
(Photo: NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation)
The national Synthetic Biology R&D Programme will advance Singapore’s synthetic biology research agenda and expertise, as part of efforts to promote a bio-based economy built on deep science capabilities. The programme will integrate and ensure holistic development of synthetic biology capabilities in Singapore, including the translation of research outcomes for clinical and industrial use.
Synthetic biology, or the engineering of microbial systems for the enhanced production of natural products, has the potential to replace current methods of chemical synthesis and extraction from natural products, which are highly laborious, expensive, and often produce low yields. With a global push towards sustainability and a reduction in dependence on oil, a bio-based economy built on research and innovation in the biological sciences could transform manufacturing processes, health and nutrition, and grow new industries with high quality jobs
Deputy Chairman of Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Professor Chua Nam Hai, a renowned expert in plant biology and biotechnology, will lead the programme as Programme Director. The programme will be governed by a Steering Committee chaired by Professor Ho Teck Hua, Senior Deputy President and Provost at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Research Thrusts
NRF will invest an initial $25 million over five years into the Synthetic Biology R&D Programme. Under the programme, NRF will fund research projects under three research thrusts which seek to:
Awarded Projects
To date, eight research projects have been selected for funding under the programme. The projects are: