Research Coordination and Administration

About Research Coordination and Administration Division

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

1. Research Governance & Oversight

2. Research Management & Support Services

3. National Infectious Disease Research Strategy & Coordination

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.

Research Governance & Oversight

The Research Governance & Oversight Office 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 Office 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 office fosters research collaborations with partners within Singapore and internationally. The office offers comprehensive support to CDA researchers, including:

• Facilitating local and international research contracts;

• Monitoring of key performance indicators to highlight achievements;

• Supports research branding; and

• Provides data management services for effective organisation, storage, and maintenance of research data.

National Infectious Diseases Research Strategy & Coordination

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

The office 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 office also tracks research expertise across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from basic science to public health.

The office 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.