Singapore: A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology and the British High Commission are jointly holding the first Translational Skin Biology Symposium from December 3-5, 2012, at Biopolis, Singapore, to encourage partnerships between skin biology researchers from the UK and Singapore. The event will see more than 150 scientists from academia, industry and the clinical community exchanging ideas and discussing the latest cutting-edge skin research on wound healing, skin cancer and stem cell therapy for skin.

The scientific programme is being organized by Dr Andrew South, University of Dundee, UK; and Professor Birgitte Lane, Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore; and features a range of speakers from some of the UK's top dermatologists, including Professor Irene Leigh CBE, University of Dundee; and Professor John McGrath, St Johns Institute, UMDS, London; to local talents such as Dr Huijia Chen, Dr David Tan from the Institute of Medical Biology A*STAR.

Eminent scientists from various UK centers such as Center for Cutaneous Research, London; Dermatology and Genetic Medicine, University of Dundee; Healing Foundation Center, University of Manchester; and the Center for Skin Sciences, University of Bradford, will also be attending the event.

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman, A*STAR, said that, "Translational skin research is a new strategic research thrust for the Singapore Biomedical Sciences Initiative. This is part of Singapore's strategy to move beyond pharmbio and broaden the industry clusters that the BMS community work with. This symposium brings together some of the top scientists in the field of skin research and I am confident that the sharing of expertise and knowledge between participants from the UK and Singapore will translate to medical discoveries that will benefit healthcare around the world."

Mr Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner, said that, "This symposium is an excellent opportunity for leading researchers from both countries to exchange views, establish new contacts and renew acquaintances. Through this partnership we will be able to leverage each other's strengths and be better placed to bring together the best research to tackle health challenges today and in the future."