USM, PENANG, 24 September 2016 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to broaden its international network by affirming a collaboration with the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) from Denmark, focusing on enhancing efforts in archaeological research.

The cooperation with the Centre for GeoGenetics (CGG), UCPH is hoped to boost the overall standards of research currently done at the USM Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR/PPAG).

The USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said that, CGG is a world-class research centre of high repute and renowned in various aspects of research on genetics including ancient DNA, modern DNA and environmental DNA among others.

"We would be sending samples for testing to CGG, which has the technology, facilities and expertise of high standards, in addition to bringing in the GeoGenetics experts from UCPH to provide training to more USM lecturers here.

"This collaboration would also potentially boost the standards of publications for USM, what more with the record of UCPH in being able to produce six publications annually in high-impact journals such as Nature and Science," said Omar.

Meanwhile, UCPH which was represented by the Communications Officer, Museum of Natural History, Denmark, Uffe Gram Wilken stated that, the experiences and research capabilities of both parties would result in outstanding outcomes in archaeological research, which would be of high value in the study of history.

"CGAR is renowned especially in South-East Asian research, and to bring together that expertise with the forte of CGG is expected to provide clearer and more dynamic insights into the Asian prehistoric period," he said.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin