Imperial and National University of Singapore sign major research partnership

Imperial and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have announced a new partnership to strengthen research collaborations.

The three-year partnership will see the two universities explore cooperation in early-stage research and ideas that might not otherwise be pursued.

The universities will explore potential research projects in areas such as health, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.

Imperial - which was recently ranked second in the world and the UK’s top university - has long-standing links with NUS - Asia’s foremost university - and the two universities’ new partnership will strengthen links between London and Singapore.

The new agreement will help fund exploratory research and see increased mobility of scientists and students between Imperial and NUS, with researchers spending time in each other’s laboratories in London and Singapore working on joint projects and sharing knowledge and data.  

The agreement was signed at NUS during a visit by Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady and colleagues from Imperial.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “This exciting partnership with the National University of Singapore demonstrates our shared commitment to tackling global challenges through world-leading research and innovation.

"By joining forces with one of Singapore’s top universities we are poised to make significant advancements in areas such as sustainability, healthcare innovation, and the digital economy.

"This collaboration will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide invaluable opportunities for our staff and students to expand their international networks and experience.”

Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, said: “Imperial College London has been a valued partner of NUS and we are proud to deepen our collaboration through this new initiative.

"This latest partnership empowers academics, researchers and students from two leading global universities to drive influential research and build impactful networks.

"We share a common dedication to boosting exploratory research which is crucial for developing innovative solutions to the wicked problems of today. We look forward to the enriching exchange of knowledge and experience in the coming years.”

Imperial and NUS have worked together successfully on many previous projects including successfully engineering common baker’s yeast to produce a key ingredient for dementia medicines.

Earlier this year, Imperial launched its first overseas research and innovation hub in Singapore to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Singapore.

Imperial Global Singapore sees Imperial’s scientists working closely with university, industry, government, and third-sector partners in Singapore.

The Hub, which builds on Imperial’s longstanding collaborations with partners in Singapore, enables scientists to rapidly scale new scientific breakthroughs and technology to societal benefit and commercialisation in Southeast Asia.

This article was first published 10 October 2024 by Imperial College London.