Research Focus

Artificial and Augmented Intelligence

CoE has established a strong reputation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the past years, being ranked No. 3 in the world for AI Research Citation Impact by Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2017 and No. 2 globally for the most quoted AI-related research papers by The Nikkei Asian Review in the same year. CoE has since attracted an impressive suite of industry partners which actively collaborates with our faculty and researchers in the form of Corporate Laboratories and Joint Labs/Centres. Such strong working relationships with our partners provide us with a natural advantage in developing technologies that can be readily deployed in the market. Due to the pervasive, cross-cutting nature of AI, the College has also leveraged on its expertise in this area to create new knowledge and generate innovative solutions in various verticals (so-called “AI+X” initiatives). Moving forward, CoE will continue to synergise its strength in AI with our other core capabilities to augment AI and create new frontiers of AI that are both economically and socially impactful.

Resilient Urbanisation & Natural Ecosystems 

Sustainability is the global grand challenge of our time. Along the theme of <Resilient Urbanisation and Natural Ecosystems>, the College has worked on research related to optimising our water and energy systems, developing a circular economy, and building resilient, sustainable and smart cities to mitigate/combat the effects of climate change, to name a few. Whilst the research initially aims to address Singapore’s national priorities, it has since achieved global recognition and impact in these areas. Moving forward, CoE will double down on addressing sustainability not merely from the technological point of view, but will seek cross-disciplinary collaborations with different stakeholders to deliver holistic, broad-based solutions in this area.

Future of Industry

<Future of Industry> seeks to effectively position Singapore to exploit the benefits of the Fourth Industry Revolution (4IR). A forerunner in 4IR technologies such as IoT, AI and robotics, 3D printing, nanotechnology, wireless technologies and cloud computing, CoE leads research in (i) advanced technologies that will improve and transform trade and manufacturing, (ii) digital technologies that improve productivity and transform the services sector as Singapore transits into a Services 4.0 economy and (iii) integrated digital solutions that enhance liveability in a sustainable manner as Singapore turbocharges towards its Smart Nation ambition.

Health and Society

<Health and Society> drives innovations in healthcare, breakthroughs in disease detection and treatments, and targeted therapies that will guide Singaporeans towards healthy ageing and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In this thread of research, CoE proactively collaborates with other colleges in NTU, to jointly create transformative solutions that address the ageing population and health/wellness challenges faced by Singapore and globally.

Brain and Learning

<Brain and Learning> deals with the intersection of neuroscience, cognitive science and the science of learning. In this research cluster, CoE leverages on its strengths in computer science, biology, design science and engineering to augment the university’s efforts to optimise learning and health states (physical, intellectual, socioemotional, moral) across a human’s lifespan as well as advance cutting-edge research in neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Culture, Organisations and Society

CoE’s influence and aspirations extend beyond engineering and technological achievements. The <Culture, Organisations and Society> research cluster provides the platform for cutting-edge research at CoE to encompass a more humanistic, ethical, social and cultural element. At the same time, related research at NTU in this cluster benefits from the strong scientific underpinnings offered by CoE.