Prof Ian Martin Symonds, Dean, School of Medicine, (in the photo above), is one speakers of the keynote talks at this conference.
International Undergraduate Medical Research Conference 2021 (IUMRC21) aims to foster research culture and communication among undergraduate students. It provides an opportunity for undergraduates to present their research experiences to a larger audience. The 2-day Conference also provides a forum for students, faculty, and the community to discuss cutting edge research topics as part of their experiential learning.
Undergraduate research enables tremendous opportunity for critical thinking skills, both oral and written communication skills, and training as responsible, competent and trustworthy healthcare professionals. These may include but not limited to an understanding of the basic concepts of research and critical review of literature in the health-related specialty that is being studied, scientific communication terminology or technical language, research methodology, hypothesis-driven scientific process, analytical skills and evidence-based medicine. Research process impacts valuable exposure and long-lasting influence on undergraduate’s professional service and career development. The Conference includes presentations by students from all academic disciplines and invited eminent keynote speakers and experts.
The Conference theme is “Discovering Science Driving Clinical Breakthroughs”. Together, students and faculty from all disciplines, exploring on “How Undergraduate Research Drives Science Forward”.
Speakers are uniquely placed to debate the key themes, trends and current practices for the audience. Especially interesting for this Conference was witnessing the scientific discoveries and scholarship from several local, regional and international institutions from Malaysia, Australia, United Kingdom, China, India and Kenya.
The conference attracted 163 participants and 73 registered guests. The organising committee was fortunate and grateful to have the support of a great cadre of sponsors: Medigene Sdn Bhd, Biomarketing Services, Betatech Scientific Sdn Bhd, Laboratory and Scientific Enterprise and Prima Nexus for their continuous supports despite the challenging pandemic crisis.
The conference was held on 2 and 3 November 2021 with the Welcome and Opening Remarks by Prof Abdul Aziz Baba (President & Vice Chancellor, IMU), followed by keynote address on “Undergraduate Research: Past, Current and Ways Forward” by Tan Sri Dato Dr Abu Bakar (Emeritus President, IMU Health).
| This was followed by other notable keynote talks: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Research Skills in Undergraduate Health Professional Education | Prof Ian Martin Symonds | Dean, School of Medicine |
| From Genomics and Genetics to Better Ways to Prevent and Treat Breast Cancer in Asians | Prof Datin Paduka Dr Teo Soo Hwang | CEO, Cancer Research Malaysia |
| What do we know about Diet after Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes? Learnings from the 3DS study | Prof Dr Lauren Williams | School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University |
The conference also had eminent scientists who shared their research experiences, journey, and research innovation with all the participants via “Ask Me Anything Sessions”.
| Ask Me Anything Session | ||
|---|---|---|
| Breaking Into Research | Dr Foo Chee Yoong | Associate Principal, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) at IQVIA Asia Pacific |
| The Art of Science Communication | Prof Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam | Dean, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University |
| Research & Real-world Impact | Prof Datin Paduka Dr Teo Soo Hwang | CEO, Cancer Research Malaysia |
| Research & Into the Future | Prof Dr Leong Chee Onn | Deputy Director, Research, IRDI, IMU |
IUMRC21 shortlisted 107 abstracts under various categories (as listed in Table below) from all around the regions. The presentations were evaluated by the scientific committee and judges. All the presentations were of good quality and significant scientific novelty and merits.
| Type of Presentation | Number of Presenters |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation | 26 |
| Lightning talk | 22 |
| e-Poster | 59 |
| Total presentation | 107 |
Due to high quality and significant scientific merits among the presenters, the judges had a tough time deciding on the winner for the Outstanding Research Award. At the end, the judges and scientific committee decided to award three recipients under this category.
Outstanding Research Award
| Award Recipients | Title of the Presentation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Aidan Cousins | A neural network approach to optimising treatments for depression using data from specialist and community psychiatric services in Australia, New Zealand and Japan | University of New South Wales |
| Mingzhen Tian | Rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria based on whole genome sequence | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| William MacDonald | Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 as a biomarker of vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes | University of Dundee |
Best Oral Presentation Award
| Award Recipients | Title of the Presentation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Chisala | Decoding motor control identifying neuromuscular activity patterns in functional upper limb movement for restoration of motor function after injury | University of Leeds |
| Chan Weng Kit | The pursuit of neuronal hyper-excitability in high-density surface electromyography recordings of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients | RCSI-UCD Malaysia Campus |
| Goh You | Effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction on visual behaviour and retinal cell apoptosis in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy More on this at IMU Bachelor of Medical Sciences Student Awarded Commendation Certificate for Best Oral Presentation | International Medical University |
| Jovy Wong Zheng Dao | A systematic review of the management of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children | Monash University Malaysia |
| Ng Yi Wern | Sleep and subjective cognitive complaints among older adults in semi-rural Malaysia | Monash University Malaysia |
| Joanne Igoli | Reducing the unnecessary carbon footprint of asthma inhaler prescribing in primary care: a strategy in reducing healthcare’s harmful contribution to climate change | University of Dundee |
Best Lightning Talk Presentation Award
| Award Recipients | Title of the Presentation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Aiman bin Mat Najib | Physiotherapists’ perspectives on the desired features, benefits and barriers of exoskeleton technology use in stroke survivors | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia |
| Fong Yi Hang | Cancer genomic databases analysis of IKK alpha as potential target for lung adenocarcinoma | International Medical University |
| Gan Hong May | The role of parthenolide in cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells | International Medical University |
| Rajatish Bandyopadhyay | Prevalence of dental caries in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relation with socio-demographic variabilities of parent: a cross sectional | Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Kolkata |
| Gem Chew | Age-based exclusion is common and multifactorial in spinal randomised controlled trials | University of New South Wales |
| Nur Dini Binti Ahmad Zawawi | Disinfection protocols of irreversible hydrocolloid: effect on Candida count and dimensional accuracy | International Islamic University Malaysia |
Best ePoster Presentation Award
| Award Recipients | Title of the Presentation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Mingzhen Tian | Rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria based on whole genome sequence | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| Ngan Wan Yi | Cancer genomic databases analysis of IKKα (inhibitory-κb kinases α) as potential target for liver hepatocellular carcinoma | International Medical University |
| Chang Li Han | The role of teniposide in killing cytotoxic T-cell resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells | International Medical University |
| Chang Chi Yin | Development and sensory evaluation of egg custard pudding made with isomaltulose | International Medical University |
| Cosette Hoe | The use of videos for diabetes patient education: a systematic review | Monash University Malaysia |
| Rachel E Sung Ting | Khandsari sugar: a promising alternative fixative to formalin in histochemical staining | International Medical University |
Research Mentor Award
| Award Recipients | Title of the Presentation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Hanan Hamimi Binti Wahid | Clinical and Translational Research | Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia |
| Dr Noor Akmal Shareel Ismail | Discovery Science | Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia (UKM) |
| Dr Lim Wei Meng | Drug Discovery and Development | School of Pharmacy, International Medical University |
| Dr Wan Fatein Nabeila Wan Omar, Dr Nour El Huda Abd Rahim, Dr Shahida Saharudin, Dr Hazulin Mohd Radzuan | Environmental, Nutrition and Population Health | Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia |
Congratulation to all the presenters and faculty mentors for their resilience in pursuing their research during this incredible challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Without all the support from the participants, the conference would not have existed. All participants had the opportunity to interact and engage with each other and the speakers via Q & A and virtual networking sessions. Through this event, they benefited from all the sessions and make new friends.
Sincere appreciation to all the speakers, sponsors, chairpersons, and committee members for their support in making this event a success. Special thanks to Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) and School of Medicine for their continuous support for research and this conference. The conference committee was extremely impressed with the extensive contribution of student volunteers in organising, chairing the sessions, and ensuring a great virtual conference experience for all the participants. The success of the conference was also attributed to the team effort and dedication from IMU Centre for Lifelong Learning (ICL), IMU Research Lab, e-Learning Department, Alumni office, and IT Department.
| Comments by the participants: | |
|---|---|
| Kok Ka-Yann | Interesting and Informative |
| Wan Fatein Nabeila Wan Omar | Good workshop for early exposure to undergraduate students |
| Nour El Huda Abd Rahim | Very good! |
| Dr Shahida Saharudin | Excellent! |
| Fong Yi Hang | Great session! |
| Ng Yi Wern | Good variety of topics and participants |
| Nellie Lee Chew Gek Poh | Very informative and gained a lot of knowledge |
| Ali Haider Mohammed | It was a great and successful event |
| Yim Jing Yee | Good |
| Tan Xin Yoong | Overall satisfactory |
| Cosette Hoe | Impressive |
| Hasnain bin Tahir | It was great |
| Rajatish Bandyopadhyay | Excellent initiative. |
| Goh Yu Shaine | It was very informational. |
| William MacDonald | Very well run and interesting content. |
| Murad Othman Elmaryami | It was a great learning curve |
| Brianna | Good |
| Nurulain Nadiah Binti Abdul Hadi | The workshop went well! |
| Ngan Wan Yi | Excellent |
| Kerry Lee Pui Yi | Good |
| Krishan Sarna | It was an amazing experience and it was extremely enlightening. |
| Yeap Li Hui | Great, I have grained useful insights from all of the speakers during the conference |
| Cao Bo | Very good |
| Hii Ling Wei | Informative with good speakers |
| Ang Zheng Jiet | Very useful even for research beginner |
| Lee Yi Xuan | Good |
| Nurul Hafizah Binti Mahat | Excellent |
| Zoena Ang Jia Xuan | Great experience |
| Naili Hanani Binti Mohd Ridzuan | Great. I enjoyed it very much. |
| Tan Jia Hui | Everything was well organised. Keep up the great work. |
| Gargi | Very good and timely |
| Mingzhen Tian | The conference was well held and I gained a lot. |
| Joanne Igoli | It was really good, thank you for organising this |
| Shereen Ting | Informative |
| Veronica Chu Rui Sim | The workshop was great and I enjoyed it a lot. |
| Divyashini a/p Vickneswaran | It was good and very fruitful for undergraduate students. |
| Renee Chin | Insightful |
| Koh Yan Shan | Good |
| Goh You | Covered a broad range of themes, allowed for undergraduate students to have a safe platform |
| Amalia Izzati binti Razman | Excellent |
| Chan Chee Mun | Good |
| Mir Omer Ali | The workshop was very smooth and enjoyable. |
| Gan Hong May | Excellent |
| Yong Fai Kong | Overall good. Interesting talks and good speakers. |
| Phyu Synn Oo | Very good. I found many interesting research presentations. |
| Lee Jun Xin | Thumbs up to the organising committee in organizing such constructive conference to instill research interest among medical students. |
| Rachel E Sung Ting | I think it was organised very well, everything is on time. I like how the presenters record their presentation instead of delivering it live as it really eliminated the chance of the connection issue problems interefering. |
| Mathangi Devindran | Really good. I learned a lot from the researchers from all over the world. |
| Nur Khairunnisa Bt Nor Azlan | I gained experience and learnt a lot on how to conduct a survey, to write an research abstract and read research papers. |
| Nur Dini binti Ahmad Zawawi | It’s really great and beneficial. Good |
| Goh Jia Yee | It is a great experience learning from speakers from different universities and the topics are interesting. |
| Charissa Cheah Xiao Ying | Good flow throughout the whole event. |
| Celestine Ang | Good |
| Muhammad Haikal Bin Abdullah | Alhamdulilah. Everything is very good. Highly Recommended program for students. |
| Lincoln McNab | I thought that this workshop was excellent quality and utilised the online medium well. |
