30 October 2026 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
I am deeply honoured and grateful to have received the Anugerah Tokoh Penerbitan (Sains dan Kejuruteraan) at the Majlis Kecemerlangan Akademia UTM 2026, organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This recognition celebrates my achievements and contributions to scholarly publications in the fields of science and engineering for the year 2025.
I am also pleased to have received the Anugerah Penulis dalam Jurnal Berindeks (Kategori Pusat Kecemerlangan) during the same ceremony.
Receiving these awards marks another meaningful milestone in my academic and research journey. More importantly, they remind me of the value of perseverance, collaboration, and continuous commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
My Journey in Research and Scholarly Publications
Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in research focusing on materials science, sustainable nanotechnology, bio–nano interactions, and biomedical applications, particularly in the development of functional nanomaterials for antibacterial, anticancer, and other biological applications.
My publication achievements include at least 38 indexed journal articles as a lead author, including publications in Q1 and Q2 journals, as well as two original research books. These publications represent years of research activities, laboratory experiments, scientific discussions, manuscript preparation, and collaborations with researchers from various institutions.
Beyond publishing research findings, I have also been involved in academic publishing and editorial activities, including serving as Chairman of the UTM Research Book Panel since 2022 and contributing to scientific journals, conference proceedings, and editorial boards.
I previously received the Best Edited Scholarly Book Award (Science and Technology Category), presented by UTM and Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah Malaysia (MAPIM). These recognitions continue to motivate me to contribute to the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
A Special Appreciation to My Co-authors, Students and Collaborators
Although the Anugerah Tokoh Penerbitan is presented as an individual award, I strongly believe that this achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed to my research and publication journey.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my co-authors, postgraduate students, research assistants, research collaborators, and academic partners, both in Malaysia and internationally, who have worked alongside me over the years.
Every publication has its own story. Behind each published article are countless hours of laboratory work, data analysis, discussions, manuscript revisions, and responses to reviewers. Some manuscripts progress smoothly, while others require considerable patience, determination, and repeated improvements before finally being accepted.
Whether we have published one article or many articles together, I truly appreciate every contribution, idea, discussion, and effort that has helped make these achievements possible.
I am particularly grateful to my students, whose dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn have played an important role in our research accomplishments. Watching them develop their research skills, overcome experimental challenges, and eventually publish their findings has always been among the most rewarding aspects of my academic career.
I also sincerely appreciate my research collaborators from various universities and research institutions. Our collaborations have not only resulted in scientific publications but have also created valuable professional relationships, research opportunities, and lasting friendships.
To all my co-authors, students, and collaborators, thank you for being part of this achievement. This recognition is as much yours as it is mine.
Appreciation to UTM and My Research Community
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the Faculty of Science, the Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), and the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano) for their continued support, encouragement, and opportunities throughout my academic journey.
My sincere thanks also go to my colleagues, mentors, and the administrative and technical staff who have contributed directly or indirectly to my research activities.
Most importantly, I am deeply thankful to my family for their continuous understanding, patience, and encouragement, particularly during the demanding periods of research, writing, and academic responsibilities.
Moving Forward with Greater Motivation
For me, academic publication is not simply about increasing the number of journal articles or achieving recognition. It is about sharing knowledge, contributing to scientific progress, developing future researchers, and ensuring that our research findings create meaningful impacts.
This award serves as a reminder to remain committed to producing quality research, strengthening local and international collaborations, mentoring young scientists, and exploring new opportunities in sustainable nanomaterials and biomedical technologies.
I hope to continue contributing to scientific publications while helping my students and collaborators achieve their own academic and research milestones.
My personal motto continues to guide my academic and professional journey:
“Being motivated and proactive increases productivity, driving success.”
Alhamdulillah, I am truly grateful for this recognition. I dedicate these achievements to everyone who has supported, inspired, and collaborated with me throughout my research career.
Thank you to all my co-authors, students, collaborators, colleagues, and family. Let us continue learning, researching, publishing, and achieving greater success together.
Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek
Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Development)
Faculty of Science
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
