AsianScientist (Mar. 29, 2011) – Agilent Technologies Inc. and the National University of Singapore (NUS) today announced an agreement to develop expertise and knowledge in the area of analytical lipidomics. The goal of the partnership is to develop workflow solutions that enable researchers to more accurately understand disease states.
Headed by Associate Professor Markus Wenk of the NUS Department of Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, the NUS Center for Lipidomics will house Agilent’s test and measurement instruments and host researchers and scientists from clinical and commercial organizations in the Asia Pacific region. The center grew out of a competitive five-year research program and promises to be a global magnet for collaborating parties in lipidomics.
The collaboration will help to further advances in the emerging field of lipidomics, which may lead to the creation of new classes of biomedical research tools and therapies. The NUS Industry Liaison Office has been actively guiding the researchers and facilitating their work with industry to create win-win relationships with companies such as Agilent.
“Integrated tool development programs, such as this new Center for Lipidomics, greatly support applications in life and environmental sciences,” said Professor Barry Halliwell, NUS deputy president (Research and Technology). “We are delighted by the substantial industry interest and welcome Agilent as a partner in this endeavor.”
Agilent will support NUS on the separation and analysis of lipids from complex mixtures, using robotic systems and the latest bioinformatics software tools and electronics.
“Lipids play crucial roles in pathophysiology,” said Professor John Wong, dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. “The close proximity of this new center to clinical research and patient care at the National University Health System places us in a unique position for knowledge creation and translation in biomedicine.”
Additionally, both Agilent and NUS have agreed to explore opportunities to advance the field of lipidomics through collaborative research projects, short-term consultancies, customized training programs and workshops, and through participation at industry seminars and conferences.
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Source: National University of Singapore.
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