IMU University Hosts 34th Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar: A Leading Platform for Scientific Excellence and Research Innovation
On April 10, 2025, the School of Health Sciences at IMU University organized the 34th Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar (IBS) in collaboration with the IMU Society of Biomedical Science (ISBS). This annual event, established in 1986 and endorsed by the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB), took place on December 7, 2024, and engaged over 200 undergraduate students and faculty from 13 public and private universities across Malaysia. The seminar was designed to provide a platform for students to present their final-year research projects in biochemistry, molecular biology, and life sciences, thereby promoting scientific inquiry and academic excellence.
Theme and Presentations
The theme of this year’s seminar, “The Ballet of Biomolecules: Journey from DNA to Systems,” emphasized the important role of biochemistry and life sciences in advancing scientific knowledge. A total of 51 presentations were made by undergraduate students, showcasing a variety of research methodologies, including in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. The seminar also served as an opportunity for networking, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Notable Presentations
Among the notable presentations, Sia Wei Tong from IMU’s Biomedical Science program received recognition as the Top Oral Presenter for her research titled “Melatonin-Induced Necroptosis via the RIP1/MLKL Pathway in Lung Cancer.” This work, supervised by Professor Dr. Chye Soi Moi, investigates the potential of melatonin as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer, elucidating its underlying mechanisms.
Poster Presentation Highlights
In the poster presentation category, IMU students were acknowledged for their outstanding research contributions. Eng Jun Hong presented on “Biochemical and Transcriptomic Profiling Analysis of ML125-2 Rice Mutant Line Under Reproductive Drought Stress.” Sharlane Ving Heiy Chin discussed “Utilising Tropical Microalgae for the Phycoremediation of Diesel Hydrocarbon,” while Evashiniee A/P G Panir Selvam explored “The Effects of Copper and Zinc on Antarctic Microalga Tritostichococcus sp. using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.”
Additional presentations included Kiran Adam A/L S. Mahadev’s work on “Optimising Dengue Vaccine Using Conserved Epitopes from Pre-Membrane Protein via Immunoinformatics” and Kelvin Yee Chen Ng’s investigation of “Melatonin-Induced Necroptosis by Targeting the RIP1/MLKL Pathway in Colorectal Cancer.” A poster by Farhan Aisar Bin Mes Ewan highlighted the photoprotective properties of tropical microalgae extracts on UV-induced damage in retinal cells.
Commitment to Scientific Advancement
These advancements reflect the commitment and innovative efforts of IMU’s students in the biotechnology and medical sciences fields, reinforcing the university’s role in nurturing the next generation of researchers. The seminar not only highlighted the contributions of emerging researchers but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex scientific challenges. IMU University’s hosting of this event further supports its mission of promoting scientific innovation within the life sciences sector.
The seminar was submitted by A/Prof Kok Yih Yih and Dr. Yeannie Yap Hui Yeng.
