JOHOR BAHRU. May 4th, 2012 : In line with the university’s initiative in encouraging greater knowledge culture in UTM and to intensify international research networking, Professor Sinskey, a Professor of Microbiology and Engineering Systems from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was invited to speak in UTM’s Premier Lecture Series with the title: “The Biotechnology of Carbon Storage: Progress, Breakthroughs, and Lessons Learned” on 4th of May.
Prof. Sinskey highlighted that, there are four key components for promoting innovation in Life Sciences and Energy, he abbreviated them as P.I.T.S. (the main keywords are people (P), intellectual (I), transparency (T) and scientific (S); and many more keywords under each letter of P.I.T.S). Innovation is mainly supported by the system of intellectual property in the US.
Close collaboration between MIT and its industrial and academic partners is also a key driver for innovation.
Prof. Sinskey shared two major novel biotechnology platforms currently developed by his research team, namely: the production of biodegradable polymer (PHA-Polyhydroxyalkanoate) using recombinant Ralstonia eutropha, through the microbe’s carbon storage process within the cell, using palm oil as carbon source; and the production of Triacylglycerol (TAG) using the cellulosic waste materials as feedstock by recombinant Rhodococcus opacus and subsequently converting the TAG to produce biodiesel through transesterification.
For the production of biofuel using cellulosic wastes, he commented that Malaysian should aggregate various sources of cellulosic wastes to ensure the sustainability of the materials as feedstock to support the biofuel industry, this is already established in the US.
There is a lot of opportunity for Malaysia in this area as the country is rich in natural resources throughout the year.
Prof. Sinskey also shared some of his experience in founding or co-founding some of the biotech companies including Metabolix and Genzyme. High quality production and compliance to safety requirement is crucial for biopharmaceutical products, he commented.
Prof. Sinskey has more than 20 years of experience working with researchers from various Malaysian institutions and now he looks forward to collaborate with researchers from UTM.
The MIT Prof concluded the lecture by posting an interesting question to the audience as to what is the most important factor that made the success story of MIT as a world renowned centre of excellence/Students/Faculties/Postdocs/Facilities.
To him, the key factor is the strong spirit and desire to achieve success. Of course, the multiple disciplinary research culture is also important. And often, a good research takes many years to establish and to show promising results, perseverance is of course the key.
Prof Anthony Sinskey will receive UTM’s honorary doctorate degree during the 48th convocation ceremony on the 7th May 2012, in honour of his sterling contribution in scholarship and research.
He is also invited as the keynote speaker for UTM’s 4th University President Forum to be held on the 6th of May 2012 in JB.