Research Cores

The Applied Pathogens Genomics (APG) core aims to utilise advanced genomics and bioinformatics to study high-impact microbial pathogens to inform policy-making or clinical practice.

Examples include: 

• Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants: Studying how mutations in the virus’s receptor binding domain lead to new variants, which can affect how easily the virus spreads, the severity of illness, and vaccine effectiveness. 

• Investigating Tuberculosis outbreaks: Using whole genome sequencing to identify and link cases in tuberculosis outbreaks in Singapore, helping to trace transmission routes. 

• Rapid response to emerging pathogens: Applying whole genome sequencing to quickly study the evolution of pathogens like H5N1 and different clades of the mpox virus, assessing their potential impact on public health.

• Improving infection control: Analysing plasmid genomes to reveal connections between carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria involved in separate infectious disease cases, leading to better infection control strategies. 

The Epidemiology & Outbreak Research (EOR) core is central to strengthening national readiness for infectious disease threats through applied research, rapid outbreak investigations and evidence-informed strategies.

By integrating data-driven analysis with field investigations, the core supports faster containment of outbreaks and more targeted public health responses. It also contributes to national preparedness by developing standardised protocols, advancing epidemiological methods, and building workforce capabilities in outbreak science. 

Key focus areas include:

• Improving outbreak response in long-term care facilities by identifying risk factors linked to severe outcomes.

• Analysing cases of Legionella and viral hepatitis to inform control strategies.

• Evaluating the spread and impact of multidrug-resistant organisms such as Candida auris in healthcare and community settings.  

The Scientific Evaluation & Translation (SET) core conducts systematic reviews and performs meta-analyses of published scientific evidence to inform and support policymaking and clinical practice. During outbreaks, the SET core tracks the rapidly evolving landscape of scientific evidence to guide public health response and clinical management. 

The Sociobehavioural & Community Research (SCR) core spearheads research on the sociobehavioural determinants of communicable disease transmission, prevention, and protection across diverse populations. By generating critical insights into risk and protective factors, the core supports the development of evidence-based policies and clinical guidelines for the prevention, control, and treatment of communicable diseases. 

Through participatory community engagement, the core collects primary data on behavioural, attitudinal, and social factors at multiple levels. Using findings from formative research, the core designs and implements community-based interventions tailored to high-risk groups, thereby strengthening policy responses and pandemic preparedness. 

Key initiatives include: 

• Conducting sociobehavioural epidemiological studies to identify risk and protective factors influencing communicable disease outcomes.

• Developing and validating a sociobehavioural vulnerability index to enable standardised assessment and cross-population comparisons.

• Establishing community panels that are demographically and contextually representative of priority populations.

• Implementing community-based participatory research approaches to co-design and evaluate interventions with affected communities.