Research at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Our research addresses critical global challenges in food security, nutrition, cancer, communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as environmental conservation and sustainability. By drawing on multidisciplinary expertise, we advance scientific understanding and develop innovative solutions with real-world impact. Our research is anchored around four key research themes:
1. Sustainable Food Systems
Our research integrates multidisciplinary approaches and advanced biotechnological tools, including data science and machine learning to enhance the resilience and sustainability of food systems. We aim to diversify food and feed sources, promote agrobiodiversity conservation, and advance sustainable agricultural practices that support global food security. Our projects contribute to smarter, greener food production and improved resource efficiency, focusing on the subthemes such as:
- Advancing Postharvest Technology for Food Quality
- Innovating Agrifood Systems for Greater Efficiency
- Developing Climate-Resilient and Smart Crops
- Conserving and Utilising Agrobiodiversity
- Integrating Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Food Systems
- Leveraging Underutilised Crops for Food Security
- Harnessing Beneficial Microbes for Sustainability
- Creating Novel Functional Foods and Feeds
2. Transformative Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
Through strategic collaborations with leading partners such as WWF-Malaysia, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), and Yayasan Sime Darby, our School drives long-term funded research initiatives that protect tropical ecosystems and support sustainable development and livelihoods. Our research advances biodiversity conservation, climate action and resilience, and planetary health, generating evidence-based insights that guide policy, inform best practices, and strengthen environmental stewardship. These goals are reflected in the following subthemes:
- Enhancing Environmental Resilience and Climate Action
- Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Communities
- Conserving and Restoring Tropical Ecosystems and Biodiversity
3. Advanced Nutrition for Lifelong Health
Our research examines the complex interplays between social factors, food environments, diet, and health across the lifespan, using an interdisciplinary approach that bridges biological sciences, behavioural research, and public health. We aim to improve the availability and quality of nutritious foods, reduce diet-related health inequalities, and empower individuals and communities to make healthier dietary choices. Our core research activities encompass the following subthemes:
- Boosting Food Safety for Public Health
- Unlocking the Nutritional Power of Natural Products
- Analysing Dietary Patterns for Population Health
- Advancing Clinical Nutrition for Disease Prevention
- Designing Community Nutrition Interventions for Public Well-being
- Innovative and Emerging Interventions to Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases
- Personalised Nutrition for Optimal Health
- Innovating Food Science and Processing for Better Nutrition
4. Cutting-Edge Medical Biotechnology
Our researchers are advancing the frontiers of biotechnology to develop next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics. Leveraging expertise in cell biology, immunology, molecular pharming, and epigenetics, we work toward personalised medicine, and improved disease management. Our innovations aim to transform treatment outcomes and promote sustainable health solutions through collaborative, translational research. Our research efforts are centered on the following subthemes:
- Revolutionising Combinatorial Cancer Therapies
- Synergistic Aptamer-Peptide Innovations
- Advancing Vaccines, Biotherapeutic Peptides, and Enzymes
- Pioneering Disease Prevention for Sustainable Health
- Molecular Pharming and Beyond for Health Applications