UK, Singapore and China spearhead S$63m initiative to promote water eco-efficiency
NUS, Peking & Oxford Universities Spearhead S$63m Initiative to Promote Water Eco-Efficiency
Three of the world’s leading universities announced a five-year initiative to promote research, education and commercialisation of environmental and water technologies.
Three of the world’s leading universities - the National University of Singapore (NUS), Peking University and the University of Oxford - today announced a five-year initiative to promote research, education and commercialisation of environmental and water technologies. This initiative, the first of its kind in the water technology industry, was launched today by Mr Tan Yong Soon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore.
The Singapore, Peking and Oxford Research Enterprise (SPORE) for Water Eco-Efficiency is a S$63 million initiative supported by the National Research Foundation through the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI), NUS, Peking University, the University of Oxford, competitive research grants and industry partnerships.
“NUS is very pleased to establish further collaborations this time in a very significant area of global interest, water eco-efficiency, with two very prestigious universities and fellow members of the International Alliance of Research Universities. SPORE will facilitate research and education in this important area,” said NUS Deputy President for Research and Technology, Professor Barry Halliwell.
“Rapid developments in China create many exciting opportunities and also many challenges. Sustainable management of water resources is a very important issue for China. SPORE will train manpower, develop technologies, and generate new business opportunities in water technologies for both Singapore and Chinese companies,” commented Professor Wen Hai, Vice-President of Peking University.
Professor Andrew Hamilton, Oxford University's Vice-Chancellor, said, “This collaboration is a unique opportunity for Oxford University researchers to help to develop new ways to conserve and protect precious water resources, as well as offering exciting new opportunities for young scientists and engineers.”
Mr Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director of the Environment & Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) and Chief Executive of PUB said, “SPORE brings together the academic and research expertise of 3 top universities in the world to address the global challenges of water scarcity and sustainable water resource management. With its focus on new generation water treatment technologies as well as the nexus between water and energy, SPORE will help move our water industry up the knowledge chain and position Singapore at the forefront of leading-edge water research.
"Singapore and the UK enjoy a deep and longstanding partnership across a wide range of fields including science, trade and education. We are very pleased to see this multi-million dollar partnership between Oxford University, the National University of Singapore and Peking University, which exemplifies the strengths of science & technology partnership between the UK, Singapore and China. May I offer my congratulations to the universities and I look forward to seeing the outcomes from this collaboration," said Acting UK High Commissioner in Singapore, Ms Amanda Brooks.
Hosted by the NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), SPORE will be headed by Professor Sam Li from NERI and the Department of Chemistry at NUS. Faculty and students from the faculties of science, engineering and medicine will participate in research and teaching programmes spearheaded by SPORE.
Further information
Disciplinary Development (SPORE-D)
SPORE will train manpower through postgraduate degree programmes and executive programmes. At least 40 research scientists and engineers are expected to be trained over the next 5 years. SPORE will offer scholarships to selected candidates to pursue postgraduate research under the joint supervision of faculty members from NUS, Oxford and/or Peking universities. In addition, NUS and Peking University will develop a dual Master of Science programme for SPORE scholars.
This collaborative programme will provide opportunities for staff and students from the three universities to work on joint projects, and to participate in exchange visits. In addition, SPORE plans to develop an executive training programme for senior executives from Asia involved in environment and water management.
Technology Transfer (SPORE-T)
The three universities will work closely to pursue research programmes to develop technologies for the environment and water industry. SPORE will conduct research into areas such as efficient systems for safe drinking water; integrated technology based on “Reduce, Reuse and recycle (3R)”; enhanced biological-based technology for Highly Concentrated Organic Wastewater (HCOW) treatment; and river ecological rehabilitation.
Market-oriented technology exploitation (SPORE-M)
SPORE will provide a unique and integrated approach for developing novel technologies and products for commercialisation by local companies. The initiative has secured its first industry partner, Sinomem Technology Limited, an integrated water solution provider based on its proprietary know-how in membrane technology and biological treatment. Sinomem has committed to contribute up to S$3 million funding over the next 5 years to study eco-efficient and green technologies for water treatment and eco-city planning, design and construction.
Besides, SPORE in conjunction with Sinomem will develop an executive training programme for top executives and government officials in eco-leadership or green leadership. The collaboration is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2010.
SPORE’s joint research and education programmes, as well as executive programmes, are expected to provide excellent networking opportunities for scientists and engineers, managers and government officials involved in environmental and water technology and management.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Fun Yip
Head, Media Relations
Office of Corporate Relations
National University of Singapore
Tel: 65161374
Email: fun.yip@nus.edu.sg
Ms Sarah Foo
Assistant Manager, Media Relations
Office of Corporate Relations
National University of Singapore
Tel: 65165399
Email: sarahfoo@nus.edu.sg
Related Countries:
Singapore, EU, Asia in general
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