đź“ť Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its international research collaboration through the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) Exchange Programme in the UK. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah participated in academic engagements, research visits, and knowledge-sharing sessions at the University of Bradford and the University of Sheffield, focusing on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomedical research. The programme supported UTM’s agenda to encourage collaboration between UTM and UK institutions.
BRADFORD, Sep 24 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its international research networks and explored new opportunities for academic and scientific collaboration through the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) Exchange Programme in the United Kingdom (UK), hosted mainly at the University of Bradford (UOB).
Over five working days, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah participated in academic engagements, research visits, knowledge-sharing sessions and institutional meetings focusing on biomaterials, tissue engineering and biomedical research. She received funding through the WTUN Exchange Programme 2025/2026 after being selected from 19 nominees representing WTUN member universities worldwide.
The programme supports UTM International’s agenda to encourage collaboration between UTM and UK institutions.
At the University of Sheffield, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah visited the School of Clinical Dentistry and met Prof. Craig Murdoch and Prof. Helen Colley, both recognised for their expertise in tissue engineering.
The visit included discussions on research activities, a tour of relevant laboratories and a demonstration visualising treated cancer cell microstructures. The engagement provided an opportunity to explore complementary research expertise and potential collaborative projects.
At UOB, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshid Sefat hosted an official welcome meeting and introduced the university’s facilities, research environment and academic setting. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah delivered an academic talk entitled “Networking/Partnership between Biomedical Scientists and Engineers” and a research talk entitled “Engineering Multifunctional Biomaterials for Vascular Regeneration and Cardiovascular Repair”.
Discussions also examined differences between ethical approval requirements and application procedures in the UK and Malaysia, highlighting regulatory considerations in biomedical research and the potential contribution of biomaterials research to therapeutic strategies and future clinical applications.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshid Sefat and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah paid a courtesy visit to UOB’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Sherif El-Khamisy.
They handed over the MoU between UTM and UOB and introduced UTM’s academic strengths, research capabilities and institutional resources. Prof. El-Khamisy welcomed the visit and expressed support for extending collaboration into additional specialised research areas.
The programme also included visits to research laboratories, where Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshid Sefat introduced biomaterials facilities, including an electrospinning system with a movable spinneret, biomedical laboratory infrastructure and characterisation instruments.
Visits to other departments showcased technologies such as commercial-scale electrospinning, microneedle fabrication and a 3D-printed robotic hand.
The programme concluded with an academic discussion involving Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazam Dzolkarnaini and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marizah Minhat on the proposed Master’s Programme in Human-Centered Technology.
The programme would explore interactions between humans and technological systems, human responses to innovation, and the responsibilities associated with such developments. UOB expressed support for the proposal, reinforcing its commitment to responsible research and innovation.
