Elsevier–Stanford)
His research has appeared in the world’s most prestigious journals, including Nature, Nature Communications, Nature Reviews Methods, Matter, and other leading scientific platforms.
Championing Circular Economy and Sustainable Development
Beyond scientific discovery, Seeram Ramakrishna has emerged as a global thought leader in circular economy and sustainable materials. As Chair of the NUS Circular Economy Taskforce, he has advocated for intelligent material systems that enable decarbonization, resource efficiency, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
His vision of circular materials reframes engineering not merely as problem-solving, but as a moral responsibility to future generations—an approach that increasingly shapes global policy, education, and industrial innovation.
Tsinghua University and the iWearables Revolution
Extending his global footprint, Seeram Ramakrishna currently serves as:
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Chair Professor, Tsinghua University
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Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor
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Director, iWearables Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering
At Tsinghua, he leads cutting-edge research in wearable intelligence, nanomaterials, and next-generation healthcare systems, bridging materials science with artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and digital health.
He is also an Honorary Professor at IIT Hyderabad and an adjunct professor at NUS, reflecting his continued commitment to global academic collaboration.
Prestigious Honors and Global Fellowships
The international recognition of Seeram Ramakrishna spans continents and disciplines. His highest professional distinctions include election as Fellow or Academician of:
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Royal Academy of Engineering, UK (FREng)
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Chinese Academy of Engineering
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Singapore Academy of Engineering
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Indian National Academy of Engineering
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ASEAN Academy of Engineering & Technology
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International Academy of Engineering and Technology
He is also a Fellow of leading professional societies, including AAAS, ASME, AIMBE, IMechE, IoM3, and several others across the US, UK, India, and Asia.
Among his notable honors are the China Government Friendship Award and appointment as a Chang Jiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education, China.