Executive Director
National Initiative for RNA Biology & its Applications (NIRBA)
Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Director
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore,
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Chief Scientist
Biomedical Research Council, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
NIRBA is a pioneering national program dedicated to advancing RNA biology research. Established with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, we unite experts across multiple disciplines to address critical challenges in RNA science and its applications. In collaboration with Singapore’s leading research institutions — the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) — NIRBA underscores Singapore’s commitment to cutting-edge research with tangible benefits for human health and the bioeconomy. Our goal is to position Singapore as a global leader in RNA biology research.
The establishment of NIRBA comes at a transformative moment in RNA biology, a field that has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic and impactful in modern science. From revolutionising vaccine technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to enabling novel treatments for previously untreatable diseases, RNA-based innovations are reshaping medicine and biotechnology. Beyond vaccines, RNA biology holds immense potential for breakthroughs in disease treatment, personalised medicine, food security, and sustainable biotechnology. However, realising these advances depends on a deep and fundamental understanding of RNA biology. NIRBA is committed to bridging scientific gaps and leveraging Singapore’s strengths — particularly its unique focus on the genetic diversity of Asian populations — to enhance healthcare, improve lives, and strengthen economic resilience.
