IMU proudly celebrated the successful conclusion of its inaugural Fundamentals of Research (FoR) programme, held from 13-15 January 2026, at the IMU University Bukit Jalil campus. This comprehensive 3-day training, initiated by the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), underscores IMU’s unwavering commitment to nurturing researchers and empowering staff with the foundational knowledge and competencies essential for conducting high-quality, ethical, and impactful research.

The programme featured a dynamic blend of lectures, interactive discussions, experience-sharing sessions, and hands-on activities, meticulously designed to guide participants through the entire research lifecycle. From identifying pertinent research problems and designing robust studies to conducting ethically sound and community-engaged research, and effectively disseminating research findings, the FoR programme provided a holistic and immersive learning experience. Special emphasis was placed on IMU’s vibrant research ecosystem, internal processes, collaborative research practices, and strategies to enhance translational impact through commercialisation and industry partnerships.

During the FoR programme, participants explored several key topics essential for conducting impactful research. These included comprehensive training in research planning, execution, management, and communication, ensuring that researchers are well-equipped to handle all stages of the research lifecycle. Emphasis was also placed on ethical and responsible research practices, highlighting the importance of integrity and accountability in research endeavours.

Furthermore, the programme covered literature review and critical analysis, enabling participants to effectively synthesise existing knowledge and identify gaps in the current literature. Participants also learned how to construct compelling research proposals and understand the processes involved in the commercialisation and impact of research, encouraging them to translate their findings into real-world applications.

Through the programme, participants gained valuable insights into differentiating between basic, applied, translational, and clinical research, allowing them to align their research interests with appropriate research types. They also developed skills in identifying research problems and gaps, enabling them to formulate focused research questions.

The programme highlighted the utilisation of IMU resources for literature review, providing participants with the tools to conduct systematic and targeted literature searches. Additionally, participants gained an understanding of intellectual property and commercialisation, empowering them to protect their research outputs and explore commercialisation pathways.

Finally, the programme emphasised the importance of engaging with communities in research, encouraging participants to involve stakeholders meaningfully in the research process. These insights collectively contribute to fostering a research culture that is not only rigorous but also relevant and impactful, driving innovation and making a tangible difference in society.

The programme featured a diverse group of 19 experts from public health, epidemiology, basic and fundamental research, applied research, clinical research, social science, community engagement research, and evidence synthesis, providing the participants a holistic approach in uplifting IMU research culture. Participants will undergo an assessment involving the submission and revision of a research manuscript or proposal. Upon successful completion, a Certificate of Completion will be issued.

IRDI extends its sincere gratitude to the Senior Management and Deans of Schools, Support Departments, distinguished speakers, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the FoR #1 programme. Their dedication, expertise, and enthusiastic participation have been instrumental in advancing research excellence at IMU.

Here are some sharing from the inaugural batch of FoR participants:

• “Each topic is a combination of theory and application through case studies, scenarios, debates, etc. This enhances the deliveries and sustains the participants’ attention.”
• “The topics were highly relevant, and I appreciated the depth of the content as well as the use of real-life scenarios.”
• “Topic coverage was comprehensive and encompasses the fundamentals of research.”
• “Speakers are good and excellent!”
• “For novice researchers, this topic coverage is sufficient to create awareness and exposure.”
• “It was a complete OVERVIEW of conducting research at IMU.”

 The Fundamentals of Research in IMU programme is a cornerstone of IMU’s strategic vision to cultivate a thriving culture of research excellence. By equipping our faculty with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, IMU aims to:

• Enhance Research Output and Impact: Increase the quantity and quality of research publications, patents, and other scholarly outputs.
• Foster Innovation and Discovery: Encourage groundbreaking sustainable impact research that addresses critical challenges and contributes to advancements in healthcare and related fields.
• Strengthen Collaboration and Partnerships: Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations and strategic partnerships with industry, government, and other academic institutions.
• Empower Future Research Leaders: Develop a pipeline of skilled and ethical research leaders who will drive innovation and shape the future of research at IMU and beyond.

IMU is committed to providing ongoing support and resources to its researchers, fostering an environment where innovation flourishes and impactful discoveries are made. The FoR programme is a testament to this commitment, and IMU looks forward to witnessing the transformative impact of its graduates on the world of research.

If you would like to join the next FoR, contact [email protected] to find out about the next session. See you there!