Research Coordination and Administration

About Research Coordination and Administration Division

The Research Coordination and Administration (RCA) Division comprises of 3 sub-divisions:

1. National Infectious Disease Research Strategy & Coordination

2. Research Governance & Oversight

3. Research Management & Support Services

Objectives of RCA

The objectives of RCA are to:

• Update and implement a national infectious disease research strategy;

• Establish and maintain a robust research governance framework for human subject protection and data and tissue management, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• Establish and implement a national governance framework for public health research under Section 59A of the Infectious Diseases Act;

• Promote and facilitate national & international infectious disease research collaborations; and

• Maintain a directory of national infectious disease expertise and research output.

National Infectious Diseases Research Strategy & Coordination

The National Infectious Disease Research Strategy & Coordination sub-division formulates and implements Singapore’s strategy for infectious disease research.

The sub-division monitors national infectious disease research through:

• Tracking publications and grants

• Mapping infectious disease research trends and resources; and

• Monitoring active ID research experts, from basic research fields to public healthcare institutions.

The sub-division supports infectious disease research through various initiatives. It provides funding opportunities, particularly for early-career researchers, through the Catalyst Grants and travel fellowships to foster collaboration in infectious disease research. Additionally, the office maintains a national directory of active infectious disease researchers to facilitate national and international research partnerships.

Research Governance & Oversight

The Research Governance & Oversight sub-division ensures CDA’s compliance with applicable policies and laws regarding research conduct, data and tissues. It supports quality research by monitoring studies, conducting audits and guiding researchers in adhering to relevant regulations.

Research Management & Support Services

The Research Management & Support Services sub-division offers a comprehensive range of services to support the diverse needs of CDA researchers. This office manages all pre- and post-award grant funding-related activities and identifies funding opportunities for CDA researchers.

Additionally, the sub-division fosters research collaborations with partners within Singapore and internationally. The sub-division offers comprehensive support to CDA researchers, including:

• Facilitating local and international research contracts;

• Monitoring of key performance indicators to highlight achievements; and

• Supports research branding.