Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative established as full-fledged research institute

Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative established as full-fledged research institute

Purpose-built facility to support growth of nuclear safety and research institute; $66m investment for next bound of nuclear safety R&D

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Singapore's nuclear safety research initiative has been established as a full-fledged institute, now known as the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI). Operating from a new purpose-built facility at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the institute has been strengthened with a $66 million grant under the Research, Innovation & Enterprise plan for its next bound of research into nuclear safety.

Mr Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation, announced these developments at the official launch of the SNRSI Building on 11 July 2025.

SNRSI's expanded research scope is part of Singapore's national efforts to strengthen capabilities to understand and assess nuclear technologies and nuclear safety. This will support studies on potential deployment of nuclear energy, while enabling better assessment of the impact of regional nuclear developments.

Working with international partners and other research performers across the research ecosystem, such as those specialised in mechanical engineering and material science, SNRSI will coordinate and expand research in nuclear safety, radiobiology, radiochemistry, and nuclear policy.

As the key institute for Singapore to develop and concentrate expertise in nuclear technology and safety, SNRSI plans to grow to a pool of 100 experts by 2030, up from 50 today.

The new building will provide more space and potential for SNRSI to grow its manpower strength and enhance its facilities in the future. Specialised equipment and state-of-the-art laboratories will enhance SNRSI's research capabilities in reactor safety, radionuclide dispersion, radiobiology, radiochemistry and nuclear policy. Additionally, the new building will provide dedicated facilities to enhance public education on nuclear science and technology (please refer to Annexe Afor more information on the new building).

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SNRSI complements Singapore's national capabilities in radiation protection and nuclear safety, working closely with agencies like the National Environment Agency (NEA). The new building will also house NEA's scientific facilities in radiation monitoring, including the National Radiochemistry Laboratory, Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory, and advanced ambient radiation monitoring station. This co-location enables seamless sharing of expertise and resources, strengthening Singapore's nuclear safety ecosystem. (refer to Annexe Cfor more information on NEA's laboratories).

SNRSI participates in regional forums and collaborations, including the ASEAN Network on Nuclear Power Safety Research (NPSR), to foster cooperation on nuclear safety within the region. Looking ahead, it is poised to play a key role in representing Singapore on international technical and scientific platforms, while fostering collaboration with other research institutes. The revamped SNRSI will be able to host regular visits by international experts, building on its partnerships while also expanding its network of partnerships with other research labs, IHLs, and research institutes around the world. These efforts will also enhance SNRSI's ability to attract talent and develop a strong pipeline of technical experts in the nuclear field (refer to Annexe Bfor more information on SNRSI's research areas).

Associate Professor Chung Keng Yeow, Director of SNRSI, said, "The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute's new facility and establishment as a full-fledged institute put us in good stead to expand our team and research capabilities. With our strong capabilities and expertise in research and policy, we are well-poised to be at the forefront of research in nuclear safety, as well as enhance regional collaboration and develop talent in this area."

Ms Koh Li-Na, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Meteorological Services and Radiation Protection at NEA, said, "The establishment of SNRSI as an institute and the growth of SNRSI will deepen our scientific capacity to understand and assess nuclear safety and radiological impacts, working with international partners and other local research institutions. With NEA's radiation monitoring laboratories also located in the new SNRSI building, we look forward to partnering SNRSI to strengthen our national capability in radiation protection and nuclear safety."

NEA is Singapore's regulatory authority for radiation safety and environmental protection. It also implements international conventions relating to nuclear safety, security and safeguards that Singapore is a party to.