SIT's mission is centred on nurturing industry-ready graduates who possess deep technical expertise and transferable skills to address future challenges. We collaborate with industry in our education, providing them with a talented workforce and benefiting from our collaborative research endeavours.

Our University’s distinctive applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world settings. Through strategic partnerships forged by our academic staff with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application inside and outside of the classroom. These active and authentic learning opportunities ensure that graduates enter their careers with relevant skills and competence.

In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge the gap between knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty work closely with industry on translational research and innovation, focusing on addressing significant industry challenges to positively impact businesses.

The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support exceptional Singaporeans who are interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT.

The Applied Research Fellowship aims to provide doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies an opportunity to engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year. 

Besides financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship. 

Upon completion of the Fellowship, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

• Singapore citizen 
• Doctoral candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete their studies in a discipline under the supported areas for START below 
• Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for selected research area 
• Have been accepted or have applied for a postdoctoral training at a leading overseas university in a research area that is aligned with SIT’s supported areas 
• A keen interest in an academic career

Value of Fellowship 

The Fellowship provides 

• Monthly stipend 
• Overseas maintenance allowance 
• Return economy airfare 
• Conference and fieldwork grants 
• Overseas medical insurance 

Fellows will also each be assigned a SIT faculty mentor throughout their post-doctoral training and have opportunities to participate in faculty development programmes.

The fellowship is tenable for one year. On an exception basis, a two-year programme may be supported.

Service Commitment

One year for every year of sponsorship.

Application Process

• Applications are open throughout the year. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for the 2026 intake.  
• Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year.  
• Final Interview by the Panel for shortlisted applicants for the 2026 intake will commence in Mid-March to End April 2026. 
• Awards will be finalised by July 2026.

Supported Areas for START

Engineering

• Energy Resilience: Power electronic converters for distributed energy resources and microgrids; High voltage DC transmission and distribution components and systems; Electric propulsions systems for land, sea and air; Wide bandgap solid-state protective devices. 
• Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering & Maintenance: Construction technology, Tunnel engineering, Integrated BIM for Civil and MEP design optimisation; Non-destructive testing and prognostic maintenance for infrastructure life extension.  
• Sustainable Maritime Engineering: Ship design and optimisation towards maritime decarbonisation; maritime battery room design for safety; intelligent ship and operations; autonomous vessels and systems.