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Abstract:
A*STAR's ICES is one of the key players in the international scientific community to work on a new and exciting area of research known as formulation science

Singapore Research Institute in International Research Consortium

Singapore | Posted on April 5th, 2010

1. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)'s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) has become a strategic partner of InForm, a €1.7 million EU funded project involving 17 world-leading research institutions and major companies, led by The University of Manchester in UK.

2. InForm, which stands for 'Integrating Nanomaterials in Formulation', aims to encourage the transfer of ideas and knowledge amongst top scientists around the world to provide a boost to the field of formulation science through a variety of tools, such as scientific forums, technical workshops and fact-finding missions. Formulation science is a field of research that studies the blending and mixing of various raw materials to create novel products ranging from tablets and inhalers to emulsions and creams.

3. Specifically, the InForm platform will allow formulation scientists to share best practices on the use of nanomaterials in formulations. It will focus its efforts on six priority areas: the formulation of nano-bio materials; the handling and processing of nanopowders; process intensification and soft nanomaterial formulations; physical chemistry at the nanoscale; the nanoscale and the formulation of smart and functional coatings, films and tapes; and toxicology and other health effects of nanomaterials.

4. Dr Keith Carpenter, Executive Director of ICES, commented: "ICES is the only Singaporean partner in this international network of formulation science experts. Through the networking opportunities provided by this platform, ICES will be able to work with industry players to better understand consumer needs, and develop advanced technological solutions for use in the marketplace. I am proud that ICES is part of this collaboration that raises the profile of Singapore in the field of formulation science, and is in the position to build and impart new knowledge to advance the chemicals industry in Singapore."

5. InForm will be organising a conference, entitled NanoFormulation2011, in July 2011 in Singapore as a specialised symposium under the auspices of the International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) 2011. The conference will gather the global scientific community in nanoformulation to share and exchange ideas, and foster collaborations with relevant international partners.

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About A*STAR
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and nine consortia & centres, which are located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their immediate vicinity.

A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.

For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

About Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES)
Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in 2002, its mission is to carry out world class scientific research, to develop novel technology and to nurture creative scientists and engineers to support economic growth in Singapore and to make a positive difference to society. The research area covers chemistry and chemical engineering science, combined with advanced analytical characterisation and measurement to develop state of the art technology for the petrochemical, general chemical, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

For more information on ICES, visit www.ices.a-star.edu.sg.

About InForm
InForm, which stands for 'Integrating Nanomaterials in Formulation', is an EU funded project led by The University of Manchester. A lot of exciting research is underway to produce a wide range of nanostructured materials, which promise new or enhanced properties. The challenge is to incorporate these materials into products and ensure that they are safe for use. The project aims to address this challenge by facilitating knowledge exchange and coordinating research.

InForm is a partnership between 17 world-leading institutions which will bring together formulation scientists from Europe, USA and Asia-Pacific. It will create appropriate platforms for dissemination between researchers working in academia, public research laboratories and industry in order to identify and enhance complementary interests.

InForm started in July 2009 has been awarded funding for three years and will organise annual events; NanoFormulation2010 running 9 - 11 June 2010 in Stockholm, NanoFormulation2011 running 26 June - 1 July 2011 in Singapore and NanoFormulation2012 May-June 2012. The type of activities available at these conferences will span from scientific and technical forums, to networking events, fact-finding missions and technical workshops. Travel grants are available to researchers from both academia and industry who would like to seize this opportunity to participate in key nanotechnology conferences throughout the world.

For more information on InForm, visit www.nanoformulation.eu/

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Contacts:
Hera Adam
Corporate Communications
Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences
DID 6796 3894 Fax 6873 4805

ICES contacts for InForm:

Associate Professor Reginald Tan

DID: 6796 3841

Dr Ng Wai Kiong

DID: 6796 3863

Professor Paul Sharratt

DID: 6796 3978