About Us

Catalysing the Future of RNA Science in Singapore

NIRBA is Singapore’s strategic national effort to build globally leading capabilities in RNA biology, driving innovation and applications that address critical health challenges. Supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and partner institutions, National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), NIRBA is poised to transform Singapore into a global hub for RNA research and its wide-ranging applications to further our understanding of RNA biology, create advancements in research and innovative applications.

Our Vision

To create differentiated, globally competitive peaks of excellence for research on RNA Biology & its Applications, poised to fuel downstream translation and health impact.

Our Mission

To drive excellence in targeted RNA research and develop innovative solutions that address critical challenges, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable progress through a vibrant and collaborative research ecosystem.

Three Key Objectives

Foundational Research Peaks

Swiftly establish leading foundational research peaks in RNA biology, particularly in understanding RNA’s role in diseases prevalent in Asian populations.

Agile Research

Develop an agile model through dynamic, multidisciplinary “Innovation Clusters” that bring together top scientists to create and sustain competitive research peaks in RNA biology.

Sustainable Innovation

Build innovative pathways to generate a research pipeline to fuel national programmes such as NATi (Nucleic Acid Therapeutics initiative), RNA Foundry, PREPARE, and PRECISE, driving economic growth through innovation.

Three-fold potential for transformation

Science

  • Ground-breaking discoveries in key challenge areas to address unmet needs for health and economic impact

  • Unique genetic variations in Asian populations

People

  • Innovation clusters attract and resource leading global talent

  • Flow of researchers within the ecosystem to future-proof Singapore’s technical capabilities and workforce

  • Attract home-grown and overseas industry partners

Platforms

  • Innovation clusters sustain world class core technology platforms

  • Create unique core resources to accelerate fundamental research and nucleate pre-competitive engagement with industry

NIRBA represents Singapore’s commitment to staying ahead in the fast-moving field of RNA Biology

RNA is at the core of all living organisms playing crucial roles in various biological functions. from our initial understanding of RNA as a substrate for translation of proteins, it is now clear that RNA is critical in a huge range of cellular functions like MicroRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression, Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) for transcription, post-transcription, translation, and epigenetic to regulate many biological processes including growth, development, and organ function, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) being a key activator of the innate immune response against viral infections, etc. With RNA biology being the frontier of modern science, there is an immense potential to revolutionize how we understand and treat diseases. From mRNA vaccines to RNA-based diagnostics and therapies, RNA holds the key to faster, more precise medical solutions.

Impact​

NIRBA represents Singapore’s commitment to staying ahead in the fast-moving field of RNA biology by establishing new scientific peaks, attracting top global talent, and fostering deep collaboration with industry. Our research will lead to innovations in RNA technologies that address critical health needs, drive economic growth, and strengthen Singapore’s role as a key player in the global RNA ecosystem.

Partners

NIRBA is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders in Singapore. Together, these institutions power the core of NIRBA’s research, spanning the four Innovation Clusters. NIRBA’s work is deeply integrated with national biomedical and translational platforms, enabling real-world impact through aligned programmes.