News

A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL) in Singapore and The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) in Australia are proud to announce the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the growing threat of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, A*STAR IDL has emerged as a research leader in AMR, respiratory diseases and vector-borne diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks or fleas.

The Doherty Institute is internationally renowned for its research, public health activities and teaching excellence in infectious diseases and immunology.

In recent decades, emerging infectious diseases have been occurring at an increasing scale and frequency. To build epidemic preparedness, the partners will develop expertise and capabilities in virology and host-pathogen interactions to find better solutions to potential outbreaks of either current or emerging pathogens.

The partners will also work to combat new resistance mechanisms that threaten society’s ability to treat common infectious diseases and may result in prolonged illness, disability or death. Joint research initiatives will tackle the drivers of antimicrobial resistance and seek to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant organisms.

The University of Melbourne’s Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute, said the MoU is an important step in establishing joint initiatives to address these global health challenges.

“We are delighted to partner with A*STAR IDL, a critical new entity within the A*STAR, which is a powerhouse of research in Asia,” Professor Lewin said.

“We look forward to working with A*STAR IDL, particularly through our Centre for Pathogen Genomics, to harness our collective strengths and develop solutions that continue to protect public health, as well as preparing the medical research leaders of tomorrow.”

Professor Lisa Ng, Executive Director at A*STAR IDL, said the partnership will also strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration amongst researchers and the organisations’ industry, clinical and public health partners.

“Partnering with the Doherty Institute aligns with our goal to be a global player in tropical infectious diseases through scientific excellence in research and innovation to enhance human health and respond to future pandemics,” Prof Ng said.

“The MoU will enhance the world-class capabilities of scientists from both organisations and open the door for joint research projects, joint supervision of PhD candidates, collaborative workshops, staff exchanges, conferences and more.”