USM PENANG, 26 May 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Centre for Drug Research (CDR), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (UCT Prague), Czech Republic.

The MoU signed between both parties was to facilitate a research collaboration involving natural psychoactive substances and addiction science.

Signed on 29 April 2025, the agreement aims to strengthen international collaboration in neuropharmacology, with a particular focus on Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), cognitive health, and the development of plant-based therapeutics for substance use disorders.

The Deputy Director of CDR, Associate Professor Dr. Zurina Hassan who represented USM was invited to give a talk entitled ‘Evaluating the Impact of Kratom: Current Perspectives and Scientific Insights’.

The talk was given in conjunction with ‘Kratom Day’ and several programmes were organized after the talk, including a documentary on kratom. The talk emphasised the significance of combining traditional medicinal knowledge with modern neuroscience to tackle addiction and mental health challenges.

The collaboration between the two universities includes joint research, academic exchanges, and co-authored publications, supported by reciprocal sharing of expertise and bioactive samples. UCT Prague’s efforts are led by Associate Professor Martin Kuchař, an expert in psychoactive compound analysis and addiction treatment research in the Czech Republic.

Text and Photos: Centre for Drug Research (CDR), USM