Singapore collaboration offers new research opportunities

A new agreement between The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Singaporean Agency of Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) will offer new international health research opportunities for PhD students.

A memorandum of understanding signed recently will enable UQ student researchers to work for up to two years at the state-of-the-art A*STAR facility.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Nicholas Fisk said the aim of this agreement was to support research in a range of areas, including tissue engineering and stem cells, nanotechnology, cancer, neuroscience, infection and immunity, and molecular and cell biology.

“Linking with A*STAR and nurturing collaborations, particularly with the organisation’s strong biomedical research community, has considerable potential to deliver significant health benefits,” Prof Fisk said.

The memorandum of understanding enables UQ PhD students to apply for the A*STAR Research Attachment Program, which provides a scholarship of around $25,000 a year, including airfare, settling-in allowance and a monthly stipend. The student spends one to two years at A*STAR under the joint supervision of the A*STAR Research Institutes and UQ.

“We are pleased to partner with a leading institution such as A*STAR in providing our research higher degree students with the experience of working internationally."

Professor Fisk said A*STAR is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and six consortia and centres.

He said discussions were already underway between several UQ and A*STAR researchers to identify potential candidates.

The agreement formalises strong links with A*STAR where former UQ researchers Professors Victor Nurcombe and Simon Cool are based. Professor Cool will discuss examples of the type of projects that are available when he delivers a seminar on his research into stem cell and tissue repair tomorrow at noon (Thursday, 8 September, 2011) at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research Main Auditorium, UQ Herston Campus, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston.

Media: Marlene McKendry, 0401 996 847.