NEWCASTLE, 26 Nov – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), has marked a significant step in advancing its global research footprint with the initiation of a Satellite Laboratory collaboration with Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
The partnership builds on a strong foundation of joint international research funding, including projects supported by the Newton Fund and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), and reflects a sustained commitment by both institutions to address climate, water, and environmental challenges through collaborative, impact-driven research.
The IPASA delegation, led by its Director Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor, included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab and Ts. Dr. Nur Syamimi Zaidi, Research Fellows, as well as Ts. Siti Fadilla Md Nor, Research Officer. The initiation meeting, hosted at Newcastle University, focused on establishing joint research mechanisms, shared infrastructure, and pathways for long-term academic collaboration.
Underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative, UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahimattended and officiated the session, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International. Their presence reaffirmed UTM’s institutional commitment to strengthening international research partnerships with leading global universities.
As part of the collaboration, IPASA researchers undertook a comprehensive benchmarking exercise, gaining exposure to Newcastle University’s advanced laboratory facilities, research governance structures, and interdisciplinary approaches in environmental and climate research. The delegation also conducted a technical visit to the Biological Engineering: Wastewater Innovation at Scale (BEWISE) facilities and laboratories within the School of Civil and Geospatial Engineering, providing insights into large-scale experimental infrastructure and translational research capabilities. These engagements are expected to inform IPASA’s strategic development and enhance its research ecosystem in alignment with international standards.
Academic exchange formed a key component of the visit, with two IPASA Research Fellows invited to deliver seminars under the Civil and Geospatial Engineering Seminar Series at Newcastle University.
Ts. Dr. Nur Syamimi Zaidi presented “Evolving Water Quality Challenges under a Changing Climate: Evidence-Based Approaches to Management in Malaysia”, while Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab delivered “Adapting Bioenergy and Biological Carbon Capture Systems to a Changing Climate through Microbiome Science”. The sessions facilitated knowledge exchange on global climate and environmental issues and showcased IPASA’s research contributions to an international academic audience.
The newly established Satellite Lab is expected to function as a platform for joint research projects, co-supervision of postgraduate students, shared data and facilities, and technology transfer, strengthening UTM’s international research presence and supporting the development of impactful solutions to climate, water, and environmental challenges.
This milestone reflects UTM’s continued efforts to expand high-quality international research collaborations, enhance academic reputation, and contribute to global sustainability agendas through science-driven partnerships.
