The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in March 2003, IBN is headed by its Executive Director, Professor Jackie Y. Ying. The Institute’s mission is to establish a broad knowledge base and conduct innovative research at the interface of bioengineering and nanotechnology. Positioned at the frontiers of engineering, IBN is focused on creating knowledge and cultivating talent to develop technology platforms in the following six areas:

For more information about IBN, visit www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg.

The Molecular Frontiers Foundation is a global think tank that seeks to promote the understanding and appreciation of molecular science in society. Its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) consists of 7 Nobel Prize laureates as well as 19 distinguished scientists from various parts of the world. The Molecular Frontiers Foundation also focuses on engaging young people to pursue scientific enquiry and has recently incepted the Molecular Frontiers Inquiry Prize for youths. The Foundation was founded by Prof. Bengt Nordén, who is also the Chair of the Selection Committee of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. For information about the Molecular Frontiers Foundation, visit www.molecularfrontiers.org.

In 2003, IBN launched the Youth Research Program (YRP) to expose young people and their educators to state-of-the-art scientific research. The YRP has since reached out to more than 20,700 students and teachers from 178 schools through open houses, workshops, courses, research attachments and other activities. The YRP’s latest initiative, Nano-Bio Kits, are educational tools to help teachers introduce practical applications of bioengineering and nanotechnology to their students using basic laboratory equipment commonly available in schools. Learn more about YRP at http://yrp.ibn.a-star.edu.sg.

The Molecular Frontiers Foundation aims to nurture the spirit of scientific enquiry amongst young people around the world. To achieve this goal, the Foundation has launched the Molecular Frontiers Inquiry Prize for the best scientific question posed by children. Its purpose is to inspire curiosity, spread knowledge, demonstrate ways to explain unusual phenomena as well as everyday events, and show how scientific discovery can be done. Young people between the ages of 10 and 18 are invited to submit their questions and explore molecular science at www.moleclues.org.