Grants

Research Incubator

Empowering High-Impact
Palliative Care Research

The Lien Centre for Palliative Care (LCPC) launched its “Research Incubator” in 2013 to foster high-quality, collaborative serious illness research in Singapore. Central to its mission is the development of early-career clinicians and researchers into independent investigators capable of leading impactful research. 

The Incubator supports and mentors principal investigators (PIs) in project management, data collection, statistical analysis, manuscript writing, and more. Over the years, the Incubator has served as a launchpad for numerous clinician-researchers who have gone on to secure competitive national grants and establish independent research programmes in serious illness care.

What the Research Incubator Does

The Incubator offers funding, manpower, and research expertise to jump-start and sustain serious illness care research projects in Singapore. Projects benefit from input by LCPC leadership, Duke-NUS faculty, SingHealth collaborators, and local and international palliative care experts.

Research Themes

Priority is given to projects addressing the following themes:

  • Understanding and meeting patient/caregiver preferences regarding end-of-life care
  • Communication at the end of life
  • End-of-life care financing and delivery models
  • Pain and symptom management at the end of life
  • Supporting caregivers of seriously ill patients
  • Development and validation of measures relevant to serious illness care

Funding Priorities

Projects that:

  • Align with the research themes
  • Have potential to impact end-of-life care in Singapore
  • Provide training opportunities for emerging researchers
  • Strengthen the PI’s capacity for future studies

Eligibility

Singapore-based academics/clinicians with appointments in public hospitals, universities, or health institutions, as well as external researchers conducting Singapore-based studies with at least one local co-investigator.

Application Process

Prospective PIs are encouraged to discuss ideas with the LCPC research team. Promising ideas proceed through a two-page proposal submission, feedback, and revision process to ensure academic rigour.

Once approved, the PI receives funding and access to LCPC’s research infrastructure, including support staff and analytical resources. Regular updates at research forums maintain transparency and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

How to Apply

For queries or to explore research ideas:
Associate Professor Chetna Malhotra, Head (Research) – chetna.malhotra@duke-nus.edu.sg

LCPC Grant Application Template

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