Biomedical Research Institutes & Consortia

Bioinformatics Institute (BII) BII was established in 2001 to train manpower and build capabilities in bioinformatics. It is currently led by Executive Director Dr Frank Eisenhaber. BII focuses on theoretical approaches aimed at understanding biomolecular mechanisms that underlie biological phenomena; the development of computational methods to support this discovery process; and experimental verification of predicted molecular and cellular functions of genes and proteins with biochemical methods. Visit BII's website http://www.bii.a-star.edu.sg

Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) Established in 1990, the Bioprocessing Technology Unit was later renamed the Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) in 2003. It is currently led by Executive Director Professor Miranda Yap. BTI specialises in the generation of novel cell lines and biomolecules; optimization of therapeutics production in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems; expansion and characterization of stem cells; product recovery, purification and analysis; and profiling of processes using “-omics” tools. Visit BTI's website http://www.bti.a-star.edu.sg

Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC) ETC was set up to play an increasingly important role in translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. From engaging in early stage drug discovery and development, to developing innovative research tools for clinical analysis, as well as setting up public-private partnerships to facilitate the advancement of drug candidates, ETC augments Singapore’s capabilities and resources in this spectrum of the drug discovery process. It is currently headed by CEO Dr Alex Matter. Visit ETC's website http://www.etc.a-star.edu.sg

Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) Established in 2000 as the Singapore Genomics Program, the renamed Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is a national flagship initiative with a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health and prosperity. Professor Edison Liu currently heads GIS as its Executive Director. As a centre for genomic discovery, GIS pursues the integration of technology, genetics, and biology towards the goal of individualised medicine. It focuses on investigating diverse biological and biomedical problems, including cancer, infectious diseases, stem cells and development, with an emphasis on insights gleaned from genomic sequences and from technologies that probe gene regulation and its control. Visit GIS's website http://www.gis.a-star.edu.sg

Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) Since 2003, IBN has carved out a unique niche at the interface of bioengineering and nanotechnology with its impactful research. Led by Executive Director, Professor Jackie Ying, IBN conducts interdisciplinary research that brings together science, engineering and medicine in key areas such as drug and gene delivery; cell and tissue engineering; biosensors and biodevices; and pharmaceuticals synthesis and nanobiotechnology. Visit IBN's website http://www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg

Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) IMB was established in 2007 from the former Centre for Molecular Medicine. Led by Executive Director, Professor Birgit Lane, IMB’s mission is to study mechanisms of human disease in order to discover new and effective therapeutic strategies for an improved quality of life. Its growing portfolio of strategic research topics aims to promote translational research on the mechanisms of human diseases with a cell-to-tissue emphasis that can help identify new therapeutic strategies for disease amelioration, cure, and eradication. Current research programmes include Regenerative Medicine, Papillomavirology, Epithelial Biology, the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology from the Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC) and the Singapore Onco-Genome project. Visit IMB’s website http://www.imb.a-star.edu.sg

Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) IMCB was established in 1987 to help develop and support biomedical R&D capabilities in Singapore. Today, it has 34 research groups with more than 400 staff members and is led by Executive Director, Professor Neal Copeland. IMCB has established itself as a world-class research institute in biomedical sciences with a focus on six major fields: Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Infectious Diseases, Structural Biology and Translational Research Visit IMCB’s website http://www.imcb.a-star.edu.sg

A*STAR - Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Neuroscience Research Partnership (NRP) The A*STAR-Duke-NUS GMS NRP, forged in October 2007, aims to establish an integrated, multidisciplinary programme in neuroscience with a strong focus on translational research. This partnership will capitalise on the complementary research strengths and resources available within the A*STAR research institutes and the Duke-NUS GMS Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders (NBD) Signature Research Programme. The NRP is headed by Chairman, Professor Colin Blakemore. Visit NRP’s website http://www.nrp.a-star.edu.sg

Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) SBIC was established in August 2004 to serve as a focal point for stimulating, funding, coordinating and reporting on the various bioimaging activities in Singapore. Under the chairmanship of Professor Sir George Radda, SBIC hopes to harness existing imaging expertise and capabilities in Singapore and develop them into a focused national platform to support the growth of multi-disciplinary research activities and speed the development and translation of biomedical research discoveries into clinical applications. Its four technology platforms of optical imaging, image processing and management, small animal imaging with magnetic resonance and development of chemical and biological probes are used to support research in cancer, metabolic medicine and regenerative medicine. Visit SBIC’s website http://www.sbic.a-star.edu.sg

Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) SICS was set up in 2007 with the mission of accelerating the translation of basic discoveries into new diagnostics and therapeutics. It is currently headed by Executive Director, Professor Judith Swain. SICS focuses its research on clinical applications; the use of innovative approaches and technologies that enable the study of human health and disease, especially in infectious diseases, metabolic diseases and cognitive development. SICS also collaborates with universities and research institutes in clinical programs such as the Lilly-NUS/SICS Joint Fellowship, the Metabolic Interest Group, and the Translational and Clinical Research Flagship Awards towards improving human health as well as Singapore’s economic well-being. Visit SICS's website http://www.sics.a-star.edu.sg

Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) SIgN was initiated by BMRC in 2005 to build up research mass and coordinate basic, translational and clinical research needed to establish immunology as a core capability in Singapore. SIgN focuses on studying immune responses in disease-specific contexts to build up a strong platform in basic human immunology research for better translation into clinical applications. Building on the strengths of existing research groups at A*STAR, it has expanded on productive links within A*STAR and across Singapore, as well with leading institutions in the world, and has established a name for Singapore in the critical discipline of immunology. SIgN’s chairman is Professor Philippe Kourilsky and its Scientific Director is Professor Paola Castagnoli. Visit SIgN’s website http://www.sign.a-star.edu.sg

Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC) The SSCC was set up in 2006. Led by Executive Director, Dr Alan Colman, the SSCC aims to establish a coordinated and focused translational research and development programme in stem cells. Its research focuses on catalysing the translation of basic stem cell research into clinically viable stem cell therapies for chronic debilitating diseases by building strong linkages between basic science and clinical research groups. It also has an interest in using stem cells to create models of mammalian development and disease states, as well as providing cellular assays for the identification of novel signaling molecules, pathways and the development of new drugs. In addition to supporting intramural stem cell research within A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB), it also coordinates the diverse stem cell research activities in Singapore by funding collaborative grant calls and developing key resources for the stem cell research community. Visit SSCC’s website http://www.sscc.a-star.edu.sg/

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