IMU Joint Committee on Research and Ethics

The IMU Joint Committee on Research and Ethics (IMU-JC) is the administrative entity responsible for overseeing the integrity of research processes of the university. The IMU-JC is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and consists of representatives from different fields including those from legal profession and religious groups. 

The IMU-JC evaluates all proposals rigorously to ensure that they are scientifically sound and compliant with the International Conference of Harmonisation /Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICH-GCP). The IMU-JC has obtained accreditation from the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB), Ministry of Health Malaysia to serve as one of the national Institutional Review Boards (IRB) for clinical trials.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) consists of distinguished scientists in the leading fields as well as representatives from the industry to advise on the research direction of the Institute, in line with its strategies (Table 1).

The SAB will advise IRDI on:

1. key emerging and future areas of medical and life sciences research
2. current and planned research and development as well as commercialisation programmes
3. the productivity and impact of IRDI’s research programmes and initiatives
4. the scientific merit of technology or products involved in licensing and acquisition opportunities

Academic Arm

To oversee all academic matters related to postgraduate and the Bachelor of Medical Sciences programmes through the School of Postgraduate Studies.

Research and Development Arm

• To drive research activities under the identified thrust areas.
• To manage the resources for research.
• To monitor and evaluate all research activities,including those conducted by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Commercialisation and Support Arm

• To coordinate the commercialisation of potential research products, findings and services.
• To recommend and provide advice on patenting of research findings, products and processes.
• To liaise with potential industrial partners for contract research.
• To facilitate corporate communication for research to publicise IMU research activities to attract more funding.
• To oversee the online publication of International eJournal of Science, Medicine and Education (IeJSME).
• To provide supporting services such as statistical advice, utilisation of bioinformatics research tools, editing services for publications and grantmanship training,
• To ensure efficient utilisation and proper maintenance of all research facilities and equipment.
• To manage the quality of research through QC, QA and audit (e.g. ISO), and training (GCP course).
• To enhance research culture within IMU.

Research Centres

There are five Centres of Excellence (CoE) based on the identified thrust areas under the R & D Arm:

Centre for Bioactive Molecules and Drug Delivery

The research areas include but not limited to isolation of bioactive molecules, chemical synthesis and lead identification, screening for bioactivity, preclinical drug development and mechanisms of action of drugs.

Centre for Environmental and Population Health

The research areas cover various aspects on environmental and population health, which include water and air pollution, building-related illnesses, toxicology, infectious and noninfectious.

Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research

The focus areas of this centre include fundamental cancer biology, molecular cell signaling, cell-based therapy, stem cell biology, biomarkers and drug target discovery.

Centre for Health Professions Education Research

This centre will spearhead research related to health professional education (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Health Sciences). The thrust areas include problem based learning, inter professional learning, peer teaching, teaching excellence and scholarship, e-learning and workplace based learning. This centre will be part of the Research and Innovation Cluster of the IMU Centre of Education (ICE).

Centre for Translational Research

The Centre for Translational Research (CTR) was established on 4 October 2016. The primary aim of this Centre is to foster better integration of basic science and clinical research at the IMU. It will also promote integration and collaboration across the existing four centres.