Associate Professor Dr. Norhidayah Mohd Taufek is a researcher and academic at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya (UM). She specialises in aquaculture nutrition and sustainable feed technology, with a focus on enhancing food security through the circular bioeconomy.
Since obtaining her PhD in 2017, Dr. Norhidayah has established a strong track record in fish nutrition, reproduction endocrinology, and aquaculture feed formulation. Her current research spearheads the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective diets for aquatic animals and poultry by valorising local, renewable resources. She is particularly known for her work on alternative protein sources, utilising insect meal—specifically Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and crickets—as well as mushroom by-products and underutilised crops.
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Norhidayah actively collaborates with agricultural industries to scale sustainable animal feed production. Her work aims to commercialise Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as high-quality feed, reducing reliance on imported protein sources, and promoting environmental sustainability in Malaysia's aquaculture sector.