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Medical Sciences
The Division of Medical Sciences has six Principal Investigator-led research groups and is also host to several more research teams directed by some of the Centre's clinical oncologists. Research in the Division aims to:
Develop novel, sensitive and specific techniques for detection of early stage cancers employing biophysical, biophotonic, genetic, genomic and proteomic approaches
Develop innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases through cell-based therapy and bioactive small molecules
Identify cancer biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic utility
Investigate oncogenic mechanisms through gene networks and chromosomal aberrations
Provide mutation analysis as a component of breast cancer risk assessment among cancer-afflicted families.
The work outlined above involves mainly cancers of the head and neck, stomach, liver, bladder, breast and brain tumours (glioblastoma). Our close working relationship with clinicians continues to be vitally important in keeping our research goals relevant to real life problems and genuine needs in cancer care. A new initiative that will deepen the culture of clinician-scientist partnerships is the requirement for Registrars in Surgery to commit a year to research as an integral component of their training.
There are currently 6 post-doctoral Fellows, 24 Research Officers and 2 Research Technologists in the Division. We provide laboratory attachments throughout the year to students at several levels e.g. junior college, polytechnic, medical students and undergraduates from local and foreign universities. The Division's Principal Investigators collectively supervise a total of 16 M.Sc. and Ph.D. projects among its research staff. Junior researchers are actively encouraged to submit their work to and attend high quality conferences, and to publish. In addition to individual lab meetings, the Division fosters an environment of friendly inter-lab exchange through informal meetings and Work-in-Progress seminars.
The Division has established collaborations with investigators in all the local universities, research institutions and polytechnics, with scientists in other Asian countries and in the major Western centres, as well as with biotechnology companies.
Contact Details:
Division of Medical Sciences
National Cancer Centre
11 Hospital Drive
Singapore 169610
