The National Initiative for RNA Biology and its Applications (NIRBA) has officially opened its new Hub at the National University of Singapore (NUS), marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s efforts to strengthen its capabilities in RNA science and accelerate the translation of research into healthcare, economic and societal impact.
Launched in 2025 as a national initiative supported by the NRF, NIRBA was established to advance Singapore’s capabilities in RNA biology and its applications. Bringing together researchers and expertise from NUS, Nanyang Technological University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, and other partners, NIRBA aims to position Singapore at the forefront of one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern science.
The opening of the NIRBA Hub represents the next phase of this journey. Serving as the focal point of NIRBA’s hub-and-spoke model, the Hub will unite researchers, clinicians, technology platforms and industry partners to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate innovation in RNA science.
This new development is closely aligned with the ambitions of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan, which seeks to strengthen the nation’s scientific base, deepen innovation capabilities, develop talent and translate research into economic and societal outcomes.
Spanning 2,000 sqm, the NIRBA Hub serves as the central node of NIRBA’s national hub-and-spoke network. It will support research across areas such as RNA therapeutics, cancer RNA biology, infectious diseases, RNA-based diagnostics, and AI-enabled RNA design, while providing a collaborative environment for talent development, technology innovation and industry engagement.
In addition to advancing research, the Hub will serve as a platform for talent development and international collaboration. It will support the training of the next generation of scientists, foster partnerships with industry, and strengthen Singapore’s connections with leading research organisations around the world.
