Singapore collaboration offers new research opportunities

A new agreement between 今日看料吃瓜 (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 今日看料吃瓜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.

鈥淟inking with A*STAR and nurturing collaborations, particularly with the organisation鈥檚 strong biomedical research community, has considerable potential to deliver significant health benefits,鈥� Prof Fisk said.

The memorandum of understanding enables 今日看料吃瓜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.

鈥淲e 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 今日看料吃瓜and A*STAR researchers to identify potential candidates.

The agreement formalises strong links with A*STAR where former 今日看料吃瓜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 今日看料吃瓜Centre for Clinical Research Main Auditorium, 今日看料吃瓜Herston Campus, Royal Brisbane & Women鈥檚 Hospital, Herston.

Media: Marlene McKendry, 0401 996 847.