Singapore Immunology Network

The Singapore Immunology Network (Abbreviation: SIgN) was launched in 2008 by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore.

History

SIgN was inaugurated by Mr S. Iswaran, Minister-of-State for Trade and Industry, on 15 January 2008.[1] Since its launch SIgN has grown rapidly, and currently includes around 200 international scientists from 25 different countries of the world, working under 26 renowned Principal Investigators. 6000m2 of new laboratories and office space in the Immunos building at Biopolis is the home of SIgN.

Vision

The mandate of SIgN is to advance human immunology research and participate in international efforts to combat major health problems. Researchers at SIgN investigate immunity during infections and inflammatory conditions, including cancer, using both mouse models and human tissues. SIgN mandate is to further develop human immunology research and ensuring its translation towards clinical/medical sciences; as well as participation in the A*STAR efforts to create an industrial hub for biotechnology and biopharma companies. Scientists' work is supported by cutting edge technological research platforms and core services.

SIgN employs a core business development strategy to promote collaborations with industry and clinical partners that establish the foundations of new business ventures. Collaborative projects at SIgN combine the strengths of basic science with cutting-edge technology platforms and extensive expertise in translational research. These complementary resources are carefully integrated into collaborative teams which are optimized to generate both world-class research studies and develop industrial applications for new technologies. Each collaborative team maintains close links with A*STAR affiliates and external institutions, including hospitals, universities and research centers, which can further accelerate novel therapeutic approaches into the clinic.[2]

Leadership

The current Chairperson of SIgN is Professor Phillippe Kourilsky. He was formerly the Director of Pasteur Institute of Paris and he's Professor of Collège de France, a member of the French Academy of Science and member of the Academia Europaea.

The current Scientific Director of SIgN is Professor Paola Ricciardi-Castagnoli, former Chair and Professor of Immunology at the University of Milano Bicocca, adjunct Professor of Immunology at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Collaboration

With the common aim of translating basic research into useful clinical applications, we collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to co-develop therapeutic applications, improved vaccines and diagnostics in the areas of infectious and/or inflammatory diseases. Our industry partners include Galderma (Switzerland),[3] Cytos Biotechnology (Switzerland),[4] Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases (Singapore) and Servier (France).[5]

SIgN also collaborates extensively with clinicians and researchers from hospitals under the SingHealth and National Healthcare Group; universities and other research organizations both locally and worldwide.

References

  1. ↑ The Business Times, October 18, 2007, BioSpectrum, January 15, 2008, Xinhua, January 15, 2008
  2. ↑ Euraxess, November 2012, Issue #21
  3. ↑ Channel NewsAsia, October 18, 2011
  4. ↑ Channel NewsAsia, July 15, 2011, GEN (Genetic Engineering&Biotechnology News), July 15, 2011 Biotech Intelligence, December 9, 2010
  5. ↑ Asian Scientist, April 6, 2011, Singapore Business Review, April 7, 2011

External links