The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) is an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. IBN is one of the world’s leading bioengineering and nanotechnology research institutes. The institute was established in 2003 with the mission to be a global center of excellence in bioengineering and nanotechnology.
IBN’s vision is to harness the power of science and technology to improve the quality of life. The institute pursues this vision through rigorous research in three focus areas:
•Regenerative medicine
•Drug delivery
•Medical devices
In addition, IBN has a strong commitment to technology transfer and commercialization, as well as education and training. To date, IBN has nurtured more than 60 start-ups, licensed out over 200 technologies, published over 2,000 papers in scientific journals, and trained more than 1,500 students and professionals. Located within A*STAR’s Biopolis—Singapore’s flagship R&D hub for biomedical sciences—IBN occupies seven storeys totalling 18,000 square meters housing state-of-the-art laboratories and cleanrooms facilities.
The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) was established in 2003 as a research institute under Singapore’s Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR). IBN is one of the world’s leading bioengineering and nanotechnology research institutes with a mission to be a global centre of excellence in these cutting edge fields. In line with its vision to harness the power of science and technology to improve the quality of life, IBN focuses its efforts on three broad research themes: regenerative medicine; drug delivery; medical devices. These focus areas were selected based on their potential impact on improving human health as well as their alignment with Singapore’s strengths in biomedical sciences and engineering.
To date IBN has made significant contributions in all three focus areas through its innovative research programs. For example, in regenerative medicine IBN has developed methods for growing replacement tissues using 3D printing techniques; while in drug delivery they have developed novel nanoparticle-based carriers that can target specific cells or tissues within the body for treatment purposes. In medical devices IBN has worked on developing implantable electronics that can interface directly with nerve cells – an important advance towards creating artificial limbs that provide natural sensation feedback to users. All these achievements would not be possible without IBN’s strong commitment to translational research – taking basic scientific discoveries from “bench-to-bedside” so that they can benefit patients as soon as possible. This commitment is evident in A*STAR’s Biomedical Translation Roadmap which highlights how applied research Institutes like IBN will play a key role bridging fundamental discovery science with clinical needs ultimately resulting in improved patient outcomes.(1)
Apart from conducting groundbreaking research internally, IBN also plays an important role training future generations researchers via various education & professional development programs offered at the institute.(2) These programs include undergraduate internships, graduate fellowships & scholarships as well degree programs conducted jointly with local universities such Nanyang Technological University & National University Singapore.(3) Through such initiatives IBN hopes not only increase access to high quality STEM education but also inspire young people pursue careers related fields where they can make positive impacts society.(4)
As one enters Biopolis—home A*STAR’s biomedical R&D hub which includes several other appliedresearch institutes working on diverse topics such cancer genomics infectious diseases—it becomes immediately apparent why this location was chosen be home base for work conducted by IIBNSANO.”(5) Walking into building 7E where most IIBNSANO staff are located it’s clear see how much thought went into designing space encourage creativity collaboration between different teams.”(6) Various common spaces are available throughout levels encouraging chance encounters brainstorming sessions while still providing scientists private space when needed.”(7) This physical layout reflects IIBNSANO’s dedication openness sharing knowledge resources order create best possible environment advancing science engineering”(8)
References:
1.) “A*Star’s Biomedical Translation Roadmap.”, Industry Development Group,. Accessed November 21 2016..” https://www2 .a * star .gov .sg/Media/PressReleases /Pages/ A%20 Star %E2%80%99 s %20 Biomedical % 20Translation % 20Roadmap .aspx? m= 10 am= 1 ap= 0 at= 0 ah= 0″. 2.) “Programmes Offered”, Institute Of Bioengineering And Nanotechnology,. Accessed November 21 2016..”http://www .ibn .a * star .edu .sg/programmes – offered /index “.html”. 3.) Ibid 4.) “Inspiring Future Generations Researchers”, Institute Of Bioengineering And Nanotechnology,. Accessed November 21 2016..”http://www .ibn