PUTRAJAYA, 24 October 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to international academic collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Keele University (Keele), United Kingdom, today at the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.

The agreement establishes a PhD dual degree programme, allowing doctoral students to earn dual degrees from both institutions. Participants will engage in joint research supervised by faculty members from USM and Keele, utilising top-tier facilities and resources.

The MoA was signed by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, while Keele was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Trevor McMillan.

“This MoA signing ceremony signifies our commitment towards strengthening the long-standing relationship between our institutions.

“This collaboration opens a new chapter in our international outreach, particularly in advancing scientific knowledge in molecular medicine and biology," said Habibah.

Habibah emphasised that partnering with Keele provides our students with a global research perspective to tackle complex health challenges.

"The partnership will also facilitate international student exchange, fostering collaboration between the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) and the School of Biological Sciences at USM, along with Faculty of Natural Sciences at Keele.

“Keele, known for its expertise in life sciences and global health research, shares USM’s commitment in producing graduates who can make meaningful contributions to scientific and medical advancements," she added.

McMillan expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and excitement to collaborate with USM in developing a PhD programme that promotes academic excellence and research innovation globally.

"Students will gain diverse experiences and exposure to advanced methodologies that will prepare them for impactful careers in biomedical sciences," he added.

McMillan emphasised students enrolled in the programme will have the opportunity to divide their research time between the USM Main Campus in Penang, known for its expertise in tropical diseases and molecular biology, and Keele’s Faculty of Natural Sciences in Staffordshire, UK, which is recognised for its interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research.

“This dual degree programme aims to cultivate highly-skilled researchers capable of addressing pressing global health issues such as infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders. Graduates will hold qualifications from both USM and Keele, enhancing their employability and positioning them at the forefront of scientific innovation,” said McMillan.

Applications for the PhD dual degree programme will open next year, with the first intake scheduled for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Further details on application procedures and eligibility criteria will be available on the official websites of both universities.

Also present were Deputy Director-General, Department of Higher Education (JPT), Professor Dr. Zainal Amin Ayub representing the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia; Director of INFORMM, Associate Professor Dr. Aziah Ismail; Deputy Director (Postgraduate), INFORMM, Dr. Eugene Ong Boon Beng; Chairperson of Agrobiology, Entomology and Parasitology Programme, Dr. Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin Nik Him representing the Dean, School of Biological Sciences USM; Senior Principal Assistant Director JPT, Ts. Inv. Dr. Mohammad Abdullah; and Principal Assistant Director JPT, Yogitha V. Muniandy.

Text: Amyrulhan Azhari/Photo: Wan Mohd Rashidi Wan Mood