The LKCNHM Talkshop (previously Thursday Talkshop) series is back for its fifth season! Join our Outreach and Education Unit (OEU) over Zoom this season as they discuss various biodiversity and natural history topics with colleagues and special guests. Free for all to join!   

What’s more? Stand a chance to win a set of exclusive ‘LKCNHM Terrestrial or Marine biodiversity of Singapore’ postcards if you participate in our talks! 

Keep an eye out for updates to this page and our social media platforms for the latest registration details! You may check out our Online Resources page for recordings from the past seasons.   

Session 1: The kingdom fungi, diverse and powerful  

Join us as we dive into an enchanting world where fungi rule with endless possibilities in this talk designed for everyone. Our speaker, Dr Amy Choong, will unveil the mysteries of these incredible organisms—from what defines them, to the dazzling array of forms they take. Discover how fungi are secret champions of carbon capture, humble healers in the realm of medicine, and pioneers of biotechnology!  

About the speaker: 

Dr Amy Choong is a senior lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. She teaches fungal biology, botany, horticulture and the natural heritage of Singapore. She is also the coordinator of the Minor in Botany. Fungi have been ignored for decades so much so that fewer and fewer mycologists (scientists who study fungi) are around. The urgency to create awareness of this kingdom and train new generations of mycologists and educators is paramount.  

Date:  28 September 2023 (Thu) 

Time:  8–8:45 PM (SGT) via Zoom  

Session 2: Marine biodiversity: what are we missing? 

For centuries, humankind has been on a wild quest to estimate the number of living species on Earth. The veil of uncertainty shrouding this endeavour has noticeably lifted in recent decades, thanks to more extensive explorations and species discovery work. While this heralds exciting progress, we’re still far from uncovering and describing all of biodiversity, particularly within the depths of our oceans. Dive deep into the abyss with our Deputy Head, Associate Professor Huang Danwei, to hunt for missing puzzle pieces of marine biodiversity. Come explore with us new approaches to turbocharge our species discovery game in the oceans!  

About the speaker:  

Huang Danwei is the Deputy Head of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, and a research affiliate at the Tropical Marine Science Institute and Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore. With an unhealthy dose of obsession for corals and reefs, his research team at the Reef Ecology Lab studies the ecology, evolution and conservation of coral reefs in Southeast Asia. 

Date:  12 October 2023 (Thu) 

Time:  8–8:45 PM (SGT) via Zoom  

Watch the recording of this session here.

Session 3: Eavesdropping on the secretive lives of fish through their ear-stones 

Nestled snuggly beneath the brains of fish are tiny bone-like structures known as otoliths, or ear-stones. All fish add layers into their otoliths daily, forming alternating opaque and translucent growth rings—similar to tree rings! By analysing these structures, one can obtain valuable information about the fish’s age, growth history and movement patterns. 

In our upcoming talk, join us as we speak to Mr Clement Ng, PhD student at the Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, on how fish otoliths hold the secrets to understanding the ecology of Singapore’s fishes and developing tools to better manage our food supply. 

About the speaker:  

Clement Ng is a PhD Student at the Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University. His research focuses on understanding the status and future of tropical marine fish populations from Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.   

Date:  1 November 2023 (Wed) 

Time:  8–8:45 PM (SGT) via Zoom  

Watch the recording of this session here.