Meet A*STAR

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Foreword written by Venus, information extracted from http://www.a-star.edu.sg

To the biomedical/life science/engineering field players in Singapore, A*STAR is undoubtedly a very common name. Stands for Agency of Science, Technology and Research, it's a statutory board in Singapore, reknowned for its key role in the promotion of R&D of science and technology.

Under the A*STAR umbrella, there is this Biomedical Sciences Research Council (BMRC), that oversees the whole biomedical R&D in Singapore.




For a very basic understanding of the BMRC of A*STAR, meet its seven RIs (research institutes):

1) Bioinformatics Institute (BII):BII's research focus centres around knowledge discovery from biological data, exploiting high-end computing in biomedicine, advancing molecular imaging of biological processes, modelling of drug design and delivery, computational proteomics and systems biology. http://www.bii.a-star.edu.sg/

2) Biotechnology Institute (BTI): BTI has core expertise in expression engineering, animal cell technology, stem cells, microbial fermentation, product characterisation, downstream processing, purification and stability, with supporting proteomics and microarray platform technologies. http://www.bti.a-star.edu.sg/

3) Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS): As a centre for genomic discovery, GIS pursues the integration of technology, genetics, and biology towards the goal of individualised medicine.
http://www.gis.a-star.edu.sg/

4) Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN): IBN researchers are directing their efforts towards six research areas that are both scientifically exciting and full of potential towards improving our health and quality of life. These include: nanobiotechnology, delivery of drugs, proteins and genes, tissue engineering, artificial organs and implants, medical devices, and biological and biomedical imaging.
http://www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg/

5) Institute of Medical Biology (IMB): IMB has a strategic, programme-directed portfolio of research focused on issues at the critical interface between basic science and medicine. The aim is to facilitate the development of translational research by building bridges between clinical and basic science. http://www.imb.a-star.edu.sg/

6) Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB): IMCB has established itself as a world-class research institute in biomedical sciences with core strengths in cell cycling, cell signaling, cell death, cell motility and protein trafficking. http://www.imcb.a-star.edu.sg/

7) Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences (SICS): SICS accelerates the translation of basic discoveries into new diagnostics and therapeutics. SICS will be distinguished by its focus on clinical science and the use of innovative approaches and technologies that enable the efficient and effective study of human health and disease. http://www.sics.a-star.edu.sg/