THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT (RAD)

Research focus areas for 2026 – 2030

Non-communicable Disease Research

• Key Areas of NCD Research:
• Oncology research:
• Clinical, molecular, epidemiological, and psychosocial dimensions.
• Health systems, access to cancer care
• Palliative care
• Cancer prevention and early detection
• Molecular and translational oncology
• Oncology in a high-burden of infectious diseases
• Chronic lifestyle-related diseases
• Lifestyle-related conditions relevant to our setting including: obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, chronic respiratory disease
• Complex non-communicable diseases
• Complex NCDs involving multiple systems (interplay between genetics, immune and other host and environmental factors)

Population Health Data Research

• Key Areas of Population Health Research:
• Population Data Science  
• Genomic and Precision Medicine
• Non-communicable disease pathways and risk modelling

Innovation in Teaching and Learning

• Key Areas of Teaching and Learning Research:
• Simulation
• Extended Reality
• Artificial intelligence in health care
• Machine Learning
• Technology-enhanced learning (TEL)
• Impact on Patient Care and Outcomes in the Field of NCDs

Research Vision for 2026 – 2030

Drive Research Excellence and Innovation

• Foster a dynamic research culture that prioritises impactful and innovative science in clinical care.
• Position SOCM as a leader in translational research with global relevance and local impact.

Prioritise Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Research

• Tackle the rising burden of NCDs through interdisciplinary, translational research that improves outcomes and supports healthier communities, aligned with national priorities and global goals.

Promote Equitable and Socially Responsible Research

• Advance research that reduces health disparities and benefits underserved populations.

Strengthen Research Infrastructure and Capacity

• Invest in advanced infrastructure – including Biobank, Bioinformatics, Simulation/VR/AR, and Research Equipment Hub – to support high-impact, collaborative research and grow postgraduate capacity.

Integrate Research into Postgraduate Education

• Embed research-led teaching into postgraduate programmes to develop clinician-scientists equipped to solve real-world healthcare challenges.

Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Partnerships

• Promote collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and build partnerships with academia, government, and industry to drive shared research agendas.

Translate Research into Practice and Policy

• Ensure research informs clinical practice, policy, and public health initiatives, positioning SOCM as a key voice in health policy and social justice.