1.         The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) inked an agreement in Milan yesterday with the University of Milano-Bicocca to mark the implementation ofthe A*STAR-University of Milano-Bicocca Research Attachment Programme, which provides University of Milano-Bicocca PhD students with opportunities to receive part of their research training at A*STAR research institutes. This agreement builds on a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) signed with the University of Milano-Bicocca in 2007 to promote scientific exchange. The University of Milano-Bicocca will join other international partners in A*STAR’s Research Attachment Programme (ARAP), such as the University of Sheffield (UK) and Karolinska Institute (Sweden).

 

2.         In addition, A*STAR also signed a MOI with three partner-institutes, namely the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (FIRC), the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) and the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM). These three institutes are part of the IFOM-IEO Campus – one of the largest European centres for cancer research. The MOI will foster research collaborations, manpower and student exchanges, and the sharing of scientific services between A*STAR and the IFOM-IEO Campus, targeted at developing basic scientific findings into new strategies of cancer treatment and prevention. Both the University of Milano-Bicocca and the IFOM-IEO Campus are situated in Milan, which is known for being one of Europe’s fashion capitals, and increasingly, a hotspot for biomedical R&D.

 

3.         Said Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR, “Milan and the surrounding region of Lombardy have the strongest science base in Italy, which makes the University of Milano-Bicocca and IFOM-IEO the ideal Italian partners for A*STAR.  The agreements signed today are a reaffirmation of our mutual commitment to engage in meaningful scientific partnerships for the production of world class research. I am confident that the friendships and alliances fostered through these partnerships will lead to the cross-fertilisation of ideas and spawn many innovations that will be impactful for Singapore and Milan, and make a difference to the world.”

 

4.         Added Professor Marcello Fontanesi, Rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca, “The agreement with A*STAR is a very important opportunity for our PhD students and strengthens our international presence, allowing us to be present in an area with a high concentration of technology companies such as Singapore. I hope that the agreement signed today will be the starting point of a scientific collaboration ever more intense”.

5.         A*STAR will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the region of Lombardy, with the aim of increasing research collaborations with scientists from the region. The signing will be witnessed by Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong next month. Information on R&D in Lombardy is at the Annex.

 

6.         A*STAR’s strong links with the Italian institutes were cultivated through a series of visits by delegations from both nations over the past two years.  Representatives from the IFOM-IEO Campus first visited Singapore in November 2007 to establish relations and promote R&D as well as education opportunities in the region of Lombardy.  The connection strengthened when noted Italian immunologist Prof Paola Castagnoli became Scientific Director of A*STAR’s Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) in 2008. 

 

7.         Said Prof Castagnoli, “Given the international and rapidly-evolving nature of research communities, the best way to go forward in science is to conduct exchanges and establish networks amongst our scientists. The signing of these two agreements will no doubt pave the way for scientists from both countries to engage in more discussions, exchange ideas and collaborate on the world-class research projects for excellent outcomes.”

 

8.         Said Prof Marco Foiani, Scientific Director of IFOM, “The cooperation with our colleagues in Singapore strengthens the international dimension of our institutions working on synergies in research and helping in the creation of new highly qualified training opportunities. Among the first initiatives following this agreement, I would like to mention the exchange program for PhD students within joint research projects on a 2 year period”.

 

9.         Several scientific collaborations have already been established between IFOM-IEO scientists and scientists from A*STAR research institutes, including the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB). The projects range from repairing DNA damage that contributes to aging and cancer, to studying the genetic makeup of stem cells and what makes them able to differentiate into any other cell type.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARAP is a collaboration between A*STAR and partner universities to provide research opportunities at A*STAR research institutes (RIs) and consortia. Under this programme, PhD students from partner universities will spend 1 to 2 years at A*STAR RIs under the joint supervision of staff of the A*STAR RI and the partner university.

 

 

The University of Milano-Bicocca strongly believes in the potential of its students and in combining studies with active social involvement. The University has eight faculties covering humanities and science subjects, as well as a School of Medicine, which offer undergraduate and graduate programmes for students to acquire specialised skills. The University of Milano-Bicocca has a significant role in the international scientific community and has actively participated in European exchanges and research projects, as well as organised international PhD programmes in collaboration with foreign universities and research centres.

IFOM is a research institute dedicated to the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer formation and development. IFOM holds a number of agreements with scientific institutions in the area, such as the San Raffaele Biomedical Science Park of Milan, the Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori of Milan, the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, which allow scientists from these institutes to perform innovative research at IFOM.

 

 

IEO is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution and one of the 8 Ministry of Health-designated comprehensive cancer centres in Italy. In addition to providing patients with the best care available, IEO is committed to cutting-edge research in oncology, ranging from basic to translational research and clinical trials. 

 

 

SEMM is a private foundation, whose mission is to foster innovative education in the post-genomic field through: international PhD programs in Molecular Medicine, Medical Nanotechnology and the Foundations and Ethics of Life Sciences; international post-doctoral programmes; international conferences; and scientific seminars.