Singapore and Europe forge deeper ties in the life sciences

The Government of Singapore, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and its intergovernmental funding body, the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), have signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen scientific interaction and collaborative research between Singapore and Europe. This milestone agreement marks the first time a non-European nation has become an EMBC Associate Member State.

As an EMBC Associate Member State, Singapore gains access to all of EMBO's activities, providing its scientists with the opportunity to interact with and benefit from the best scientists in Europe. The agreement brings together major players in Singapore's biomedical research scene, namely the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Scientists can apply to all of EMBO's programmes, such as long-term fellowships for postdoctoral researchers, short-term fellowships, courses and workshops, as well as the EMBO Young Investigator Programme. At the same time, Europe will benefit from closer interaction with the outstanding scientists in Singapore's research community. Greater cooperation between nations will help catalyse new discoveries and deliver world-class solutions for global issues.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Singapore as the first EMBC Associate Member State," said Professor Maria Leptin, Director of EMBO. "Since it was founded, EMBO has viewed cross-country cooperation as an essential foundation for the growth of science. The scientific community in Singapore, with its strengths in research and technology development, is a perfect partner for the exchange of expertise and we look forward to further collaboration in the years ahead."

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), who signed the agreement on behalf of the Singapore Government, said, "Singapore has benefitted greatly from the partnership with one of Europe's foremost organizations in the life sciences. We look forward to building on our collaborations and driving more impactful and innovative healthcare outcomes together with Europe as the first non-European EMBC Associate Member State."

Professor Gerrit van Meer, President of the EMBC, remarked: "All member states enthusiastically welcome Singapore as the first Associate Member State of the EMBC. We look forward to working closely together to help support the work of talented researchers worldwide."

Provided by European Molecular Biology Organization