RESEARCH IMPACT & COLLABORATIONS
NUS launches Centre for Environment and Ageing Well to design living environments that foster well-being for people of all ages
CDE has established the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well (ENgAGE) to take the lead in enhancing living environments that foster the physical, psychological and social well-being of individuals across all age groups, particularly in response to the challenges brought about by demographic shifts and climate change.
ENgAGE will enhance Singapore’s ongoing efforts to explore innovative ways to support older adults, as the nation prepares for an increasingly ageing population. By 2030, about one in four Singaporeans is expected to be above the age of 65, and approximately 83,000 older persons will be living alone and around 100,000 older persons will have mild disabilities. Creating inclusive living spaces that meet the diverse needs, preferences and aspirations of older persons is, therefore, crucial.
The Centre will leverage robust research capabilities, including urban planning, architecture, social sciences, medicine and engineering, to coordinate and consolidate place-based, ageing-related research, education and resources locally and internationally.
Read more about the launch here: https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-launches-centre-for-environment-and-ageing-well/
NUS College of Design and Engineering and Tsinghua University forge strategic collaboration in architectural education
A significant milestone was achieved on 22 Aug 2024 with the signing of a Letter of Understanding (LOU) between Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture and CDE.
The LOU was signed by Professor Zhang Li, Dean, Tsinghua School of Architecture, and Professor Heng Chye Kiang, Deputy Dean CDE, on behalf of Dean CDE. This agreement sets the stage for a series of potential collaborations between the two institutions in architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism.
The two institutions will promote a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise, fostering innovation and academic growth through the following activities:
- Collaborative PhD Programmes
- Collaborative postgraduate/undergraduate programmes
- Joint application for research projects
- Joint organisation of international academic events
- Student and staff mobility
Read more about the LOU here: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/arch/news_and_events/news_ay2425_lou_cde_tsinghua_220824/
CDE exoskeletons support National Day preparations
Transforming heavy lifting for Singapore National Day Parade preparations.
Prototype exoskeleton suits, developed by a team at CDE’s Biorobotics Lab, at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, led by Assoc Prof Yu Haoyong, have been helping soldiers pack and ship 300,000 NDP packs.
Amid a shrinking and ageing workforce, these innovative wearable robotic devices are designed to enhance industrial workplace safety, preventing injury and boosting productivity.
Read more about the future of wearable assistive technology and its applications: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/cde-exoskeletons-support-national-day-preparations
Wearable biomarker sensor for real-time health monitoring
A wearable sensor developed by CDE researchers could mark a major step forward in real-time, personalised health monitoring. The device detects key health biomarkers directly from the skin, providing a convenient and pain-free alternative to blood and urine tests and other monitoring methods.
Developed by a team led by Asst Prof Liu Yuxin (Biomedical Engineering), working in collaboration with researchers from A*STAR, the sensor promises to improve early disease detection and chronic condition management, including diabetes and heart disease. It delivers continuous updates on health via Bluetooth, making it easier to monitor a patient’s well-being without discomfort or hassle.
The team’s findings were published recently in the journal Nature Materials.
Discover how this innovative device could revolutionise patient care and replace invasive tests: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/wearable-biomarker-sensor-for-real-time-health-monitoring/
CDE signs MoU with Woh Hup to advance construction tech research
CDE and Woh Hup have signed an MoU to advance research in advanced construction materials and technologies.
This collaboration comes alongside a total of $2 million in grants from Woh Hup, demonstrating a significant strengthening of the long-standing relationship and research collaboration between Woh Hup and CDE.
Established nearly a century ago, Woh Hup is one of Singapore’s oldest and largest privately owned construction and civil engineering specialists. It is behind iconic and innovative construction projects such as Gardens by the Bay and Jewel at Changi Airport.
Learn more about this significant partnership and the research areas we'll be exploring together: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/cde-signs-mou-with-woh-hup-to-advance-construction-tech-research/
Democratising digital twins for smarter building management
Digital twin technology has had a transformative effect on the built environment sector by providing managers with detailed virtual representations of physical buildings and facilities. But can the inputs of building occupants also help create smarter buildings?
A cross-disciplinary study by CDE researchers, led by Assoc Prof Lee Jung-Joo (Division of Industrial Design) and Asst Prof Ghahramani (Department of Built Environment), highlights how giving building occupants control over their environment can enhance comfort and boost energy efficiency.
"Traditionally, occupants have been regarded solely as passive data providers, without interaction or control over their environments," says Assoc Prof Lee. To shift the narrative, their study proposes a shift towards more inclusive digital twin technology, empowering users and fostering a personalised building experience.
Read more about how this innovative approach could reshape our built environment: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/democratising-digital-twins-for-smarter-building-management/
Major Grants Awarded
The major grants (start date in August 2024) with total project value > $1M.
| Hosting Unit | Project Title | Funding Programme (Source of Funding) |
Principal Investigator | Co-Investigator |
| CFIS | Maximising the Beneficial Environmental Effects of Tropical Hybrid Shorelines (MaxBETH) | Coastal Protection and Flood Management Research Programme (CFRP) – 2024
(NRF) |
Peter Alan Todd (Biological Sciences) |
Lei Jiarui, Gary |