NUS Medicine Infectious Diseases TRP

The Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme (ID TRP) consists of basic scientists and clinician scientists for seamless translation of research which is a vibrant research environment at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine with world-class facilities (BSL3 & ABSL3) and research support. Our ID programme aims to provide a holistic, patient-centric approach to infectious diseases that are relevant to Singapore and the region. ID TRP has strong expertise in bacterial antibiotic multi-drug resistance and emerging viruses, covering epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, animal models and therapeutic and prophylactic interventions. Other areas including phage biology, penumococcal infections and microbiome are also being actively developed under the programme. Our goal is to position ID TRP as the first choice for students, research fellows and academics by providing a nurturing and cutting-edge research environment. We plan to strengthen peaks of excellence in deep pathogen-specific knowledge and expertise, particularly in molecular genetics and animal modelling. Our main research areas are: i) Pathogen evolution & transmission: To identify key factors and mechanisms that drive pathogen evolution and transmission at the genetic and molecular level. Includes phylogenetic studies and population genetics. ii) Host-microbe interactions: To understand at the cellular and molecular level how pathogens interact with their hosts, and how the host responds to infection. The identification of molecular determinants of pathogens’ fitness and virulence guides the rational design of novel treatment options. iii) Vaccine & therapeutics: To develop novel therapeutic and vaccine approaches including pathogen-specific approaches as well as development of versatile platforms. Leverages on strong expertise in primary organoid cultures and small animal models.