JOHOR BAHRU, Sep 10 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its research links with Algeria through a Research Attachment Programme hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), from 3 to 10 September 2026. The programme brought together researchers and students for discussions on nanomaterials, technical seminars and visits to research facilities.

The visiting delegation comprised three lecturers from the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Bioprocess, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algeria: Dr. Rahou Salima, Dr. Tizaoui Khadidja and Dr. Rennane Samira. The attachment provided opportunities to exchange expertise with CSNano researchers and explore shared research interests. An opening discussion introduced the delegation to CSNano’s research activities and laid the groundwork for further technical conversations throughout the visit.

Three seminars formed a central part of the programme. CSNano Director Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Lee Siew Ling delivered an introduction to nanotechnology and nanomaterials, while ChM. Dr. Juan Matmin discussed nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation using spectroscopy. Ts. Dr. Siti Salwa Alias introduced X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy as tools for materials characterisation.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students at CSNano and the Faculty of Science were also invited to attend the seminars. Their participation extended the exchange beyond the visiting lecturers, allowing students to learn alongside researchers from both institutions and gain exposure to complementary areas of expertise. The sessions also highlighted the role of characterisation techniques in understanding the properties and structure of nanomaterials.

The delegation also visited laboratories and research facilities, including the University Industry Research Laboratory at UTM. The visits complemented the seminars by introducing the delegates to UTM’s research infrastructure and supporting further technical discussions with UTM researchers on the facilities and approaches used in scientific investigations.

A separate collaboration discussion involved the Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norazah Basar, and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joazaizulfazli Jamalis. The meeting explored shared research interests and potential avenues for cooperation between UTM and USTHB, including joint research projects, co-authored publications, researcher and student mobility, and future knowledge-sharing activities.

The programme concluded with a closing session on 10 September, during which CSNano presented tokens of appreciation to the USTHB delegation. The session acknowledged the exchange between the two institutions and marked the close of the attachment programme. Through the programme, CSNano continued its efforts to develop international partnerships in sustainable nanomaterials and materials characterisation, providing a starting point for future collaborative activities.

Prepared by: Nurul Adhah Saini, Faculty of Science, and Nur Isarah Che Raimi, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), UTM