Researcher, Educator and
Science Communicator
Dr. Clarence Sim Wei Hung
Research Fellow
Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Research areas
| Molecular ecology | Protistology | Microbial ecology |
| Marine plankton | Arctic sea ice | Seagrass | Microbiome |
Research Projects
I am currently working on the national seagrass project with the Case Lab, SCELSE NTU (Singapore). I also have the privilege of maintaining strong ties and ongoing collaborations with research teams from the University of Oslo (Norway) and Station Biologique de Roscoff (France).
Seagrass microbiome resilience under climate change
An upcoming time series (2025-2026) that characterizes the microbial diversity and genetic potential within seagrass microbiomes. Read more from the Case Lab here.
Global distribution and phylogeny of Labyrinthulomycetes
Uncovering the molecular diversity and organising the phylogeny of a global heterotrophic protist that is associated with primary producers like diatoms and seagrasses.
Labyrinthula merlionensis and its parasitic interaction with diatoms
Characterising the interaction between a newly described heterotroph and a diatom, in a co-culture system isolated from the Singapore Straits, using various microscopy techniques. Read more from the GEEK lab here.
SIMPLE – Singapore Marine Planktonic Eukaryotes
A 5-year time series (2018-2022) sampling campaign (Read more from the GEEK Lab here) in the Singapore Straits to study the temporal dynamics of protists under a monsoon regime.
Under-ice Arctic phytoplankton spring bloom phenology
As part of the Green Edge Ice Camp campaign, the under-ice phytoplankton spring bloom phenology was characterised with emphasis on taxa succession and microbial interactions in Baffin Bay.
MetaPR2 – A global database of 18S rRNA metabarcodes for protists
A curated database of reprocessed 18S metabarcodes comprising over 6200 samples and 90,000 ASVs Explore here: https://shiny.metapr2.org (Vaulot et al., 2022)
Science Communication
I believe that all scientists have the responsibility to communicate their research findings to relevant stakeholders including the public. As a science communicator, I create content that bridges the gap between researchers and the public. I use storytelling, interviews, and social media to explain complex scientific ideas in ways that are relatable and relevant, especially in the Singaporean context.
From busting water myths to launching Science and Research Series, I aim to make science not just understood, but loved. With over 2 million views on some of my public education videos, I am committed to championing accuracy, curiosity, and representation in science communication.
Science and Research Talkshow
I started an online series to showcase incredible research works in Singapore and around the world and to empower scientists by letting them communicate their research to the public.
Public Outreach
- Featuring in news publications and media
- Going on podcasts
- Social media commentary on environmental issues
Education and Supervision
As a first-generation high school and university graduate, education has always been personal for me. My academic experiences have taught me the importance of inclusive and curiosity-driven learning. I am deeply passionate about mentorship and teaching, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and I believe in making science accessible, empathetic, and empowering.
Teaching experiences
Guest lecturer for NUS and NTU undergraduate modules. Invited speaker for Hwa Chong Institution Science and Math Talent and H3 Seminars.
Research supervision
Co-supervisor for NTU Final Year Project (FYP) and Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA). Mentor for Masters in Research.
People around the world
I am grateful for
I dedicate an entire page to document my journey as a scientist who had the privilege of flying around the world to work with brilliant minds. While doing so, I have met people along the way that were accepting, kind and loving to me and I will forever be grateful for that.
Contact me
For academic enquiries
(Research collaborations, undergraduate/masters projects, guest lectures)
clarence.simwh@ntu.edu.sg
For non-academic enquiries
(media, sponsorships, collaborations)
clarencesimple.communications@gmail.com
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