KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 – A dedicated Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has won the Best Poster Award at the Forum Math-for-Industry 2024 (FMfI 2024) embedded within the extensive schedule of International Seminar Mathematics in Industry 2024 (ISMI 2024), held from September 9 to 11 in Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISMI 2024 is organized by UTM-Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (UTM-CIAM) and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM.
FMfI 2024, organized by the Asia Pacific Consortium of Mathematics for Industry (APCMfI), is an annual event fostering collaboration between industrial and applied mathematicians and industry partners. It promotes practical applications of mathematics through knowledge sharing and features invited talks around this year’s theme, “Mathematical Evolution Guiding Industrial Innovation Futures.” Additionally, there was a poster competition dedicated to higher degree research students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career mathematicians from industry or government, all exploring the broader theme of mathematics for industry. This poster competition was sponsored by the Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI) and Graduate Program of Mathematics for Innovation (GPMI), offering a chance to win awards and an internship opportunity for the winner
Intan Diyana Munir won the best poster, titled “Solute Dispersion in Catheterized Stenosed Arteries: Implications for Medical Innovation”, showcased advanced mathematical modelling aimed at enhancing drug delivery systems for cardiovascular disease treatment. The work provided valuable insights into how solutes disperse in blood flow through narrowed arteries, a critical factor for enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments.
In addition to the award, Intan Diyana has earned a one month, fully-funded research attachment as a visiting scholar at the IMI, Kyushu University in Japan. During this attachment, she will conduct further research under the supervision of Professor Atsushi Tero. Funds are available to cover her travel, local expenses, accommodation, and other related costs through administrative staff member Seiko Sasaguri. Intan will also have access to the University’s library and computing systems and are invited to attend relevant seminars, workshops, and events.
Insights into the inspiration and challenges behind the award-winning research poster were shared by Intan. When asked about the key motivation for joining the poster competition, she revealed that the event was seen as an opportunity to showcase her research to a wider audience and share its significance with experts and peers in the field. As for the challenges faced during her preparation for the poster competition, she stated, “It is important that the audience understands the research through a clear and concise poster presentation. Therefore, designing the poster requires careful planning and organizing which takes quite an effort. But it was all worth it”.
Her expectations for the future research internship at Kyushu University was also discussed. “I hope this research internship can foster and establish an academic relationship between the mathematical departments of UTM and Kyushu University so that we can ensure potential future collaboration,” she remarked. Finally, she attributed her achievement to the supportive academic environment at UTM. “This recognition reflects the encouragement and support of everyone involved and UTM’s commitment to impactful research,” she concluded.
The success of Intan’s research is largely attributed to the guidance of her main supervisor, Dr. Nurul Aini Jaafar and co-supervisor, Prof. Dr. Sharidan Shafie from Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM, whose expertise has been instrumental throughout the research process. This achievement shows UTM’s commitment to impactful research and global collaboration. With this award and her research attachment in Japan, Intan Diyana Munir is ready to make further contributions through the integration of mathematics and medical innovation. This research attachment hopes to foster a collaborative relationship between IMI Kyushu University and Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM, paving the way for future partnership opportunities.
Prepared by: Dr. Nurul Aini Jaafar, Intan Diyana Munir, Prof. Dr. Sharidan Shafie, Dr. Zaiton Mat Isa (Chair of ISMI 2024), Associate Prof. Dr. Arifah Bahar (Chair of FMfI 2024), Dr. Norazlina Ismail.