On December 13, 2024, the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted a thought-provoking hybrid seminar titled “Innovative Pathways in Biomaterials: Bridging Science and Application Across Borders.” This event, organized under the Science Seminar Series, took place at the Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific & Industrial Research (ISISIR), and was moderated by Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Development.
Distinguished International Speakers
We were honored to welcome two leading experts in the field of biomaterials from Shandong University, China:
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Prof. Dr. Hong Liu, a distinguished Professor of Materials Science, shared his insights on “Materials Cues for Regulation of Neuronal Differentiation of Stem Cells, and Neurodegenerative Disease Therapy.” Prof. Liu’s research focuses on:
- Photo-electrical functional materials
- Biosensors
- Tissue engineering
- Stem cell interactions with nanostructured biomaterials
With over 400 publications, more than 43,000 citations, and an H-index of 87, Prof. Liu has significantly impacted biomaterials science. He is also recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher (2018–2024) by Clarivate Analytics.
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Prof. Dr. Jichuan Qiu, a professor in the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, delivered a talk on “Tuning the Material-Cell Interaction for Advanced Stem Cell Therapy and Brain Repair.” His research focuses on designing functional materials for biomedical applications. Prof. Qiu has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers with an H-index of 33.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
This seminar aimed to bridge international research efforts and encourage collaboration in the exciting field of biomaterials. The hybrid format allowed for broad participation, enabling both in-person attendees at ISISIR and virtual attendees via Cisco Webex to benefit from the knowledge shared.
Moderator’s Reflection
In my role as the moderator, I was inspired by the depth of knowledge and innovative approaches presented by both speakers. These discussions underscore the importance of international cooperation in solving critical biomedical challenges and advancing science for societal benefit.
I hope this seminar paves the way for future collaborations and inspires our researchers and students to explore new frontiers in biomaterials and stem cell therapy.
