National Heart Centre Singapore is dedicated to the pursuit of the basic life sciences. The RDU's focus and mandate is to translate basic cardiovascular sciences research into improved patient care. In line with this vision, the RDU integrates, collaborates and synchronises research across disciplines: eg. cardiologists and engineers, scientists and clinicians, cardiologists with other specialists, principal investigators with Industry and government agencies. 

RDU's diversified research facilities includes a fully equiped 5,000 sq foot wet laboratory with specialized Culture Room, Microscope Room, Histology Room and a Flow Cyotometer facility, staffed with core scientists, researchers and technologist and a structured basic research teaching programme with qualified post-doctorate supervisors.

It welcomes collaborations, local and overseas, institutional or commercial, to promote and develop basic and translational research.

The stated mission of the RDU is 'To facilitate the identification of innovative and promising ideas through the rigours of the research process, and to deliver successful ones to the practising cardiologist and patient'.