MIRI: Three research teams from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) have secured prestigious grants for their fundamental research projects.
Among these, two grants were awarded under the Ministry of Higher Education’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), while another was granted under the Selangor State Research Fund (Geran Penyelidikan Negeri Selangor) or GPNS.
The Ministry of Higher Education Fundamental Research Grants are a significant recognition of the researchers’ efforts, signifying government support for their pursuit of scientific advancements and cutting-edge fundamental research.
One team, led by researcher and lecturer in applied sciences, Dr Lee Yih Nin, is conducting an ongoing research project titled ‘Growth Performance, Haemato-immunological Assessment, and Resistance of Transport Stress of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fed with Fishbone Meal Supplemented with Garlic’ under a RM165,000 FRGS grant.
This funding will support equipment acquisition, fieldwork, and data analysis. The team includes co-investigators from various institutions.
Another team, led by researcher and civil and construction engineering lecturer Dr Muhammad Noor Hazwan Bin Jusoh, secured a RM97,000 FRGS grant for their research on ‘Enzymatic Metabolism of Pharmaceutical Persistent Pollutants in a Wastewater Treatment System.’ This team comprises co-investigators from Curtin Malaysia and other institutions.
The GPNS underscores the significance of Curtin Malaysia’s research efforts and aims to support research initiatives contributing to Selangor’s development and growth.
Securing a RM97,000 GPNS grant is a team led by researcher and associate professor in civil and construction engineering, Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon.
Their research project focuses on ‘Encapsulated Microalgae Biopolymer Beads as a Sustainable Way of Treating High Nitrate Aquaculture Wastewater in Selangor.’ The team includes co-investigators from different institutions.
Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president, and chief executive, Professor Simon Leunig, praised the researchers for their outstanding achievements. He highlighted the projects’ emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and practical applications to address societal and environmental challenges.
Prof Leunig highlighted that research grants enable researchers to expand their research programmes, collaborate with international experts, and disseminate their findings.
These funds also aid in recruiting and developing talented researchers, promoting knowledge transfer and innovation.
Dean of Research and Development, Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, added that these grant successes reflect Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to research excellence and knowledge advancement, reinforcing its reputation as a leading academic institution in Asean.
To learn more about Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or find Curtin Malaysia on various social media platforms.
