Duke-NUS Research Exchange Program

Program Overview

The Duke-NUS Research Exchange Program gives Duke PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in biological, biomedical, and biomedical engineering fields a fully funded opportunity to conduct up to 30 days of research at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore.

Participants will join leading research teams, engage in transformative basic and translational science, and build professional networks—gaining global perspectives and hands-on experience in collaborative research while contributing to advances in global health.

Why Participate?

This program offers more than just lab time. Participants gain access to unique academic, professional and cultural opportunities that support their growth as a globally engaged researcher.

Program Benefits:

Hands-on research experience with internationally recognized facultyAccess to specialized labs and resources 
Exposure to new research methodologies and scientific perspectivesProfessional networking with faculty, researchers and students abroad
Opportunities for future collaborationEnhanced understanding of global health challenges 
Career development skills, including cross-cultural communication and adaptabilityImmersive international experience in a leading biomedical research environment
Broadened academic outlook through interdisciplinary exchangeSupportive mentoring from established scientists in related fields

Eligibility

Applicants must have successfully passed their preliminary or qualifying examination (if applicable), and postdoctoral fellows must be within four years of receiving their doctoral degree.

Students attending Duke University on a visa must speak with Duke Visa Services to discuss any potential travel limitations.

Research Focus Areas

These focus areas reflect the strengths of Duke-NUS Medical School and ensure that participants are matched with host labs whose expertise aligns with their academic training and research experience. 

Participants in the Duke-NUS Research Exchange Program must be enrolled in, or have completed, a PhD program in one of the eligible research fields listed below. 

BiochemistryImmunology
BiologyIntegrated Toxicology and Environmental Health
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Medical Physics
Cell and Molecular BiologyMedical Scientist Training
Cell BiologyMolecular Cancer Biology
Cognitive NeuroscienceMolecular Genetics and Microbiology
Computational Biology and BioinformaticsNeurobiology
Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyPathobiology and Translational Biosciences
EcologyPharmacology
Evolutionary AnthropologyPopulation Health Sciences
Genetics and GenomicsBiomedical Engineering 

Funding & Support

This program is fully funded and covers:

  • Roundtrip economy-class airfare
  • Accommodation for up to 30 days
  • A per diem for meals and local transportation
  • Airport transfers in both Durham and Singapore

Participants will continue to receive a support stipend from Duke University, as Duke-NUS does not provide or assume responsibility for stipend funding.

Application Process

Detailed instructions, including submission requirements and deadlines, will be provided in the official Request for Applications, once published.

For additional information, please contact Evan Dorner at evan.dorner@duke.edu.