USM, PENANG, 13 May 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) intends to explore and further develops the study in geophysics and astronomy through a collaboration between the USM School of Physics and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Egypt.

Speaking in a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony here recently, the USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said that, the collaboration in the fields of sciences would be strengthened between both institutions, especially in the areas of geophysics and astronomy.

“The collaboration with NRIAG, which was established in 1903 and considered to be the oldest research institute in North Africa and Middle East, would comprise of areas in research and joint publications that would have a major impact on both parties,” he explained.

Moreover, Omar also explained that NRIAG has agreed to welcome researchers from USM to be involved in research at the Institute, and it currently employs close to 300 researchers who are focusing in areas of geophysics and astronomy.

“NRIAG would also conduct a number of training programmes at USM and we would offer places for researchers from local universities in the area of geophysics,” added Omar.

Said Omar further, USM is the only university in Malaysia to offer the study of geophysics at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and is able to offer places to students from other countries with an undergraduate intake of 25 candidates each year.

Meanwhile, the President of NRIAG, Professor Dr. Hatem Hamdy Odah regarded the agreement as means of strengthening relations in areas of education between USM and NRIAG.

“This MoA would also offer opportunities to the young researchers at NRIAG to pursue their studies at the Master’s and Doctoral levels at USM,” he said when signing the MoA representing NRIAG, an institute under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

He added further, this cooperation would be the first to be initiated by NRIAG together with USM, in establishing an academic and technical environment to churn out experts in both fields of study and in fulfilling the nation’s demands.

Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) USM, Professor Dato' Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhamad Jantan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Professor Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed and Dean, School of Physics, Professor Dr. Mohamad Suhaimi Jaafar.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Text: Syuhada Abd Aziz / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa