Int’l infectious diseases expert to lead Duke—NUS programme

SINGAPORE: An international infectious diseases expert will lead a signature programme of the Duke—NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore.

Professor Wang Linfa was appointed as director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) research programme from July 1.

Duke—NUS said on Thursday that Prof Wang succeeds founding director, Professor Duane Gubler, who has retired from administration but will continue his active research programme on Dengue.

It said Prof Wang is a renowned expert on identifying new and emerging diseases of bat origin.

He’s a Science Leader for the Office of the Chief Executive and Senior Principal Research Scientist in CSIRO Livestock Industries’ Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, Australia.

At CSIRO, he led a project team of more than 20 staff who study new and emerging viruses that affect both humans and animals.

Dean of Duke—NUS, Professor Ranga Krishnan, said Prof Wang is an eminent researcher and has provided tremendous leadership in the field.

He is especially noted for his work on bat—borne viruses that have the potential to impact human and animal health.

One of the key goals of the Duke—NUS Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme is to develop a world—class regional infectious disease centre for reference and research in the Asia—Pacific region.

It aims to pioneer the development and discovery of new and more effective methods to treat, prevent and control new and emerging pathogens.

Prof Wang said in the immediate term, he foresees deeper collaborations and partnerships between the scientists of Duke—NUS and those in partner organisations, like Singapore General Hospital, National University of Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Agency for Science, Technology & Research institutes and Agri—Food & Veterinary Authority.

— CNA/cc