NUS Medicine sets up new centre to build pandemic resilience

To enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen responses to infectious disease emergencies, the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) has officially launched the Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER) on 10 February 2025. Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung graced the launch event as the Guest-of-Honour, alongside ambassadors and representatives from various countries. 

CIDER will serve as an education and operational hub for public health professionals and policymakers across Singapore. Internationally, the centre will undertake a wide range of training, teaching, and operational initiatives to strengthen capacity for pandemic resilience and infectious disease response.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Ong noted that one of our first and primary objectives in a pandemic is to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed by a large number of severely ill patients. However, this has become more challenging with rising chronic disease prevalence due to ageing populations around the world. “I look forward to the Centre’s important contributions to regional and global health security. Your continuing work demonstrates the power of unified efforts in advancing public health to create a safer, healthier and more resilient future for all,” said Mr Ong.

Professor Dale Fisher, an expert in infectious diseases and global health, is leading CIDER as its Director. As part of its mission, CIDER will focus on expanding the regional capacity to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to infectious disease emergencies — with a long-term vision to foster global health equity.

Prof Fisher shared, "We are proud to launch CIDER — a centre which will not only advance research and education but will have a direct and tangible impact on national health systems. Through establishing the centre, we aim to empower the next generation of public health leaders to effectively respond to infectious disease emergencies and, ultimately, contribute to a healthier, more resilient world."

First-of-its kind degree in tackling infectious disease emergencies

CIDER will be offering a new Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE), a first-of-its-kind degree designed to equip individuals with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead during infectious disease crises. Prof Fisher will lead this programme, supported by distinguished professionals from around the world.

The programme, which will have an annual intake of up to 80 students, is tailored for early- to mid-career professionals with work experience in relevant sectors such as public health, health promotion, health administration, occupational and environmental health, clinical research, or other related fields, who are looking to take on leadership roles in outbreak response and management. Graduates of the MSc IDE will be well-equipped to shape health policies, lead emergency responses, and contribute to the development of global health systems.

The programme is open for registration until 30 April 2025, with the first cohort beginning in July 2025.

A comprehensive textbook on managing infectious disease crises

In line with its educational efforts, CIDER has also released a book titled “Infectious Disease Emergencies: Preparedness & Response”, a comprehensive resource designed to guide professionals in managing infectious disease crises. Edited by Prof Fisher, the book features contributions from more than 100 global experts actively working in the field of infectious diseases. This book will serve as an essential resource for the MSc IDE programme while providing healthcare professionals worldwide with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage infectious disease emergencies.

The book is available for purchase in hard copy at S$180 via NUS Press' global distribution channels, and a complimentary copy can also be accessed online. NUS Medicine is translating the book into multiple languages to equip healthcare workers in resource-limited areas with vital knowledge. The provision of physical copies ensures healthcare workers can make informed decisions during times of crisis, even in regions with limited infrastructure.

Highlighting the establishment of CIDER as a significant milestone as Singapore positions itself as a global leader in public health and pandemic preparedness, Professor Chong Yap Seng, Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine and Dean of NUS Medicine, said, “By offering educational opportunities, practical training, and operational support, CIDER aims to enhance public health systems, particularly in low-income countries, through scholarships and financial aid for professionals from these regions.”