On June 12, a delegation from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), led by Professor Roger Foo, Vice Dean for Research, visited the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL). The visit provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on biomedical research, research infrastructure, technology translation, and talent development. Both sides expressed strong interest in exploring future collaborations in neuroscience, longevity research, precision medicine for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and immunology.

At SMART's Institute of Human Immunology (IHI), Professor Liang Shan, Director of the Institute, introduced its research programs and recent developments. Professor Yongliang Zhang, Director of the Translational Immunology Program at NUS Medicine, presented recent advances in immunology and translational research. Discussions focused on immune mechanisms, translational medicine, and potential collaborative projects.

The delegation also visited SMART's Institute of Neuromodulation and Cognition (INC), where Professor Yang Dan, Director of the Institute, provided an overview of its mission and vision. Professor Rickie Patani, Director of the Neurobiology Programme at the NUS Life Sciences Institute, and Professor Teoh Hock Luen, Vice Chairman of the Medical Board at the National University Hospital (NUH), shared their research and clinical perspectives. The exchanges highlighted recent developments in neurodegenerative diseases, brain science, and aging research, as well as opportunities for future collaboration.

The delegation toured BAY CHARM, where Keyu Zhao, General Manager of BAY CHARM and Director of Technology Transfer at SZBL, introduced the bio-incubator's efforts to support proof-of-concept studies, technology incubation, and the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world applications.

Professor Andrew Lee, Deputy Director of BAY TRIAL at SMART and Principal Investigator at SZBL, presented his team's latest research on gene-delivery technologies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and shared perspectives on advancing innovative clinical trials for rare diseases in China. He also introduced BAY TRIAL's mission, operating model, and key clinical research programs.

Additional presentations featured Professor Joe Zhe Zhang from SZBL's Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases, who discussed advances in precision medicine and regenerative therapies for cardiovascular disease, and Professor Qiyu Peng from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, who showcased the development of a wearable PET imaging system for real-time health monitoring and disease diagnosis.

As global scientific research becomes increasingly interconnected, with greater emphasis on openness and collaborative innovation, the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen is expected to create new opportunities for international scientific exchange and collaboration. Building on this momentum, SMART and SZBL will continue to strengthen its partnership with NUS Medicine, advancing collaborative research, fostering the development of globally minded scientific talent, and driving innovation in biomedicine. Together, the institutions aim to contribute to scientific progress and improved health outcomes worldwide.