IRDI visit to UMBI

UMBI received a visit from Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University on 23rd January 2019. The team from IRDI was led by Prof. Dr. Leong Chee Onn, Deputy Director of IRDI. The institute was established on 18th September 2012, in accordance with the IMU’s strategic plan ASPIRE (2011-2015).

During the visit, both teams from IRDI and UMBI presented and shared findings from their respective research. Research themes of IDRI (obesity and diabetes, cancer and infectious diseases) are similar to that of UMBI (cancer, non-communicable and rare diseases, infectious diseases).

Among the areas highlighted for future research collaboration between the two teams are:

  • Epigenetic study on the effect of haze
  • Nutrigenomics of obesity/diabetes/hypercholesterolemia
  • Biomarkers of pancreatic cancer
  • Screening of bioactive molecules for biofilm-producing pathogens

Both teams are interested to sign a memorandum of understanding for research collaboration, staff and student attachment/exchange, and co-application of grants.