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Research Institutes in NTU Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI)Executive Director: Professor Ng Wun Jern (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/newri) Vision To be the key environmental science and engineering research and education provider in Singapore and the region. Mission To unify NTU’s education, research and applications in environmental science and engineering, through the NEWRI ecosystem of research groups and centres, and so provide a contiguous value chain linking research, education, industry and community. Overview NEWRI is an R&D ‘ecosystem’, with alliances between independent, but interacting entities that pursue a common vision of environmental research to provide solutions for community and industry. Members of the NEWRI ecosystem and their core interests are:
Looking into some of the members of the NEWRI ecosystem:
(http://www.iese.ntu.edu.sg/index.asp)
(http://www.ntu.edu.sg/newri)
Institute for Media Innovation (IMI) Director: Professor Martin Reiser (http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/IMI/) Vision IMI strives to be an incubator of multidisciplinary cutting edge media related research ideas and establish Singapore as a key player at the forefront of the global interactive digital media revolution. Goals and Mission
Overview The Institute for Media Innovation (IMI) is a world-class institute whose fundamental role is to serve as an incubator of ideas in the field of Interactive Digital Media (IDM). With multiple roles to play in creating a cohesive environment for all media research, IMI has built its foundations on its international network support of researchers, specialists and industry partners. The close relationship that IMI has with the rest of the schools in NTU helps tie together media related projects created by a unique blend of diverse disciplines such as engineering, computer science, information, education and design. IMI helps assist in the development of such potential media projects by providing IMI Seed Grants; which in turn facilitates and funds these collaborative projects in IDM. These potential research proposals are formulated, put to work and subsequently forwarded by IMI to appropriate agencies or industrial partners for substantial further funding. A part of the core foundation of IMI is its PhD Program. The IMI PhD Program was started to point the next generation of scientists and technologists in the right direction; in exploring IDM from a broader perspective. To add on to this synergy for innovation, working groups are IMI’s bottom-up approach. These groups consist of researchers, building on their wide spectrum of expertise; thereby developing specialized subjects in Computational Photography: a new research field with worldwide attention, and Digital Heritage: a flowering area which helps conserve and document archives beyond the museum doors. In addition, digital film and animation are some other groups IMI is keen to build on. We believe that this is cross-disciplinary collaborations at its finest. Firm partnerships are forged in the process of bridging academia and the industry together. IMI adds to this initiative by inviting distinguished speakers; using their specialized skills as leverage to harness and inspire through business round tables, educational symposiums, workshops and seminars. All of which contributes to IMI’s strong foundation to substantial multidisciplinary media research in IDM. *IMI was founded by Professor Martin Reiser with the support of the Chairman and Provost, Professor Bertil Andersson. This is in responds to Singapore’s national priority in the development of IDM, a strategic R&D area of the future with a high global market value. Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERIAN) Co-Director(s): Professor Subodh Mhaisalkar, Professor Chan Siew Hwa (http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/erian) Vision To create a global center of excellence that will advance research aimed at improving efficiency of current energy systems while maximizing synergistic effects of alternative energy sources Mission Develop and maintain a world class research program that will foster a multidisciplinary environment for scientists, engineers, and social scientists to interact and together promote relevant energy solutions and policies for the future Objectives
Research Activities The Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERIAN) will focus on the areas of sustainable energy, energy efficiency and infrastructure, and socio-economic aspects of energy research. Research activities and considerable expertise in these areas exists within NTU’s research centres and schools. ERIAN will provide a unique platform, where the various disciplines such as materials, power electronics and systems, biological, physical, social sciences, as well as humanities and business communities can interact to explore new solutions to a host of issues including energy generation, harnessing, storage, distribution, efficiency, as well as impact on climate change and global warming. The Institute and its research centres have considerable expertise and strength in areas of fuel cells, wind & tidal energy, charge storage devices, photovoltaics, microgrids and smart energy systems, and collectively provide an integrated set of expertise from materials design & synthesis, device fabrication and modeling, and systems integration and optimization. Major facilities includes 3 cleanrooms for microfabrication, complete facilities for solar cells, charge storage, fuel cells fabrication and characterization, advanced materials synthesis and characterisation (TEMs/FESEM/XRD/FIB/ surface analysis). In the energy space, NTU has set up collaborative projects with Bosch GmbH (Photovoltaics), Vestas Technology (Wind), Atlantis Resources Corporation (Tidal), and Rolls-Royce (Fuel Cells). Asian Research Centre (ARC) Director: Professor Tan Kong Yam Vision Our vision is to build up an internationally reputable policy-oriented research center in NTU under your leadership with specific focus on Asian economies, business trends and public policies issues. Overview ARC would forge international collaboration with international agencies such as The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Bank for International Settlements, World Trade organization, International Monetary Fund, ASEAN Secretariat and global policy think-tanks. ARC would also link-up with official agencies and research institutes in China, India and ASEAN so as to have a first mover advantage on national policy initiatives and gaining foothold on policy influences. The center would attract consultancy projects from international agencies, regional Asian governments including Singapore and multinational corporations. High-level executive trainings for senior government officials and top management of corporations are expected to fund the center’s core activities. Research Activities
Joint Centres with External Organizations Electromagnetic Effects Research Laboratory (EMERL)Director: Associate Professor See Kye Yak (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee/emerl/) Mission
Research Activities Recognising the importance of EMC and its relevance to both military and civilian system design, NTU and DSO National Laboratories signed a memorandum of understanding on 24 March 2004 to set up EMERL in NTU. EMERL was constructed at a cost of about $10M, and funded by DSTA, DSO and A*STAR. It was officially opened on 7 September 2007 by Defence Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean. EMERL has state of the art equipment and a group of dedicated researchers to facilitate electromagnetic effects related research in four key areas:
Research Facilities EMERL houses two cutting-edge test facilities: the Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC) and a Mode Stirred Chamber (MSC). The SAC has walls lined with electromagnetic absorbing material and provides an “electromagnetic pollution-free” environment to measure emission as low as micro-volt per meter. On the other hand, the MSC, another well-shielded enclosure for immunity testing, can emulate hostile electromagnetic environments with electromagnetic fields of several hundred volts per meter. These facilities enable NTU to play a leading role in advanced electromagnetic effects research. Energetics Research Institute (EnRI) Director: Professor Ang How Ghee (http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/EnRI/) Mission The mission of the Energetics Research Institute, EnRI, centres on a new generation of energetic materials, with special attention on capability development, collaboration, innovation and cutting edge technology. Research: Future Direction New energetic materials Safety and performance Capability Development Capability development will remain central to the future programs of the Institute in order to enable it to build a strong research foundation and new skills in advanced techniques and frontier technologies. Such new techniques like the detonation and deflagration calorimetry would enable a more precise understanding of the thermal principles governing detonation, deflagration and combustion processes of new energetic compositions. Courses EnRI will introduce in the next academic year of 2009/2010, a new introductory course on Energetic Materials and Detonation Science. Modeling & Simulation The universal technique of computational modeling and simulation will extend the Institute’s theoretical and basic research into diverse areas like identification of improvised energetic materials, optimization of new energetic compositions, or assessment of thermal hazard potential may it be time-to-thermal-runaway, adiabatic decomposition temperature rise, explosion potential, shock sensitivity, or critical cook-off temperature. The technique will also take its fundamental research from the bench to new applications. Cutting Edge Technology The cutting edge technology based on energetic and piezoelectric materials requires multidisciplinary skills. A case in point is the initiation train which is concerned with extremely fast processes operating at the detonation range where their mechanisms can be examined with precision using high speed photography applying simultaneously both framing (100 million frames per second) and streak camera (1ns/mm to 100μs/mm). Such a technique would enable precise measurement within a very short time duration in order to derive physical parameters like velocity of detonation of high energy materials, velocity of plasma evolved during detonation, detonation wave profile, estimation of C-J pressure, analysis of sympathetic detonation, critical diameter performance assessment, and precise ignition delay and function time. It is a state-of-the-art high precision miniaturised technology incorporating the latest green energetic materials. The achievement of much higher safety standards is primarily due to its insensitivity to unintended initiation by radio frequency, electromagnetic interference and electro static discharge. The foregoing description therefore illustrates the kind of research that are of interest to EnRI.
Intelligent Systems Centre (IntelliSys)
Mission
Research Philosophy
Research Activities IntelliSys is a research centre jointly set up by ST Engineering and NTU. It is the meeting point of application-specific problems and technologically viable solutions, and serves as a hotbed for technological development and advancement in the area of intelligent systems. The Centre’s emphasis is on the synergistic integration of physical systems with information technology and complex decision-making processes in the design, manufacturing, and operation of intelligent systems relevant to industrial users. IntelliSys has 10 principal investigators mainly from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the School of Computer Engineering, and the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The centre receives research grants from industry and government agencies such as Mindef, DSO, NEA, and ASTAR, etc, to conduct research projects in the following areas:
Satellite Engineering Centre (SEC) Mission SEC aims to be a centre of excellence in satellite engineering research capable of spearheading the development of innovative space technologies for small satellite system designs. Research Activities SEC has a competent Low Earth Orbit satellite mission design and development team. It comprises of full-time engineers and researchers in several specialist groups headed by their respective group leaders and managed by a project management and system engineering team. The team has successfully completed a number of satellite engineering projects since 1994. The most notable achievement in the past was the Merlion Communication Payload for UoSAT-12 mini-satellite mission project. Currently the centre has its flag-ship project, the X-Sat micro-satellite project. The X-Sat is the first micro-satellite mission designed and built totally within NTU. It is also the first made in Singapore satellite. The X-Sat micro-satellite project is a 120kg remote sensing micro-satellite using an electro-optical instrument with near real-time data downlink capability. The project is undertaken by a joint team comprising staffs from both NTU and DSO. The project involves participation from the various Schools under the College of Engineering, as well as partners such as DSTA, CRISP (Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing, NUS) and overseas collaborators such as India Space Research Organization (ISRO), German Aerospace Centre (DLR), South Korea SaTReCi. The research and development focus of SEC covers:
SEC has the following facilities for space projects:
The centre is operating in two programs with one focusing on satellite engineering research, and one on satellite mission design and development. The satellite engineering research program will pursue upstream academic research projects leading to scholarly publications and knowledge creations in satellite engineering and technologies whereas the satellite mission design and development program will pursue industrial projects involving the design, development and delivery of satellite systems, subsystems or payloads funded by users or customers. The satellite mission design and development may have industrial partners locally and overseas to facilitate the project work.
Temasek Laboratories at NTU (TL@NTU)
Mission To explore the frontiers of science and develop strategic technology that will deliver effective solutions for the defence and security of Singapore. Research Activities Our research focus is categorized into ten areas: a) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) b) Radar System c) Signal Processing System on Chip d) Advanced Materials e) Tropical Weather f) Computer Vision g) Sensor Array Research h) Speech Processing i) Laser and Electro-Optics j) Photonics Thales@NTU Directors: Associate Professor Tjin Swee Chuan, Dr Jean Chazelas and Mr Patrick Plante Vision Investigation of new technology niches through both:
Mission
Research Activities The objective of this industry-university collaborative research is to engage academic partners in Singapore Research & Technology ecosystem to complement the Thales group with advanced technologies, innovations and expertise to gain competitive advantage. With combined staff strength from NTU, TTCS and Thales R&T in France, Thales@NTU is currently focusing on research in the areas of RF Photonics, RF Advanced Compounds, Wireless Technology, Signal Processing and Interactive Digital Media, which are implemented into three core technology platforms to support advanced technologies, innovations and expertise to gain competitive advantage.
Research Centres/Research Groups under the College of Engineering Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC)Director: Associate Professor Subodh Mhaisalkar Vision To establish a world-class cross-disciplinary programme in nanomaterials discovery, development, and exploitation. Mission To develop new approaches and understanding in the synthesis of advanced and innovative functional materials for applications ranging from biotechnology to nanoelectronics. Objectives
Research Activities AMRC is a university-wide research centre that focuses on the synthesis of advanced and innovative functional materials for applications ranging from biotechnology to nanoelectronics. The Centre focuses on the areas of Biomaterials, Energy and Catalysis, Nano and Organic Electronics, Nano Photonics and Magnetics, and Defence Materials. Its main research facilities include materials synthesis for organics and in-organic materials, thin film deposition, as well as materials characterisation (morphology, thermal, and structure characterisation). The AMRC hosts several multidisciplinary research programmes with participation of faculty from the Schools of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (CBE), and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) in NTU. Several notable contributions were made by AMRC in the field of Biomaterials. A Singapore biomedical company that develops biodegradable stents, Amaranth Medical Pte Ltd, started by two NTU professors, Professors Freddy Boey Yin Chiang and Subbu S Venkatraman, attracted investments of US$7.5 million from a Silicon Valley venture capital fund along with investment from EDB’s Bio*One Capital. Other initiatives nearing commercialisation include frictionless pumps and disposable surgical retraction systems for biomedical applications. Bioinformatics Research Centre (BIRC) Director: Professor Jagath Rajapakse (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/birc/) Mission
Research BIRC is the focus of the education, research and development, and human-resource training in bioinformatics at NTU. Research includes development of techniques and tools for computational analysis and visualisation of life sciences data and processes, leading to the understanding of biological phenomena and the discovery of novel drugs. BIRC also facilitates teaching and research projects of MSc (Bioinformatics) programme and PhD (Computation and Systems Biology) programme of Singapore-MIT Alliance. Research Areas
Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (BMERC)
Vision
Mission
Research Activities BMERC’s strengths stem from the coherent fusion between core engineering disciplines, biology and medicine. Researchers in the Centre come from the established engineering schools. BMERC works very closely with industry partners and has strong collaborations with Biomedical Engineering and Medical facilities. Research at BMERC focuses on the following: Biomolecular Physics, Bioimaging, Biosensors, Distributed Diagnostics and Home Healthcare, Neuroengineering, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Medical Robotics, Pharmacogentics, etc. The BMERC-SUWA programme was a key programme which aimed to promote cutting edge research in Bioengineering in Singapore. BMERC supported this win-win strategic partnership over the last five years, as a platform to promote the growth of Bioengineering research in Singapore, which is critical for advancing human health and wealth. BMERC also works closely with the Society of the Physically Disabled (SPD), part of the Community Research Network, to research into the latest assistive technologies. The Assistive Technologies Group, based at BMERC, is spearheading this collaboration.
Center for Advanced Bionanosystems
Mission To lead scientifically and technologically in advanced bionanosystems innovation and accelerate commercialisation to meet the Singapore, regional and global needs for sustainable economic development. Overview Innovative biological systems and Devices such as biosensors, molecular drug delivery device, bioelectronics and molecular machines provide great potential to enhance quality of life, improve healthcare and strengthen biodefense. The most significant impact of bionanosystems is envisaged to be in health and medicine: diagnostics, treatment and prevention. Particularly, there is a great need in global health care for novel approaches to meet the needs of ageing populations and poor countries. Biotechnology and its based advance bionanosystems can enable cheaper, safer and more ethical production of a growing number of traditional as well as new drugs and medical services. The excellence research center applies state-of-the-art methods to investigate and develop advanced bionanosystems, particularly focusing on micro/nano array sensors, Lab-on-chip systems, drug delivery devices, and bioelectronics and biofuel cells. The center cannot only produce high impact publications, but also makes great contribution to Singapore economic development and particularly supports Singapore economy development in emerging technologies. The center serves as a focal point of university undergraduate students, faculty members and research students for fostering highly interdisciplinary research at the cross-road of chemical engineering sciences, life sciences, electronics and nano sciences, and further attracts remarkable research funds and international investment. Core R&D Areas:
Centre for Advanced Information Systems (CAIS)
Mission
Vision Enhancing human needs and aspirations through next-generation information and knowledge management. Research Researchers in CAIS conduct studies into next generation information and knowledge computing with the overall objective of enhancing human needs and aspirations. Research Activities
Centre for Advanced Media Technology (CAMTech)
Mission
Research Established in 1998, CAMTech is a joint R&D centre of the Fraunhofer-Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD) of Darmstadt, Germany and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of Singapore. Located on the NTU campus, CAMTech taps on the resources, expertise and R&D results from both IGD and NTU, fostering strong ties through research collaborations. CAMTech concentrates on research related to advance media. The Centre plays a unique role of integrating scientific academic research with the demands of the industry market. Another area of focus is edutainment; education and entertainment using augmented and virtual reality. Research Areas
Centre for Biotechnology (CBT)
CBT capitalises on chemical engineering sciences to exploit several frontiers of biotechnology including tissue regeneration, virus-cell dynamics, cell-based biosensor, cell biophysics and systems bioengineering. Researchers at the Centre apply state-of-the-art methods in soft lithography, genetic engineering, biomolecular engineering, bio-surface engineering and biophysics to design novel cell therapy, engineered tissue equivalents, biopharmaceuticals, oral vaccines, and biosensor. Most importantly, CBT serves as a focal point for Chemical and Biomedical Engineering undergraduate students, faculty members and research students to foster highly interdisciplinary research at the crossroad of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences and System Engineering.
Centre for Chiral and Pharmaceutical Engineering (CCPE)
Mission
Research Activities CCPE emphasises its research on chiral drugs. Activities at CCPE include chemical synthesis, separation and purification technology, materials technology, control and process technology, as well as “green” chemistry and engineering. The centre’s current research focus is on the following:
Centre for Computational Engineering (CCE)
Vision Showcase college-wide computational engineering expertise from the different schools. Mission
Research Activities The newly formed Centre for Computational Engineering (CCE) aims at supporting selected upstream core research and application areas in the broad range of computational engineering activities. It seeks to foster interdisciplinary, computationally oriented research in different areas of science and engineering. This field is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring expertise in advanced computing technology as well as in one or more applied disciplines. Its successful application to many of today’s complex multidisciplinary problems is heavily dependent on both computer architecture and powerful numerical techniques and algorithms. The research areas of interest to CCE range from the fundamental development of advanced numerical techniques to applied areas such as computational fluid and solid mechanics, and the modelling of advanced nano- and bio- material systems. The topics include:
Centre for Computational Intelligence (C2i) Director: Associate Professor Yew Soon Ong (http://www.c2i.ntu.edu.sg) Mission
Research Researchers in C2i investigate natural and artificial systems to comprehend principles that render intelligent behaviour possible in complex changing environments. The Centre’s core research is focused on devising intelligent machines capable of learning, understanding and reasoning about past actions, so as to provide creative solutions to real-world complex problems. Research Areas
Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems (CHiPES) Director: Professor Thambipillai Srikanthan (http://www.chipes.ntu.edu.sg) Mission
Research CHiPES carries out use-inspired research, development and timely training in embedded systems engineering using state-of-the-art tools and technologies to spur next-generation innovation and to enable an order-of-magnitude improvement in developer productivity. Research Areas
Centre for Human Factors and Ergonomics (CHFE)
Mission
Objective
Research Activities CHFE is an inter-school entity, involving staff from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI). It is well positioned to address the entire spectrum of design concerns, extending highly desirable art-to-part capabilities to encompass ideation/concept definition, art/virtual, design, computer aided design/simulation, and finally the production of a first physical prototype. Interest areas are wide-ranging, covering industrial automation and systems, consumer products and military systems. Specific topics include user interface design, virtual reality systems, computer supported co-operative work, mobile computers and infocomm devices, teamwork, safety engineering, human vision, product design, affective and cross cultural design, usability engineering, system analysis, occupational health and safety, work systems, rehabilitation engineering, industrial and environmental ergonomics, human error, job/task design and analysis, designing for the elderly and people with special needs, workstation/workspace design and evaluation, process control, office ergonomics and transport ergonomics. Members of the Centre, in collaboration with Linkšping University (Sweden), also launched the world’s first Dual Masters executive programme in Human Factors Engineering. Some of the research collaborators include Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute (DMERI), DSO National Laboratories (DSO), MINDEF, US Air Force, Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development/ Air Force Research Lab (AOARD/AFRL), Honeywell Inc., Aeromedical Centre, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), St Luke’s Hospital for the Elderly, National Library Board, Java Wireless Competency Centre, University of Waikato (New Zealand), University College London (UK), Linkšping University of Technology (Sweden), University of Technology in Compiegn (France). Centre for Information Security (CIS) Director: Assistant Professor Jiang Xudong (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee/cis) Mission, Vision and Research Philosophy
Research Activities The main research activity broadly focuses on the areas of cryptography and network security, digital watermarking and biometrics.
CIS has developed and patented a fast MPEG watermarking scheme which embeds watermarks efficiently and invisibly into the MPEG bit stream, without the need for MPEG decompression. Novelties in this technology include compressed domain block classification, enhanced bit rate control, and enhanced blind detection for drift-compensated video. CIS has investigated the effects of linear and non-linear collusion attacks on digital fingerprints (personalised watermarks) and devised new techniques to counter them. CIS developed a fingerprint retrieval framework using the orientation field as the main feature and the dominant ridge distance as an auxiliary feature. These coarse level features have little correlation with the minutia points that are often used for the finger matching in an automated fingerprint verification and identification systems. Consequently, the proposed retrieval approach will not only speed up the identification process but also alleviate the accuracy deterioration of the fingerprint identification from that of the verification. Centre for Integrated Circuits and Systems (CICS) Director: Professor Do Manh Anh (http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/eee/cics/default.asp) Vision To be a global Integrated Circuits and Systems Design power hub for creative and innovative excellence Mission To excel in research in Integrated Circuits and Systems Design and to provide cutting-edge technologies and specialised personnel training for the Singapore electronic industry Research Activities Research activities are focused mainly on the design, analysis and integration of electronic circuits and systems in general, and on the design of low-voltage low-power system-on-chip (SoC) in particular. CICS has three research groups: RF Integrated Circuits and Systems, Mixed-Signal IC (Integrated Circuit) and Applications, and VLSI Design and Embedded Systems. CICS’s strong research activities in IC Design are well recognised internationally. Its expertise in the three specialised areas mentioned above are well demanded by the industry in the form of consultancy and industrial collaboration. With the push for green electronics and battery free electronics, research in sub-milliwatt low voltage circuits and systems and in energy harvesting storage devices will become the major activities of CICS. A Joint MSc (IC Design) Programme between NTU and Technical University of Munich (TUM) was launched in July 2005. The programme is well received by international students who make up 90% of the cohort. The 2008 batch has 21 students and increasing demands for this training has been observed for the new intakes in 2009. Centre for Intelligent Machines (CIM) Director: Professor Xie Lihua (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee/cim) Mission
Research Activities The CIM’s research in control, especially robust and adaptive control, enjoys excellent international reputation. In addition to fundamental research, the Centre has put a lot of emphasis on industrial control, in particular, process modelling, optimisation and control with applications in air-conditioning systems, motion control, and flight control, and has completed several major industrial projects. The Centre also has very strong research teams in autonomous systems, sensor networks, and machine learning supported by several government and industry funded projects. Research Focus • Mobile Robotics • Control Systems Technology • Sensor Networks • Machine Learning Centre for Mechanics of Micro-systems (CMMS) Director: Associate Professor Du He Jun (http://www.cmms.mae.ntu.edu.sg/) Vision CMMS believe that:
Objective
Research Activities and Focus Areas Although the scope of research includes mechanics of all kinds of micro-systems, the research activities in CMMS can be broadly divided into two focused areas. One focused research area is on HDD Mechanics (mostly in close collaboration with DSI and the industry). This includes the following topics:
The other focused area of research is to develop enabling technologies for design and manufacturing of micro/nano systems devices. This includes the following topics:
Centre for Modelling and Control of Complex Systems (CMCCS)
Vision To be a centre of excellence in the understanding and analysis of complex systems. Mission To excel in research and development on methodologies for modelling, computation, control and optimisation of complex systems. Research Activities The R&D activities of CMCCS are related to the understanding of dynamics and computational issues of complex systems, and in particular, the development of methodologies for modelling, computation, sensing and control, sensor networks, and control and optimisation of complex systems. The core research activities include Modelling and Control of Biological Systems, Computational Nano-Electronics, Computational Electromagnetics, Control of Networks, and Modelling, Optimisation and Control Techniques. CMCCS has 25 academic staff, 6 research staff and 28 PhD students, with ongoing research grants totalling S$4 million from various sources. To-date, 4 patents have been filed and granted by CMCCS. In the areas of environmental and water technologies, CMCCS will focus on the R&D areas of modelling, sensing, optimisation and control. Centre for Multimedia and Network Technology (CeMNet) Director: Associate Professor Cham Tat Jen (http://CeMNet.ntu.edu.sg) Mission Towards ubiquitous computing where communications and media transcend devices, mobility and activities. Enhanced user experience can be achieved through the deployment of network, effectors and location and context-awareness technologies into our daily lives. Research CeMNet is recognised for research work in three core areas, namely, Multimedia Understanding, Intelligent Environments as well as Network Technologies, Protocols and Services. Research Areas
Centre for Smart Energy Systems (CSES) Director: Associate Professor Tseng King Jet (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee/eee1/research.asp) Mission The development of intelligent systems, from concept to commercialization, in a multi-disciplinary and holistic manner, for the efficient and clean harvesting, storage, delivery and utilization of energy. Research Philosophy With the national emphasis on clean and green energy, and the potential external funding for NTU, it was timely that the School of EEE started its strategic initiative on Clean Energy. With effect from 1 May 2007, the previous Centre for Advanced Power Electronics (CAPE) has been re-named and re-structured as the Centre for Smart Energy Systems (CSES). However its track record goes back to more than 20 years of research and education by members of the Power Engineering Division. Its overall objective is the development of intelligent systems, from concept to commercialization, in a multi-disciplinary and holistic manner, for the efficient and clean harvesting, storage, delivery and utilization of energy. It offers broad-based solutions to the global energy and environmental challenge facing mankind. Research Focus • Clean and Renewable Energy Systems • Smart Energy Distribution • Energy Storage Systems • Energy Efficiency in Utilization • Energy and Power Market Centre for Signal Processing (CSP) Director: Associate Professor Ser Wee (http://www.csp.eee.ntu.edu.sg/asp/index.asp) Vision To become a well referred research centre in the world on digital signal processing. Mission To spearhead research and development of signal processing technologies for the future. Research Philosophy With the vision that future systems are becoming more intelligent and connected, we strive to create significant impact on enabling digital signal processing technologies in these areas. Research Activities CSP was first formed as a research centre in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) in 1991. From August 1995 to March 2002, CSP received its core funding from A*STAR (then NSTB) and operated as a national research centre. Since April 2002, CSP has been re-organised as a research centre in the School of EEE, with the mission of spearheading the research and development of signal processing technologies for the future. CSP is organised into 4 research programmes with a total of about 100 research staff (including about 35 professors and more than 65 researchers and research students). Specifically, 3 thrust areas have been identified as the focus for research projects: biomedical signal processing, homeland security, and intelligent human-machine interface. Computer Integrated Medical Intervention Laboratory (CIMIL) Director: Associate Professor Ng Wan Sing Vision and Mission CIMIL seeks to be a leading laboratory in this part of the world, carrying out research in image guided surgery and robotic assistance for surgery. The founding motto of CIMIL is to translate research ideas into practice, benefiting both clinicians and patients. Research Activities Since founded more than a decade ago, CIMIL has been actively working with Singapore’s major hospitals as well as medical research groups from the United States to jointly identify projects of practical values before prescribing practical robotic and image guided solutions to turn their wishes into reality. CIMIL focuses on 3 areas of key importance in robotic and image guided surgery, namely, Image Processing, Reconstruction and Visualisation, and specific robotic tools for safe and accurate execution. Some specific projects include 1) A robot for prostate biopsy. Known as BioXbot, this joint product of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and CIMIL (NTU) is now routinely used in the Urology Department of SGH. It has been successfully used on more than 200 patients to date. BioXbot takes live samples from statistically significant areas of the prostate for the inclusion/exclusion of prostate cancer. 2) A robot for radiation seed implantation. Known as EUCLIDIAN, this joint product of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJU) and CIMIL (NTU), has obtained FDA approval and will be put on clinical trials soon. EUCLIDIAN calculates optimal radiation doses for a given prostate volume and plants radioactive pellets into the prostate to treat prostate cancer. 3) A robot for treating prostate enlargement. Known as SPUD, this joint product of Changi General Hospital (CGH) and CIMIL (NTU) can use both laser and electricity to resect away or shrink enlarged portion of the prostate safely with little bleeding in a keyhole surgery. 4) A robotic aid for lumpectomy. Known as BreastBot, this joint product of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and CIMIL (NTU) determines on the fly, a predefined margin around a given tumour in the breast while guiding the surgeon to resect the tumour and the margin in a minimally invasive manner. Some research activities of CIMIL have reached the stage of commercialisation. A spin-off company, called BioBot Surgical Pte Ltd, has recently obtained “Proof-of-value” funding from SPRING Singapore to produce a commercial version of the BioXbot. Acronym
Emerging Research Lab (ER Lab)
Mission The mission of the Emerging Research Lab is to identify and nurture new promising research areas in the disciplines of computing and engineering that show high research values as well as substantial commercial potential. The Emerging Research Lab aims to host up to five research teams conducting pioneer research in their respective fields with the objective of growing them into full-fledged research centers of excellence with close links to the industry in the near future. In addition to supporting existing research areas, the Emerging Research Lab will constantly track the technology landscape in computing and engineering and invite research proposals for new initiatives. Research Researchers in the ER Lab embark on new and emerging areas in the discipline of science, computing, and engineering which have high research value and commercial potential. The ER Lab currently houses four research programmes with externally funded projects in collaboration with overseas and local partners. Research Areas • Sensor Teleinformatics and Agent Research • Cognitive and Neural Systems • Speech and Language Technology • DNA Chip Design Energy Research Group Coordinators: Professor Chan Siew Hwa (Fuel Cells), Associate Professor Chua Leok Poh (Wind/Tidal Energy), Assistant Professor Duan Fei (Energy Systems) The Energy Research Group at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering comprises the Fuel Cell and Energy Research Laboratory (FCERL) and the Energy System Laboratory. The FCERL plays a leading role in Singapore and the region in advancing technological developments for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), with research work ranging from fundamental research in thermofluids, electrochemistry, materials sciences and materials processing, to the fabrication and application of fuel cells. The Energy Systems Laboratory has core strengths in the development, evaluation and assessment of clean energy and energy efficient technologies that are particularly relevant to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Singapore and the region, such as integrated energy systems, advanced cooling and dehumidification systems, renewable energy such as solar photovoltaics and thermal systems, and building energy efficiency systems. In addition, the Group has been successful in obtaining substantial R&D and consultancy funding from both internal and external sources, and has also filed patents showing the potential commercial value of the work to date. Members of the group have also played a key role in outreach, advisory and advocacy activities to promote fuel cell and energy research, development and testing in Singapore universities, A*STAR, government agencies (EDB, NEA, HDB, DSTA, etc.) and industries. Recently, professors in Energy Systems Laboratory have tied up a programme with DSO to develop mini gas turbine engines for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The research covers miniature turbojet engine optimization, combustion study, and test bench design. The objective is to achieve a miniature turbojet engine with high efficiency. It is worth mentioning that the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will host the Fuel Cell and Wind/Tidal Energy Research Centres which are part of the university-level Energy Initiative under the Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERI@N). An Advanced Fuel Cell Centre will be set up with expanding activities focusing on high performance and reliability of the fuel cells, among others. The Wind/Tidal Energy Centre will focus on the optimisation of energy generation from the best blade profile design, light but tough composite material for the blades, the manufacturing know-how for the long composite rotor blade, to the integration of the whole turbine system. The Centre has envisioned the importance of such a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment where researchers and engineers could interact with industry partners as well as with economist and social scientists. Facility for Analysis, Characterisation, Testing and Simulation (FACTS) Director: Associate Professor Timothy John White (http://www.characterisation.com.sg) Vision To be a focal point of investigations in materials science at NTU and across the wider research community through the provision of world class facilities and training for the examination of condensed matter. Mission To maintain a suite of state-of-the-art electron and X-ray beam hardware and software accessible to researchers nationally and internationally and advise scientists and engineers exploring the solid state. Research Activities FACTS focuses its research on the atomic level crystallographic, structural and chemical analysis using electron and X-ray probes to provide an essential underpinning for the design, development and validation of nanomaterials. FACTS supports a broad range of research across NTU, NUS and the A*STAR Research Institutes. In addition, FACTS conducts research in the following areas, where materials processing are developed and optimised through exploitation of advanced diffraction and imaging techniques:
FACTS is supported by top-end diffraction and imaging instruments as a suite of facilities (equipment, software, databases) and it includes:
Access is available at:
FACTS has also been successful in developing unique training courses in X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy that serve researchers throughout Singapore, developing on-line training and virtual scanning electron microscopy and servicing more than 150 clients through an on-line booking and billing system. Forensics and Security Lab (ForSe Lab) Director: Assistant Professor Cho Siu Yeung, David (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/sce/labs/forse) Mission
Vision
Research Researchers in the ForSe Lab study the application of computational techniques to forensic analysis and security surveillance. Research is focused on integrating new knowledge and technology to provide law enforcement and security agencies with automatic devices and capabilities to improve prevention, detection and solution of crimes, and acts of terrorism. Research Areas
Game Lab (gameLAB) Mission
Research The gameLAB aims to develop technologies and techniques for commercial and experimental digital art, animation and game through research, innovation, education, training and production. Our lab serves as a labyrinth for computer scientists and engineers, artists and animators, storywriters and musicians, and user-interface designers to create new algorithms, tools, and systems to advance the state-of-the-art digital art and animation productions, including interactive forms of animation such as web-based animation and games. As one of its goals, the lab will engage the industrial players intensely to accelerate the growth of the digital media industry in Singapore. Research Areas
Interaction and Entertainment Research Centre (IERC) Director: Associate Professor William Russell Pensyl (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ierc) Mission The Interaction and Entertainment Research Center is a University Level Research Centre in Nanyang Technological University. IERC is dedicated to creative cross-disciplinary collaborations between various university departments, as well as with government and industry partners. Areas of focus are in interactive spaces, robotics in art and entertainments, animation technologies, mixed and augmented reality, interactive fine art, games, education/training, and simulation. The mission of the Entertainment Research Center is to develop an interdisciplinary approach to research centered around the interfaces between people and computing systems that unlock the power of human intelligence and link minds. The Center’s research encompasses science, technology, education, design and entertainment together with real world application of designed tools, product, culturally relevant artistic experiences and new media applications. The research, design, innovative projects and experience exist at the intersection between the arts and technology. Research Activities The IERC explores the effects of new technologies on the traditions and metaphors of traditional creative practice and production. The Centre poses and attempts to answer critical questions which are of cultural and technological significance:
Inspired by leading multidisciplinary research programmes such as ZKM and the Banff Centre for critical artistic focus, and Xerox PARC and MIT’s Media Lab for bold technical innovation, IERC exploits the power of collaboration across the boundaries that define traditional academic territories. The IERC’s integrated approach is reflected in current projects that stretch across such diverse themes as entertainment technology, computer assisted creativity, stage robotics, tangible media, augmented reality and theatrical performance. Projects include • The Wishing Well, by Associate Professor and artist, Louis-Philippe Demers Liquid Stage is part of a series/studies of interactive installations rendering pixels in various spectrum of stages of matter in action – liquid, solid, gaz and rooted in the four elements: water, earth, fire, air. Rendering pixels is seen as a broad translation of the Wishing Well. These stages will encompass the use of mechanics, robotics, electro-magnetic, pneumatic, sound and light. When the studies will be completed, this will also represent a research on visualization and alternate sources of “displays”. The Dry Liguid Study explores the paradigm of multi-touch interaction and enables an unlimited number of visitors to engage in the experience of touching a dry water surface. • Area V5, by Associate Professor and artist, Louis-Philippe Demers Recent developments in the field of Social Robotics and Artificial Intelligence call for the prominent role of eye movements in establishing meaningful dialogue between humans and machine. Area V5 is an artistic comment on the social robots hypothesis. The installation will invite the viewer to experiment the enigmatic gaze of hundreds of disembodied eyes in an out-of-context surveillance from impotent machines. The title of the work refers to the visual area V5, also known as visual area MT (medial temporal). V5 is a region of the extrastriate visual cortex that is thought to play a major role in the perception of motion, the integration of local motion signals into global percepts and the guidance of some eye movements. • REAL, by Associate Professor and artist, Louis-Philippe Demers, in collaboration with Prof. Rolf Pfeifer, AILab, Uni of Zurich We propose to develop a radically new robotic kit for classes at schools and higher education sectors as well as for hobbyists, autodidacts and professionals. REAL departs from existing robotic kits by empowering important concepts and methodologies from modern AI research and Artistic explorations, so far absent from existing solutions. REAL will then propagate key concepts (such as synthetic methodology, ecological balance, cheap design, self-organization) amongst practitioners in other fields such as social sciences, economics, art, design and architecture. These concepts encourage novel problem solving strategies, which may be more adequate for many challenges in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Artists who work with technology (e.g. in Media Art) employ an entirely different planning and development process than scientists and engineers. Specifically, artists engage in a bottom-up approach that iterates through several relatively short cycles of planning, development, observation and modification. This creative approach possesses many similarities with the synthetic methodology, which forms a recent and essential aspect of modern AI research. • Computer Assisted Cel Animation (CACAni), this research into animation technologies directed by Professor Seah Hock Soon under the Computation Arts Group (CAG) The software tool is based on novel and advanced computer graphics and image processing technologies for traditional cel animation that automates ‘tweening’, the tedious process of adding additional movie frames in-between the ‘key-frames.’, and automating the ‘coloring’ process. • A Real-time Stable Markerless Tracking for Augmented Reality Using Image Analysis/Synthesis Technique, by Russell Pensyl This project proposes a markerless tracking technique using image analysis/synthesis approach. Its task is to minimize the relative difference in image illumination between the synthesized and captured images. Through the use of a 3D geometric model and correct illumination synthesis, it promises more robust and stable results under different scenarios resulting in robust real-time markerless tracking. Providing reusable and extendable software modules easily integrated with different graphics and physics engines to facilitate advancement in AR applications for games and education, our research overcomes the lack of versatility and limited graphics and vision capabilities in the existing AR tools. This framework drives the creation of AR applications in games and education. Demonstration of this new work in markerless tracking will be carried forward in mixed reality installations such as those listed below: • The Long Bar, Location Based Entertainment, using mixed reality in real world spaces and environments, by Russell Pensyl and Daniel Jernigan The piece will use mixed augmented reality technology to develop culturally and historically significant events into fully interactive artistic experiences. Participants wearing head mounted display systems will witness various notable figures, including Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, and Ava Gardner, immersed within that very real world environment allow • Everyman, The Ultimate Commodity 3.0, Experimental Staging Using Augmented Reality, Computer Vision, Inertial Sensors, Interactive Installation and Digital Media, by Daniel Jernigan and Russell Pensyl An experimental theatre production using mixed and real time augmented reality technologies to spin a tale of a sinister alternate-future Singapore where the population becomes an unwitting supply of genetically modified organ donors. Based on a story by Singapore writer, Gopal Baratham and adapted for the stage by Daniel Jernigan from NTU’s Department of English, Version 2.0 was staged at the Fringe Toronto Theatre Festival in July 2007. The play featured noted Singapore actors, Gerald Chew, Debra Teng and Sara Yang. The technology was demonstrated in the 6th International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality in Nara, Japan in November, 2007. Version 3.0 research covers processes and system architecture for mixed reality in performance, methodologies for creating 3d modeled and animated assets and virtual characters, creation of augmented reality environments where the virtual characters can interact with live action actors, custom designed extrinsic calibration methods and the use of three axis gyroscopic accelerometers for sensor tracking systems and in wireless position tracking to accommodate mixed reality in large volume spaces and in the inconsistent lighting environment of the theatre stage. In addition, a wide range of smaller projects will contribute technology to the above, as well as showcase their own innovations in the areas of augmented reality, vision and sensor-based tracking, tangible media, haptic interfaces, motion capture, context-aware and ubiquitous computing, location-aware media and many others. Maritime Research Centre (MRC) Director: Associate Professor Tan Soon Keat (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/mrc) Mission
Research Activities MRC excels in hydrodynamics, hydraulics, environmental engineering, and logistics. Representative activities include Active Operator Guidance System for Ship, South China Sea Circulation Model, Two-ship Interactions, Development of a Shipboard Quality Assurance System for Bunker Fuel Transaction, and Design of an Optimised Liner Service Planning. The Centre focuses on the initiation and undertaking of research to develop technologies and IT applications in the port and maritime field, management of joint R&D projects between the MPA and NTU as well as collaboration with local and international institutions and industry partners. MRC’s research facilities include Hydraulics Laboratory, Environment Laboratory, Geotechnics Laboratory and Construction Technology Laboratory, Protective Engineering Laboratory, Spatial Information Laboratory, Transportation Laboratory, and numerical simulation and computational facilities. Microelectronics Centre (MEC) Director: Professor Pey Kin Leong (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee/eee6/mec/index.asp) Vision
Mission To spearhead cutting edge research in semiconductor materials and devices, and microelectronic integrated microsystems. Research Philosophy To collaborate with leading edge laboratories in microelectronics areas. Research Activities MEC has complete facilities for the fabrication of silicon and compound semiconductor and a wide range of other semiconductor and non-semiconductor thin film devices, sensors and circuits. The facilities include two Class-100 and one Class-10-10,000 clean rooms, Materials Characterisation Laboratory, Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, Ion Beam Processing Laboratory, Computational Nanoelectronic Simualtion Laboratory as well as equipment for molecular beam and liquid phase epitaxy, vacuum evaporation and sputtering, wet and dry etching, lithography, chemical vapour deposition with electron cyclotron resonance and microwave sources and deposition systems using the filtered cathodic vacuum arc technique. Advanced research work in silicon processes and devices is carried out in the Microfabrication Laboratory. This includes the development of low power CMOS, SOI and 3D IC technologies to support the research effort in integrated circuit design, especially for sensors and sensor interface circuits. The processing facility is supplemented by a number of laboratories which house equipments for optical, structural and surface characterisation of materials, testing of high frequency devices and circuits, measurement of photonic devices and systems and characterisation of sensor materials and devices. Circuit design and simulation are accomplished using an extensive network of computer-aided design tools, based on which a variety of device simulation and process modelling software for different advanced applications are developed. The research activities are focused on the following:
MicroMachines Centre (MMC) Director: Associate Professor Miao Jianmin (http://mmc.mae.ntu.edu.sg/) Vision To make the MMC a world-class MEMS research centre with high impact in academic research, highly skilled talent training and industry relevance. Mission To establish a creative research culture and develop new micro/nano/bio fabrication technology and novel Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) design for supporting Singapore’s knowledge-based economy through research collaborations and manpower training. Research Activities MMC is a multidisciplinary research centre with a 500m2 clean room equipped with sophisticated MEMS fabrication characterisation equipment/facilities. The centre’s research areas range from the mechanical sensor design, micromachining, optical and RF MEMS, 3D MEMS packaging, microfluidic MEMS for the biomedical applications to MEMS process development and materials research. It is developing nanofabrication and nanomachining technologies for the new wave of nano and bio research. Currently, the Centre undertakes the research of MEMS/NEMS, nanotechnology and biochip fabrication. MMC is one of the biggest research centres for MEMS research in the world. It has established an excellent reputation in Singapore and overseas. The Centre welcomes researchers from Singapore and overseas to NTU to use the sophisticated clean room facilities and to collaborate in MEMS/nanotechnology/biochip research. Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) Director: Associate Professor Shum Ping, Perry (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ntrc) Vision To be a centre of excellence for research, education and training in the areas of communications and computer networking technologies. Mission To spearhead strategic research in state of-the-art communications and computer networking technologies for short- and long-term benefit to the industry in Singapore. Research Activities NTRC is an inter-school research centre hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) with participation from the School of Computer Engineering (SCE). The establishment of NTRC by Digital Equipment Singapore and NTU in November 1991 provides a focal point for researchers with interest in communications and computer networking to undertake research and development works of strategic importance to the Singapore’s economy. Situated in the latest state-of-the-art Research Techno Plaza, NTRC owns a total lab space of 12,000 square feet and is fully equipped to provide technical support and facilities to both academic (undergraduate and postgraduate levels) and industry-relevant research in the areas of data communications, local and wide area networks, digital signal processing, radio systems, optical transmission systems and fibre-based computer networks. In addition, NTRC currently enjoys a strong staff strength comprising 57 academic and research staff, 35 full-time research students and 50 undergraduate students. The core research activities carried out in NTRC can be broadly classified under four research programmes: (1) Power Line Communications • Power line channel modeling • MAC and network protocols for PLC Networks • PLC systems with low EMI radiation • Building control and monitoring systems (2) Optical Communications • Nonlinear fibre communications • Generalised multiprotocol label switching • Optical channel monitoring • Fibre grating based devices and fabrication systems (3) Network Control and Engineering • Network modeling and performance analysis • Traffic engineering (congestion/ admission control, buffer management) • Quality-of-Service (QoS) provisioning • Reliable multicast protocol design (4) Mobility Network Technology • Radio resource management and packet access for 3G cellular • WPAN technologies (Bluetooth and UWB) • Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) • Multihop cellular networks Parallel & Distributed Computing Centre (PDCC) Director: Professor Stephen John Turner (http://pdcc.ntu.edu.sg) Mission The mission of the Parallel & Distributed Computing Centre (PDCC) is to form a Centre of Excellence in the area of parallel and distributed computing; to carry out research where goals of the projects are connected to real concerns; and to enhance the research profile of the University by putting the name of the Centre on the international research map. In pursuit of its mission, PDCC strives to seek new industrial projects where parallel and distributed computing can provide a solution to real problems; to conduct leading edge research and advance knowledge; and to foster research collaborations both nationally and internationally. Research PDCC has an international reputation for its research in application areas such as parallel and distributed simulation and collaborative environments, underlying technologies such as multi-agent systems and peer-to-peer systems, and resource infrastructure, including grid, cloud and high performance computing. Research Areas
Photonics Research Centre (PhRC) Vision To be an internationally well-regarded research centre of excellence in photonics science and technology, and emerging photonics applications Mission To establish excellence in advanced photonics research, with impacts in fundamental enabling photonics science and technology as well as in various emerging applications. Research Activities PhRC is dedicated to research and teaching in the various areas of photonics science and technology. PhRC has published its research results extensively in top international journals and has also significant participation in top international photonics conferences with both invited talks and contributed paper presentations as well as technical program committee memberships. PhRC conducts cutting-edge research in many areas of modern photonics science and technology, which may be broadly divided in the following 6 programs: • Biophotonics • Green Photonics • Laser, Fiber and Ultrafast Photonics • Microfluidic Photonics and Mircosystems • Nano-Photonics • Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory facilities Photonics Laboratory I, Photonics Laboratory II, Photonics Lab III (Nanophotonics), Photonics Training Laboratory, First Year Laboratory C. An affiliate laboratory is the Micro-Fabrication Facilities (MFF) for fabrication of optoelectronic devices, and a joint PhRC-NTRC Laboratory for optical communication research. The Centre has various laser systems with laser wavelength from UV (193 nm Excimer laser) to IR (10.6 micron CO2 laser). The Centre is also host to one the first Competitive Research Programs (CRP) awarded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) to NTU in 2007. This CRP is in the field of Nano-Photonics and Meta-materials. The PhRC has a host of semiconductor fabrication and characterization equipment, including a Metal-Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD) epitaxy system, an inductive-coupled plasma etching equipment, a mask aligner with nano-imprint lithography, and a new electron-beam lithography (EBL) system acquired in 2008. Most of these equipments are housed in the new Class-100 MFF facility. Physiological Mechanics Laboratory (PML) Vision To achieve leading-edge research and innovations in biomechanical and biomedical engineering. Mission
Research Activities PML has a long history in the development of artificial heart valve prostheses. Research activities in this area include computational design and manufacturing, finite element analyses of structure/function relationship, and in-vitro experimentation and numerical modelling of fluid dynamics, for assessment of new aortic and mitral valve prostheses. Main recent accomplishments have been the invention of a series of heart valve molds and new implantation technique which allow safe and fast reconstruction of prosthetic aortic and mitral valves from autologous pericardium. PML has demonstrated its strength in heart valve research with four US patents and numerous fine publications. Researchers in PML engage in active and rewarding collaborations with hospitals, research institutions, universities, home and abroad. PML also hosts intensive research in the following areas:
Positioning and Wireless Technology Centre (PWTC) Vision To be a centre of global excellence in Who, Where and When (WWW) technologies. Mission To lead and promote Research, Innovation and Training in Wireless Communication, Identification, Positioning and Tracking technologies. Research Activities Positioning and Wireless Technology Centre (PWTC) is an inter-school research centre hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) with participation from School of Computer Engineering (SCE), School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). PWTC was established in March 1999 and was formerly known as Global and Positioning Centre (GPSC). PWTC has 4 core research programs, namely Wireless Networking, RF Identification (RFID) and Tagging, Global Navigation Satellite System and Applications and Media Embodiment, Delivery, Interaction and Acquisition (M.E.D.I.A). 1. Wireless Networking – This research program aims to excel in the research and development of advanced communication techniques and solutions in the PYH (physical), MAC (medium access control) and networking layers of broadband wireless systems. 2. RF Identification (RFID) and Tagging – This research program excels in the design of antennas and arrays systems such as ultra wideband (UWB) RFID, 900MHz and 2.45GHZ RFID, GSM and DCS cellular mobile, and 60GHZ wireless LAN. 3. Global Navigation Satellite System and Applications – This research program focuses on outdoor positioning techniques and applications. Its areas of interest includes high accuracy positioning systems such as differential GPS (DGPS) and centimetre-level UWB positioning, intelligent in-vehicle navigation, multi-objective routing and map matching, GPS-based attitude determination of LEO micro-satellite. 4. Media Embodiment, Delivery, Interaction and Acquisition (M.E.D.I.A) – This research program’s mission is to investigate new robot systems and new AI theory with the aim of integrating them together with wireless communication, positioning and identification techniques in order to develop the humanoid robots of next generation, which can be deployed to achieve effective acquisition, delivery and interaction of digital media to, and with, users in real space, real-time and real-application environment. PWTC hosts 12 ongoing projects with total research funding of $4.53M, 81% of which are external funding from A*STAR, DSO, Delphi Automotive Systems Singapore Pte Ltd, Fujitsu Media Devices Singapore Pte Ltd, to name a few.
Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (PEN) Centre Acting Vision To emerge as a world-class centre and leader in the field of nanofabrication and nanometrology. Mission PEN Centre’s mission is driven by two main thrusts:
Research Activities PEN Centre’s niche areas are in precision engineering, nanofabrication, and nanometrology. The research focus includes ultra-fast laser micromachining, focused ion beam technology, and ultra-precision machining, and development of a novel optical nanoprofiler based upon surface plasma polaritons.
Protective Technology Research Centre (PTRC) Mission, Vision and Research Philosophy The threefold mission of PTRC is:
Research Focus Concerned with the dynamic and the weapon effects on buildings and infrastructures, PTRC focuses its activities on three functional areas: (1) Research and Development (2) Education and Training (3) Technology Transfer The functional areas comprise the following activities:
Research Facilities The Protective Engineering Laboratory housed in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering is designed to conduct dynamic load testing of full-scale structural components. The laboratory has a system of L-shaped reaction walls with multi-cell design, a large shake table that can stimulate earthquake ground motions, and many dynamic actuators of various capacities to support protective engineering research. Centre’s strengths, outstanding programmes/highlights of research activity Established on 29 September 1998 via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and NTU, PTRC has since administered 30 projects with a total funding of S$21.4 millions. Under the strong leadership of Professor Pan Tso-Chien, PTRC has developed into the leading centre of excellence in underground technology and rock engineering. This is prominently reflected in PTRC’s contribution of essential technologies towards the engineering as well as the construction of underground ammunition facilities. Besides building up PTRC’s strength in underground technology and rock engineering, the PTRC research team has completed a milestone study on the response of high-rise commercial buildings to blast loading. The study results have not only helped identify the R&D needs for building protections in the post-911 era, but also provided the basis from which a national programme on building protection was initiated. The Centre has a current strength of 26 faculty members, and 18 research staff and students. In terms of outreach programmes, PTRC had successfully organised 7 public seminars, 3 short courses and 2 workshops during the period. Centre’s Achievements PTRC had initiated and been involved in the initial planning and coordination of the 8th Pacific Conference on Earthquake Engineering (8PCEE). It was jointly organized by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering, and had received an overwhelming response of more than 200 papers and 239 participants. A variety of speakers from over 36 countries participated in the conference, which provided an invaluable forum for designers and researchers to share ideas on the state-of-the-art earthquake resistant designs. During the 3-day conference held on 5 to 7 December 2007 at Swissotel Merchant Court, there were 8 Keynote Speakers and 108 presentation sessions.
Robotics Research Centre (RRC) Mission
Research Activities The Centre emphasises its research on:
The RRC provides modern state-of-the-art equipment and a stimulating environment for those who are participating in research activities. Research facilities include high speed imaging and laser illumination system, complex mobile robot systems, industrial manipulators, dynamic simulation and analysis software, suite of sensors and mobile platforms, including the Segway HT and MRP, and the ARGO ATRV. The centre is consulted by defence and industrial sectors for robotic/mechatronic solutions.
Research Group under College of Science Drug Discovery Centre (DDC)Director: Professor James Tam (http://www.sbs.ntu.edu.sg/research/ddc/index.php) Mission
Research Activities The DDC aims to establish a world-class drug research organization for the discovery of breakthrough therapies, and for the education and training of future-generation professionals with specialized expertise in drug discovery research. It has been built to capitalize on and rapidly translate the basic research findings from the Bioscience Research Centre (BRC) to practical clinical solutions. It can be envisaged that in this process, Intellectual Property (IP) rights can be generated and start-up and licensing opportunities created. Research activities within the DDC focus on the early stages of the drug R&D process, i.e. validating disease targets and discovering candidate molecules as drug leads. In vitro biological screening of compound collections and libraries using molecular and cell-based assays are some of the approaches utilized. High throughput screening models are developed along with sample banking, automation and database systems. Collaborative acquisition of compound collections from partners such as Institute Materia Medica (China) is another strategy adopted by the DDC for expanding the potentials. Target areas include: neurological and degenerative diseases, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine such as stem cell research, cardiovascular, cancer and immunological disorders. The DDC strives to provide a centralized platform for individual research labs to gain access to the required resources, research tools and expertise that are otherwise beyond their reach. Platform technologies include:
Research Centres/Research Groups under College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC)Secretary-General: Associate Professor Indrajit Banerjee (http://www.amic.org.sg/) Mission The School is also closely affiliated with the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC). AMIC is a charity-registered organisation established in 1971 with the support of the Government of Singapore and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung of Germany. It aims to spearhead the development of media and communication expertise in the Asia-Pacific to foster socio-economic progress in the region.
Research Activities As a research centre, AMIC initiates and organises research projects, training programmes and a research publication. It encourages the development of institutional capabilities to conduct appropriate research programmes through networking, exchange of research fellows and joint research activities. It enhances the capabilities and resources of communication research institutions in the region. • AMIC’s 18th Annual Conference • Recent releases in the AMIC Asian Communication Series are the Asian Communication Handbook 2008; Free Markets, Free Media? Reflections on the Political Economy of the Press in Asia; Media and Conflict Reporting in Asia; Media and Development in Asia: Regional perspectives; South Pacific Islands Communication: Regional perspectives, local issues. Two books in the series won awards at the Asian Publishing Awards, held in August 2008 in Singapore. The Internet and Governance in Asia: A Critical Reader, edited by Indrajit Banerjee, won the award for the “Best book published about the media industry in Asia”. Media Pluralism in Asia: The Role and Impact of Alternative Media, edited by Kalinga Seneviratne, received an Excellence Award in the same category. Another recent AMIC title is The Fourteenth Paw: Growing up on an Iowa farm in the 1930s, the memoir of the famed pioneer of diffusion of innovations theory, Professor Everett Rogers. All AMIC’s titles are now distributed internationally by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). • AMIC’s Alternative Media Portal (http://www.amicaltmedia.net/) has expanded its content considerably. The portal provides news, views and interviews from alternative media sources throughout Asia and the Pacific. A significant addition to the portal has been the inclusion of the “Asian Voices” monthly radio magazine podcast. Hosted programmes in this series to date include: Radio in Asia, MDGs and the Media, Asian Publishing, Health Communication, and Community Radio. Permission is given to radio stations in the region to download and broadcast the programmes free of charge. Feedback received so far has been positive, with RadioBhutan, RRI (Indonesia), Radyo Filipinas and a number of community radio stations in the region broadcasting the programme. Radio Australia is also considering giving the programme a regular slot. The programmes will also be made available on CD to be used as classroom resources. • With recent support from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), AMIC now has sufficient digital media production equipment to produce print publications, radio programmes, and TV/video programmes. AMIC is now exploring the options for regular radio and TV programme production with external partners dealing with media and cultural issues. A number of AMIC research projects have led to the development of various source materials for journalists. A Commonwealth Institute–funded project led to the production of a good practices e-book and VCD on “Communicating AIDS Awareness”. AMIC is collaborating with ISEAS on the production of a one-hour video documentary on “Communicating Buddhism in Asia”. And a UNESCO IPDC–funded project has resulted in the preparation of a resource manual for journalists on HIV/AIDS reporting. • AMIC has expanded the range of education curricula it is developing. A curriculum on AIDS reporting was developed as part of a project funded by UNESCO IPDC, and a curriculum on “Training Grassroots Communicators in Covering MDGs in South Asia” funded by the UN Millennium Campaign. Other plans for developing curricula include: Cross-cultural communication in Asia, model curriculum on issues in Asian media for tertiary institutions, training grassroots communicators in covering migrant labour issues, training curriculum for journalists to cover global warming, and media training curricula for indigenous communities. • Other AMIC research activities continue apace. A key project for 2008 and 2009 has been the development of the Asian Media Barometer on behalf of FES. The objective of the project is to gauge the overall level of media development, freedom of expression and freedom of the media across private, state, public and community broadcasting to develop a uniform peer review mechanism for Asia. Other research projects in progress for the year range from financial viability of community radio to mainstreaming MDGs in the media.
Centre for Chinese Language and Culture (CCLC) Mission The Centre for Chinese Language and Culture (CCLC) was officially set up in April 1994, geared towards excellence in teaching and research. The Centre offers courses related to Chinese language and culture which students may take as general education requirement. Since September 2003, the Centre has transferred its teaching responsibilities to the Division of Chinese, School of Humanities and Social Sciences and continued to strive for excellence in Chinese language and cultural issues of interest to the Chinese communities.
Research Activities The research foci of CCLC are:
CCLC is currently publishing four major publications, namely
CCLC also organises a range of activities including the “Tan Lark Sye Professorship in Chinese Language and Culture Lecture Series”, and international conferences, etc. The centre will also be involved in organising the 2010 Internationsl Society for the study of chinese overseas (ISSCO) conference which will be held in NTU.
Centre for Liberal Arts and Social Studies (CLASS) The Centre for Liberal Arts and Social Studies (CLASS) is a major research centre of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. It was established in 2006 to facilitate, coordinate and encourage inter-disciplinary research in NTU. Several inter-disciplinary research clusters act as central focal points for research, including Southeast Asia Studies, Singapore Studies, Language Studies, Economy and Society Cluster. CLASS also houses the editorial office of the Singapore Economic Review, a leading economics journal with a long history of publication of a broad range of economic issues impinging on Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. There are several plans to develop similar relationships with other academic journals as this is a key component of an active centre of academic research. Some of the activities organised at CLASS include working papers, seminars, lectures, workshops and conferences. On the event front, CLASS provides a platform for interaction among local and international scholars from various disciplines. Till date, CLASS has hosted several major seminars and conferences: Irresponsibility Conference, Singapore Economic Review Conference (SERC) 2007, Symposium on Law, Institutions and Governance, Symposium on Health Economics and Health Management, Symposium on Asian Economic Integration, Happiness Symposiums and the latest being the Symposium on Language and Diversity and the Sound, Silence and Literature Symposium. Together with the Singapore Economic Review, CLASS will be co-organising the 2009 SER Conference from 6 to 8 August at Swissotel. Several high profile events are in the pipeline and will held in the second half of 2009 and early 2010.
Digital Creative Centre (dCc) Mission The Digital Creative Centre (dCc) is an interdisciplinary creative and research centre that blends a think-tank, an R&D lab, and a production centre into one. The dCc explores creative projects and concepts that are unique and original to the region and that incorporate new technologies or new media. Research Activities During its first year, dCc is offering visiting fellowships and is preparing a collection of Digital Notebooks.
Economic Growth Centre (EGC) Mission The Economic Growth Centre was established by the Division of Economics in 2004. The Centre has three research units: the Econometric Modelling Unit, the Exchange Rate Dynamics Unit, and the Survey and Social Research Unit. The Econometric Modelling Unit aims to make regular forecasts on the performance of the Singapore economy; the Exchange Rate Dynamics Unit aims to make regular forecasts of the exchange rates of selected countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, USA, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Survey and Social Research Unit aims to conduct opinion and information surveys on interesting and important policy and economic-related issues facing Singapore and the region, such as the adequacy or otherwise of the current CPF system to meet old-age requirements, and the reasons for selecting Singapore as a regional base by multinational corporations. The Centre also organises conferences, workshops and public talks on key issues relevant to Singapore and the region. It provides and designs executive and professional workshops ‘tailor-made’ for government ministries, statutory boards, private organisations, foreign governments and international agencies. Other activities of the Centre include joint research workshops, research seminar series and research collaborations with overseas and local universities. The Economic Growth Centre has also recently started the Research Monograph Series, which aims to promote research in economics-related studies by publishing monographs on any economics-related issue in any field of the humanities and social sciences, as well as in business, accountancy, and in law. These research monographs will be published by World Scientific. Research Activities (1) Research Seminars in 2008
(2) Working Paper Series – Papers Issued in 2008
(3) Economic Forecasts “The Economic Growth Centre cordially invites you to a presentation on “The Fallout from the US Sub-prime Crisis: Economic Scenarios for Singapore”, 27 March 2008, presented by Dr Choy Keen Meng and Dr Randolph Tan “Singapore Economic Forecasts: An Update”, 16 September 2008, presented by Dr Choy Keen Meng and Dr Randolph Tan.
Singapore Internet Research Centre (SiRC) The Singapore Internet Research Centre is recognized as a premier Asian research institute on the new media. It conducts broad-based high-quality multidisciplinary social science research in internet development, e-services, new media use and impact, and new media policy. It brings Asian experiences and perspectives to the global discussion about the development, impact, and potential of the Internet. The Centre focuses research attention on the experiences of Asian nations with the Internet although faculty associates are free to and in fact do engage in wide variety of collaborative research efforts with other researchers around the globe. The Singapore Internet Research Centre was launched in January 2004 and is hosted at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. It germinated as a research cluster who met fortnightly from 2002. The first meeting of the cluster in fact was attended by the renowned Professor Everett Rogers. The most visible result of the cluster was the appearance, purely by chance, of three papers in one issue of New Media and Society, a top journal in internet and new media. After much deliberation and consultation with other leading internet research centres, the cluster settled on the name, choosing Singapore for its identification globally with IT and defining internet loosely in the same sense that the Oxford Internet Institute defined it. The acronym was written as SiRC to stress that the internet is ubiquitous and did not need to be capitalized. The Centre is headed by Professor Ang Peng Hwa and receives its core funding from the School. The objectives of the Centre are: 1. To initiate and promote high quality analytical research on a variety of issues associated with the Internet in the Asian context. 2. To develop international networks with researchers and research for research collaboration, analysis, and technological development, as well as with industrial, research and educational organizations in Singapore and overseas. 3. To provide an umbrella for multiple large and small scale research projects, and generate external research funding and collaborative relationships. 4. To disseminate research findings through grant reports, journal articles, book projects, and conferences. Research Activities A top-flight research centre should have activities in five key areas: research, teaching, training, consulting and public policy advocacy. As a Centre that is still budding, the Singapore Internet Research Centre has begun to conduct activities in those five areas albeit at a level with much room for growth. In research, SiRC has produced a commendable list of publications and conference presentations. The Centre has in the past four years spearheaded numerous research projects, conducted workshops and conferences, hosted visiting fellows, all of which have helped build our international profile and media contacts. In teaching, faculties are involved in bringing state-of-art knowledge to the classroom. In training, workshops have been held for the internet community, such as, for example, workshops on the legal issues facing bloggers. In public consulting and policy advocacy, faculties were present in the high-level Advisory Council for the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) and contributed to the final report of the Council. The SiRC is pleased to report its latest and biggest grant award to date of S$993,000 by the International Development Research Centre of Canada to manage a new project called Strengthening ICTD (Information Communication Technologies for Development) Research Capacity in Asia (SIRCA) research grants programme. The two-year programme is designed to help build research capacity in Asia through seed funding of small projects, exposure to research capacity building training, and interaction with mentors. Although only a few months into the project, the signs are promising that the project will be renewed. The coming year promises more research and training opportunities for the SiRC with collaborations across the University and across the globe.
Research Centres/Research Groups under Nanyang Business School Asian Business Case CentreDirector: Associate Professor Wee Beng Geok (http://www.asiacase.com/) Mission The Asian Business Case Centre (ABCC) is part of the Nanyang Business School. Its mission is to build a virtual community of people in case writing, teaching, learning and research about Asian management and the Asian business experience. Since its inception, the ABCC has published more than 120 case studies written by NTU faculty. The ABCC also publishes cases submitted by faculty from other universities in the region. Research Activities • Provide research and case writing support to faculty and publish case studies about Asian organizations • Collaborate with industry partners such as Ministry of Manpower, Design Council and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore to research, write and publish case studies or reports in specific areas • Maintain and build an e-catalogue of Asian case studies collected from academic institutions worldwide and made accessible in a single location • An initiative to write/translate cases in the Nanyang Case Collection into Chinese • Publication of Casebooks under the Asian Management Case Collection Series:
• Collaborated with Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) to survey best practices in the Asian hotel industry and publication of:
Centre for Accounting & Auditing Research (CAAR) Mission To promote quality academic and applied research in accounting and auditing as well as to foster links with industry through joint research and consulting. Research activities
Centre for Asia Pacific Technology Law (CAPTEL) Mission The Centre for Asia Pacific Technology Law & Policy is an interdisciplinary research centre founded to explore the challenges of new technologies on the development of law and policy so as to promote development of its role in the Asia Pacific Economies. CAPTEL is a research centre located in Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University. It is one of the first technology law and policy centres in the world to be founded in a business school. It is within the fertile environment of business academia and industry that the centre’s early days were sown. As a result, CAPTEL was created specifically be a centre for research and consultancy in technology law and policy for the promotion of the Asia Pacific region. It is a centre created to accommodate a diverse cross discipline expert for the purposes of:
The core objective of the centre is to conduct developmental research on technology law and policy. To achieve this objective, the centre will have multi-track themes to reflect the diverse expertise from the School and associate fellows: • Protection Regimes for Intellectual Property Rights • Legal Infrastructure for E-Business • Regulation of the Internet • IT Laws • Telecommunications Law • Biotechnology Law & Ethics • ICT Competition Law • Development of a repository database of relevant laws and cases in the region for further research Collecting and sharing with the Public information on the region’s reported cases and developments affecting technology.
Centre for Leadership & Cultural Intelligence (CLCI) Mission To lead in the generation of Knowledge, Assessments, and Programs (KAP) for growing culturally intelligent individuals and organizations. Research Activities (1) Establishing the predictive validity of cultural intelligence through field and experimental studies. Findings of our studies are disseminated through international publications and conferences. The latest publications include: 1. Ang & Van Dyne (Editors) (2008). Handbook of Cultural Intelligence. ME Sharpe. 2. Ang, S. & Inkpen, A. C. (2008). Cultural intelligence and offshore outsourcing success: A framework of firm-level intercultural capability. Decision Sciences, 39, 3, 33-358. 3. Ng, K. Y., Ang, S., & Chan, K. Y. (2008). Personality and leader effectiveness: A moderated mediation model of leadership self-efficacy, job demands and job autonomy. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93, 733-743. (2) Designing programs for developing individuals’ and organizations’ CQ. Our participants include business executives and students from various continents including Asia, North and South America, Europe and Australia. Significant Achievements
Centre for Research in Financial Services (CREFS) Mission
Research Activities CREFS was established in 1992 to support high quality research on the major issues concerning the global financial market. The research focus of the Centre comprises central banking policies, corporate finance & governance, derivatives, equity & fixed-income markets, fund management, and market microstructure. The Centre regularly runs a research seminar series to stimulate new ideas and to facilitate interaction between scholars and practitioners. CREFS has also organized finance research conferences, conducted executive education programs, and undertaken industry consulting.
Information Management Research Centre (IMARC) Mission IMARC’s vision is to create and disseminate knowledge for effective IT management through innovative cross-disciplinary research and interactions with leaders in academia, business and government. Research Activities IMARC conducts joint research with many organisations and collaborates with researchers world-wide on high-quality research publications. The nine major research themes are listed below. (1) Electronic Commerce (2) Strategic Global IT Management (3) Enterprise Resource Planning (4) Supply Chain Management (5) IT Personnel Management: Careers & CompetenciesOne of the most pressing areas of concern for organisations has been to identify the drivers behind the recruitment and retention of technical professionals. Turnover and skills obsolescence have always been a serious problem in the IT function and it is with this in mind that the research has been structured. Research is currently in progress on these aspects of the theme: (1) retention of key technical talent, (2) integration of technical professionals into the organisations, (3) development of technical careers and professions, (4) development of individual competencies among technical professionals, (5) managing technical obsolescence in the workforce, (6)cross-cultural competencies, and (7) compensation, reward and incentive systems for technical professionals. (6) Management of the IT and Business Process Outsourcing (7) Data mining, Data Modelling and Decision Support Systems (8) E-Government (9) Virtual Communities & Knowledge Management |
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