Research Capabilities by Biomedical Science Research Institutes & Consortia
BII was established in 2001 to train manpower and build capabilities in bioinformatics. BII focuses on theoretical approaches aimed at:
- Understanding biomolecular mechanisms that underlie biological phenomena
- Developing computational methods to support this discovery process
- Experimental verification of predicted molecular and cellular functions of genes and proteins with biochemical methods
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BTI was established in 1990 with the mission to pursue innovative and cutting-edge research in bioprocess science and engineering leading to technologies which will impact biomedical science and bio-manufacturing as well as to nurture talent for the scientific community and industry. BTI specialises in:
- Generating novel cell lines and biomolecules
- Optimization of therapeutics production in prokaryotic and eukaryotic syste
- Expansion and characterization of stem cells; product recovery, purification and analysis
- Profiling of processes using “-omics” tools.
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ETC was set up in 2006 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.
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Established in 2000 as the Singapore Genomics Program, GIS is a national flagship initiative with a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health and prosperity. As a centre for genomic discovery, GIS pursues the integration of technology, genetics, and biology towards the goal of individualised medicine. The scientific focus is to investigate 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.
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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, the IBN conducts interdisciplinary research that brings together science, engineering and medicine.
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IMB was established in 2007 from the former Centre for Molecular Medicine. IMB’s Executive Director is Professor Birgit Lane. Its mission is to study mechanisms of human disease in order to discover new and effective therapeutic strategies for an improved quality of life. Our 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.
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IMCB was established in 1987 to help develop and support biomedical R&D capabilities in Singapore. Today, 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
- Translational Research.
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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.
The main research interests of the Partnership will include:
- Molecular, cellular and behavioural aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Neural stem cells and their potential use in new approaches to the treatment of neurological disorders.
- Development of the nervous system, including the formation, migration and differentiation of neurons, the establishment of connections, and the “plasticity” of the nervous system.
- Regulation of behaviour and the origin of behavioural disorders.
- Cognitive neuroscience.
- Psychiatric disorders and mental health.
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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. The SBIC plans 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. In the SBIC, the four technology platforms used to support research in cancer, metabolic medicine and regenerative medicine are listed below.
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The SCCS is a long-term health study started in 2006. Its goal is to discover how genetic, lifestyle, diet and other environmental factors interact to impact our health. Common diseases of public health significance such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers will be researched in the hopes of discovering ways to prevent common diseases and their complications. Singapore's multi-ethnic composition presents an advantage as its local cohorts can provide valuable comparisons between the three major ethnic groups here. The study will involve large numbers of Singaporeans who are Chinese, Malay or Indian, and from a wide age group.
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SICS was set up in 2007 with the mission to accelerate the translation of basic discoveries into new diagnostics and therapeutics. It will focus 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. In so doing, the institute hopes to attract, train and nurture a new type of clinician scientist. SICS will also collaborate with universities, research institutes and clinical programs to achieve the ultimate goal of improving human health as well as Singapore’s economic well-being.
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SIgN was initiated in December 2005 with the aim of building on the strengths of existing immunology research groups at A*STAR laboratories, universities and research hospitals, as well as expanding and strengthening the immunology research expertise in Singapore. It will also comprise new laboratories located in Biopolis. The focus areas of SIgN are Infection, Inflammation and Immunoregulation. With those areas,SIgN studies immune responses (in disease-specific contexts under physiological and pathological conditions, so as to build up a strong platform in basic human immunology research for better translation into clinical applications) in order to improve global understanding of the human immune system, emphasis would also be placed on systems biology approaches.
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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.
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