The inaugural research initiative at the new center involves a substantial $20 million collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) to enhance the security of medical devices and health data. The program, known as IN-CYPHER, will capitalize on Imperial's expertise to position Singapore as a global hub in health cybersecurity and AI for healthcare. This initiative aims to advance research and funding in these emerging fields. Leveraging the longstanding strategic partnership between Imperial and NTU Singapore, the center facilitates the swift scaling of new scientific breakthroughs and technology for societal benefit and commercialization in Southeast Asia.
Imperial staff and doctoral candidates will collaborate in state-of-the-art laboratories at the center, working alongside partners from Singapore's leading universities and institutes. This collaboration will support a diverse array of impactful joint research initiatives addressing significant global challenges, including pandemic preparedness, climate issues, the shift to net-zero, and artificial intelligence. The establishment of the center in Singapore will also facilitate Imperial's increased engagement in the region, encompassing entrepreneurship programs, startup accelerators, student internships, and initiatives focused on delivering new technologies and breakthroughs for societal benefit.
The new research center will be situated at the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). CREATE serves as an international research campus and innovation hub, hosting interdisciplinary research centers from leading global universities and research institutes, and collaborating with local institutions. Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, expressed great enthusiasm for enhancing Imperial's role in Singapore's research and innovation ecosystem. The collaboration will connect Singapore with global advancements in science and technology, fostering stronger ties with the UK. The initial emphasis on medical devices and health data security is particularly timely, given its significance in enhancing patient outcomes and health system integrity.
