Congratulations: (From left) Lee, Muhammad Noor Hazwan and Lau led their teams to winning the grants.
RESEARCHERS at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) are set to make advancements in their fundamental research projects, thanks to grants worth RM359,000.
Two teams, led by applied sciences lecturer Dr Lee Yih Nin and civil and construction engineering lecturer Dr Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, respectively, have secured a grant each from the Higher Education Ministry’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).
Lee’s team, whose ongoing research project is titled “Growth Performance, Haemato-immunological Assessment and Resistance of Transport Stress of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed with Fishbone Meal Supplemented with Garlic”, was awarded an RM165,000 grant, which will provide essential funding of equipment, fieldwork and data analysis.
Muhammad Noor Hazwan’s team received RM97,000 for their project titled “Enzymatic Metabolism of Pharmaceutical Persistent Pollutants in a Wastewater Treatment System”. The grants are a significant achievement for the researchers as they signify recognition and support from the government in the researchers’ pursuit of scientific advancements and cutting-edge fundamental research, the varsity said in a press release dated Sept 4.
Another team, led by civil and construction engineering academic Assoc Prof John Lau Sie Yon, won a grant worth RM97,000 from the Selangor State Research Grant (GPNS).
Aimed at supporting research initiatives that contribute to the development and growth of Selangor, the GPNS award was a nod to Lau’s research project titled “Encapsulated Microalgae Biopolymer Beads as a Sustainable Way of Treating High Nitrate Aquaculture Wastewater in Selangor”.
Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive professor Simon Leunig said the projects submitted by the research teams demonstrated their dedication to making significant contributions to their respective fields of study.
The projects, he added, emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and practical applications in addressing critical societal and environmental challenges.
“We are immensely proud of these researchers for their outstanding achievements in securing these prestigious grants.
“This is a testament not only to their specific areas of research, but also the overall research strengths and capabilities at our varsity, and the impact of our work in advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems,” he said in the press release.
Prof Leunig added that research grants enable researchers to expand their research programmes, collaborate with international experts, and disseminate their findings through conferences and publications.
The funding secured also facilitates the recruitment and development of talented researchers, creating additional opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation, he said.
Lee’s team comprises co-investigators Prof Rossita Shapawi of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Assoc Prof Chua Han Bing and Dr Christine Yeo Wan Sieng of Curtin Malaysia, Dr Sharifah Raina Manaf of Universiti Teknologi Mara, and Rosli@Kosat Ja’ie of Rosfaniaga Services Sdn Bhd.
Muhammad Noor Hazwan’s team includes co-investigators Assoc Prof Tony Hadibarata, Dr Tan Inn Shi and Dr Paran Anak Gani of Curtin Malaysia, Dr Mohamed Zuhaili Mohamed Najib of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Zulkifili Said of Teras Berkat (M) Sdn Bhd.
Lau’s co-investigators are Assoc Prof Steven Lim of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Dr Paran Anak Gani of Curtin Malaysia, and Dr Tan Toh Hii of Universiti Putra Malaysia.
