USM PENANG, 15 May 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London with the University of Exeter (EU), one of the top public universities in United Kingdom (UK).

Signing the MoU on behalf of USM was the Director of Research Creativity and Management Office (RCMO), Professor Dr. Zainovia Lockman in representing the Vice-Chancellor, while EU was represented by its Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Impact, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova.

The signing ceremony was part of the programme organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, which saw the involvement of a number of Malaysian universities visiting the United Kingdom.

Present to witness the ceremony that was held on 10 May 2023 was the Ministry of Higher Education Secretary General, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, along with key officials from the Ministry and both universities.

The MoU will look into cooperation between the USM School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering and the EU Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy to conduct collaborative research between both institutions regarding the potential to develop innovative solutions that can mitigate the risks and promote sustainable practices in the mining industries and civil operations.

Studies in the area will be done through exchange between students and/or staff, joint academic programmes, joint research and development programmes, joint workshops and training programmes, exchange of publications, and any other academic linkages and cooperation that will be mutually identified and agreed upon by both parties from time to time.

More specifically both parties will embark on a project on Fine Dust in Mining that will be led by Dr. Meisam Saleki from the USM School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering and by Professor Akbar Javadi, EU Director of Global Engagement, Department of Engineering. 

In her speech, Zainovia said that USM and EU share a commitment in addressing the issue of fine dust in mining and civil activities.

“This issue poses significant risks to the health and well-being of workers and local communities, as well as the environment.

“I believe our partnership will bring together researchers and experts from both institutions to collaborate on developing new technologies, enhancing existing systems, and producing innovative solutions to address this serious environmental problem,” she said.

Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Professor Dr. Zainovia Lockman