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SINGAPORE \u2013 Marine science research that informs policy decisions will get a boost with a new $60 million programme at the research centre of excellence to be established by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).<\/p>\n
Scientists from local institutions told The Straits Times in April that the centre will enable a coordinated, science-based approach to manage Singapore\u2019s marine and coastal resources amid escalating environmental pressures from development, climate change and biodiversity loss.<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s sea level is projected to rise by up to 1.15m by 2100, prompting efforts to shore up coastal defences<\/span><\/a> through land reclamation and other means.<\/p>\n The research centre, announced during the 2026 Budget debate, will be hosted by NUS. More details will be released later in 2026.<\/p>\n NParks\u2019 National Biodiversity Centre group director Karenne Tun said the centre will bring together universities, industry players, government agencies and policy institutions.<\/p>\n Dr Tun, a coral reef biologist, said: \u201cIt will provide a unified strategic vision across key stakeholders, including existing marine science research institutes, to drive marine science research.<\/p>\n \u201cThis includes encouraging the formation of cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams that leverage the strengths of different institutions.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking guidance from a 2024 report on Singapore\u2019s marine science and oceanography research landscape, the centre intends to develop a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity to inform conservation, management and policy, added Dr Tun.<\/p>\n Beyond Singapore\u2019s shores, the centre is set to have an increased focus on regional collaboration with overseas research institutes, to facilitate comparative assessments of marine health across South-east Asia and a collective understanding of the region\u2019s connected waters.<\/p>\n The $60 million committed to its research programme, supported by the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 plan, is more than double the funds given to earlier marine science research programmes<\/span><\/a>, which were allocated $25 million each.<\/p>\n NUS\u2019 St John\u2019s Island National Marine Laboratory facility director Jani Tanzil said she hopes the new centre of excellence will have more longevity than the previous five-year marine science programmes. <\/p>\n \u201cI believe we have now built critical mass in Singapore for world-class marine science expertise and capabilities, but to really see that return of investment there must also be a good, continued platform for growth,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The centre comes at a time when national plans are demanding more of Singapore\u2019s limited marine and coastal assets, noted Dr Tanzil, who co-authored the 2024 report that had recommended a nationally coordinated research programme to inform the increasing uses of the Republic\u2019s sea spaces.<\/p>\n This includes the upcoming reclamation for the Greater Southern Waterfront and Long Island<\/span><\/a>, as well as the Singapore Aquaculture Plan to overhaul Singapore\u2019s flagging seafood farming industry.<\/p>\n The report noted that the failure to understand the marine environment adequately can compromise Singapore\u2019s ability to extract economic value from its sea space. <\/p>\n