The Singapore Biomedical Sciences (BMS) initiative was launched in June 2000 to develop the Biomedical Sciences cluster as one of the key pillars of Singapore's economy. Biotechnology, together with pharmaceuticals, medical technology and healthcare services, form the key sectors of the BMS cluster.
Today, the biotechnology R&D scene in Singapore is a vibrant one with numerous activities such as in the areas of vaccine development, diagnostics and gene therapy being actively pursued. In order to further promote the biosafety culture among Singapore scientists working on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and to enhance the creditability of local research practices, the GMAC Subcommittee on Research formulated and released the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs in May 2006. The Guidelines were tailored from other national and international guidelines to suit Singapore’s research landscape.
Under the Guidelines, the GMAC Subcommittee on Research should be consulted for all medium to high risk projects on GMOs. Specifically, the Subcommittee is tasked to:
Establish issues concerning the biosafety of research involving genetic modification or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for the creation of an enabling environment for biotechnology R&D;
Deliberate on the policy, scientific and economic aspects of biosafety safeguards covering GMOs for research purposes;
Formulate recommendations regarding the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs. These will include recommendations for the establishment and review of guidelines for physical and biological containment for GMOs in R&D activities;
Evaluate submitted research proposals involving genetic manipulative work or GMOs and to provide expert advice for the risk assessment of these.
The Subcommittee consists of scientific experts as well as representatives from the regulatory authorities.
The composition of the Subcommittee is as follows:
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