Priority Areas

The Academy aims to accelerate capacity development for pathogen genomic sequencing of novel and endemic pathogens. The facility is equipped to provide hands-on technical training on a range of pathogen genomic sequencing platforms and workflows. Training covers both laboratory and bioinformatics, with workshops focusing on priority pathogens for genomic surveillance in Asia. Additionally, the Academy envisions utilising new educational technologies and delivery modes to enhance technical trainings and strengthen pandemic preparedness.

Key activities include:

• Singapore based training workshops
• Off-site regional workshops
• Deployable genomics outbreak response
• Virtual learning platforms
• Webinars and seminars
• Monitoring and evaluation

Visit our Training Repository to access a wide range of training materials.

We support the translation of pathogen genomics and surveillance data into the design and development of outbreak preparedness and response tools, specifically diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. By innovating targeted Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) workflows, we aim to both improve pathogen detection and bring costs down. This is achieved through scientific exchanges and cross-country translational research, enabling short-term visiting scientist placements to undertake cutting-edge translational research in genomics, immunology and new tool development.

Key activities include:

• Visiting scientist placements
• Multi-country pathogen studies
• Regional landscape scoping
• New tool development through translational research projects
• Workshops for new tool design and development

The health systems enhancement (HSE) team aims to translate the Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) into national health plans. Contextualising the global mandate into local settings is a critical first step in developing national capacity and securing sustainable domestic financing. The HSE team also offers technical support for investment case development and cross-country learning via knowledge-sharing platforms and activities, to enable policymakers to make strategic decisions on implementing and scaling up cost-effective health interventions and policies.

Key activities include:

• National investment case development
• National planning support
• Best-practice documentation
• Cross-country learning exchange
• Regional working groups on Asian priority pathogens

Check out our Roadmap for Pathogen Genomics in Asia and published paper in Cell Genomics: 'Advancing pathogen genomics in resource limited settings.'

View our HSE resource repository to access all resources, including country profiles and external guidance documents.

Legal frameworks in pathogen genomics establish clear guidelines and standards for every step of the process – from research and development, data collection and usage, to data sharing and collaboration for the surveillance and response of global infectious disease outbreaks. Together with the Centre for International Law (CIL) at NUS, we support countries in strengthening their legal infrastructure in pathogen genomics to promote sustainable efforts in the region.

Key activities include:

• Landscape mapping
• Supporting the development of standards for data sharing
• Supporting innovations and building capacity around intellectual property

Learn more at our Legal Frameworks & Data Governance webpage.