DR. MOHD AIZAT BIN MOHD ZAIN

Dr. Mohd Aizat Bin Mohd Zain is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and researcher whose work investigates the molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. His long-term goal is to develop a new theory on the pathophysiology of mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, which may help in developing more effective treatments. To achieve this, he is particularly interested in the areas of neurophysiology and psychiatry.

Education and Foundational Research

Dr. Aizat's academic journey is rooted in the University of Malaya, where he obtained his Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2009). He continued his specialization at the institution, earning his Master of Medical Science (2013) with a dissertation focused on "Gene Expression and Association Analyses of HTR2A and PDLIM5 Genes in Bipolar Disorder."

He completed his doctoral studies, achieving a PhD in Medical Science (2019) in the specialized field of behavioural cognitive neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Molecular Biology. His PhD thesis, "Investigation on the Role of PDLIM5 Gene in Cognitive Function Using Mouse Models," paved his expertise in translational neurobiology and the use of sophisticated animal models to study human mental disorders.

Research Focus, Impact, and Publications

Dr. Aizat's core research investigates how dendritic spine abnormalities contribute to cognitive impairment observed in neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. He employs a multi-faceted approach, specializing in rodents cognitive behavioral testing, animal model development, and molecular profiling to identify brain region-specific changes and potential biomarkers.

His contributions to the field are evidenced by several publications and citations in reputable, peer-reviewed Q1 and Q2 journals. He has earned competitive funding, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Research Endowment Grant (TASREF) to pursue his research interests.

Beyond publication, Dr. Aizat is an active member of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and regularly engages with the global scientific community. This includes serving as an Invited International Keynote Speaker and Webinar Speaker on the neurobiology of learning and memory, and acting as a scientific judge and external reviewer for international conferences and academic institutions.

Professional Experience

Currently, Dr. Aizat serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (since August 2025). His professional career includes significant academic leadership, previously holding roles as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at University College MAIWP (UCMI), and as a Lecturer and Head of Department at Mahsa University. He has also successfully completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Malaya and contributed to vital public health initiatives, including coordinated research on nicotine addiction; breast and colorectal cancers; AIDS among fishermen in northern Malaysia; and investigating health status among coastal communities in Sabah. This highlights his commitment to applying his scientific knowledge to address societal needs and challenges.