Programme Chair’s Welcome Message

Programme Chair's foreword

The Immunology Translational Research Programme (ITRP) is founded on two core principles that drive our research and training mission:

First, a deep understanding of immune mechanisms forms the foundation for diagnosing, treating, and ultimately preventing human diseases. Second, the most impactful scientific advances arise when a diverse team of scientists and clinicians—each bringing complementary expertise—collaborates in an interactive, and supportive environment.

A/Prof Zhang Yongliang
Immunology Translational Research Programme's Chair
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Head of Immunology Programme
Life Sciences Institute

Our overarching goal is to elucidate how the immune system functions in both health and disease, with the aim of informing the development of more effective immunotherapies, improved clinical guidelines, and novel diagnostic tools. We focus on addressing disease-specific challenges in areas such as autoimmune and respiratory disorders, cancer, chronic inflammation, infectious diseases, and organ/tissue transplantation.

To achieve these aims, we are committed to:

  • Promoting cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration to drive innovative immunology research
  • Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to strengthen the infrastructure for high-impact, translational research
  • Translating immunological insights into clinical breakthroughs through strategic partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders

 

Key long-term strategic priorities of ITRP include:

  • Establishing a world-class centre for immunology research in Southeast Asia
  • Providing a collaborative platform for basic scientists and clinicians across Singapore and beyond
  • Partnering with local hospitals to translate immunological discoveries into clinical practice
  • Attracting top-tier immunology researchers and students to the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Training and mentoring the next generation of immunologists and clinician-scientists

Through these efforts, ITRP aims to become a regional leader in immunology, bridging bench to bedside for the benefit of patients and public health.