The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 2 June 2025 in Berlin between the two institutions will see them collaborate on joint operations in scientific, academic and training initiatives, focusing on pandemic preparedness and public health.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in leveraging the strengths of both institutions to promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and applied research in advancing biomedical and public health research, while also training for combating biological threats and improving population health. The collaboration aims to enhance capacity building, develop cutting-edge solutions, and support sustainable practices through collaborative research and shared operational frameworks.

The initial areas of focus will centre on high-containment infectious disease research, with a particular emphasis on training, benchmarking of biorisk management systems, and sharing of operational expertise in BSL-3 and BSL‐4 laboratory environments. To date, NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility staff have made two exploratory visits to RKI, involving site tours and seminar exchanges aimed at identifying joint research opportunities and operational synergies.

“The signing of an MoU between NUS and RKI marks a significant milestone for advancing medical and public health research. The initial focus on high-risk pathogen research, spearheaded by the NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility and RKI Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, is expected to foster the exchange of expertise, resources, and innovative ideas,” said Associate Professor Justin Chu Jang Hann from NUS Medicine. “This will definitely enhance both the quality and impact of ongoing and future research efforts, accelerating scientific breakthroughs for addressing critical challenges in pandemic preparedness.”

“Infectious disease threats are global in nature, and addressing them requires global collaboration,” said Professor Roger Foo Sik Yin, Vice-Dean of Research at NUS Medicine. “This partnership between NUS Medicine and RKI marks a strategic convergence of scientific strengths and institutional values. We are committed to collaborative efforts across broader domains of biomedical science, health systems research, and public health policy.”

He added, “Together, we will harness our combined expertise to strengthen public health systems and enhance pandemic preparedness. We are proud to join hands with a world-renowned partner like RKI, and look forward to co-creating innovative and grounded solutions to achieve real-world impact.”

NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility operations team members visiting the BSL-4 laboratory in RKI, Berlin, Germany.

NUS Medicine and RKI representatives at the bust of Robert Koch at the RKI main campus. From left: Dr Tessy Joseph (NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility Senior Assistant Director), Prof Dr Med Lars Schaade (RKI President), A/Prof Justin Chu Jang Hann (NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility Director), Dr Andreas Kurth (Head RKI of BSL-4 Laboratory of the Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens), Dr Tan Kai Sen (NUS Medicine BSL-3 Core Facility Research Director).