SEVEN USM RESEARCHERS PRESENT GENOMIC RESEARCH FINDINGS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

USM PENANG, 26 August 2026 – Seven researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), under the Genomic and Life Sciences (GLS) Research Cluster, School of Medical Sciences (PPSP), strengthened the university’s international research visibility by presenting their findings at the Human Genome Meeting (HGM) 2026 in Athens, Greece, recently.

The conference held at Zappeion Aigli also saw two of them receiving the Travel Grant for Human Genome Meeting 2026 worth USD2,400 each, namely Dr. Ruzanaz Syafira Ruzman Azlee and Dr. Siti Nazihahasma Hassan.

HGM 2026, themed “Bringing our Genomes to Medicine”, gathered geneticists, medical experts, scientists, and early‑career researchers worldwide to discuss the latest advances in human genomics, precision medicine, and therapeutic interventions.

One USM researcher presented their work orally, while six others presented posters covering clinical genetics, cancer genomics, congenital disorders, and Next Generation Sequencing technologies.

The USM delegation included Associate Professor Dr. Sarina Sulong (Department of Medical Genetics, PPSP); Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Azlina Ahmad (School of Dental Sciences); Dr. Farizan Ahmad (Department of Neurosciences, PPSP); and Dr. Nurul Syazana Mohamad Syah (Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Sciences, PPSP).

Also participating were Dr. Siti Nazihahasma Hassan (Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Neurosciences, PPSP); Dr. Ruzanaz Syafira Ruzman Azlee [Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) student, Department of Medical Genetics, PPSP]; and Dr. Nurul Aain Ahmad Fauzi [Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) student, Department of Medical Genetics, PPSP].

All delegates also joined the Pre‑day Trainee Symposium, which provided a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and professional networking among students and young researchers.

USM’s participation was further supported by Professor Dr. Zilfalil Alwi (FSRS Lecturer, Department of Medical Genetics, PPSP), who is also a member of the conference organising committee.

The diversity of research presented reflects the strength of the GLS Cluster, which brings together multidisciplinary expertise in genomics, molecular biology, and life sciences.

It also reinforces USM’s efforts to advance translational genomics, precision medicine, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on individual genetic profiles.

Participation in HGM 2026 opened opportunities to strengthen international networks, foster new research collaborations, and develop globally competitive talent in genomics and life sciences.