Professor Warren Chan joins Nanyang Technological University of Singapore as Dean of Engineering

Professor Warren Chan, a world-renowned expert in nanobiotechnology, has been recruited as the next Dean of the College of Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Professor Chan will oversee one of the largest Engineering schools in the world with over 14,000 students and has been ranked among the top 15 Engineering schools in the world according to QS World University Rankings.  He will provide leadership for the strategic, academic, intellectual, and administrative endeavours at NTU.

Currently a distinguished professor at U of T, Dr. Chan joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering in 2002. In his more than two decades of tenure at U of T, Dr. Chan has published >150 peer-reviewed articles, garnering over 77,000 citations in the field of cancer nanomedicine, disease diagnostics, and more. Many of his research papers have appeared in world-renowned journals such as Nature Materials and Science. He also co-founded five companies that generate nanotechnology and diagnostic products and serves as executive editor of the journal ACS Nano.  In addition, he built the nanotechnology and biomedical engineering community in Canada with involvement with cancer societies, CIHR, and other agencies.

Professor Chan actively engaged in mentoring Master’s and PhD students, playing a pivotal role in guiding the academic and professional development of over 130 individuals and graduating over 10% of all PhD students in the Institute during his tenure.  Many of his mentees have successfully transitioned into various industries including consulting, healthcare, and academia, showcasing the breadth and depth of his mentorship impact.

As the Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at U of T from 2018 – 2023, Professor Chan significantly enhanced the infrastructure, teaching, people, and culture at the Institute. Professor Chan’s leadership resulted in increased research funding, expanded research facilities, and the recruitment of talented junior faculty members.  He also revamped the curriculum, leading to a more comprehensive and diverse educational experience for students. Professor Chan’s initiatives improved the overall graduate student experience, including increased stipends and teaching assistant positions. Professor Chan’s strategic vision and commitment have left a lasting legacy on the Institute and the broader biomedical research landscape.