Dr. Purabi Mazumdar is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya. She earned her Master’s degree in Botany from Gauhati University and a Doctoral degree in Bioenergy from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), India. Dr. Mazumdar’s research focuses on urban farming, enhancing crop nutritional quality, and crop protection through customized UV radiation, as well as agronomic, molecular, and biochemical strategies. She leads projects funded by grants from CREST, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), and industry partners. Her current work emphasizes advanced crop protection and urban farming systems, including aquaponics, hydroponics, and aeroponics. Driven by the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. Mazumdar aims to answer a critical research question: How can we achieve sustainable, nutrient-dense, and clean food systems that promote health and well-being for all?

Dr. Nurhafiza Binti Zainal is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She holds a Dual PhD in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Malaya and Medicine from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. Additionally, she earned an MRes in Biotechnology from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Universiti Malaya. Her areas of expertise include immunology and virology. Dr. Nurhafiza’s research explores the intricate relationship between viruses and the host immune response, particularly the role of host protein expression and genetic factors in shaping disease outcomes. Her work also investigates mechanisms such as cross-reactive immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement to improve vaccine development and antiviral strategies. She has served as both Principal Investigator and Co-Researcher on numerous national-level research grants, including projects under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), MOSTI, and Universiti Malaya internal funding schemes. Dr. Nurhafiza is also the recipient of the prestigious IEIF International Education Innovation Fund – ASEAN Research Collaboration Project, hosted by The University of Adelaide. Her awarded project focuses on the development and evaluation of inactivated vaccines for viral diseases, with potential applications in animal health. In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Nurhafiza is involved in interdisciplinary initiatives such as One Health programs and sustainability-focused projects related to menstrual health and environmental responsibility

As an academic and researcher, my professional journey is rooted in the fascinating fields of Human Anatomy and Neuroscience, with research interests spanning cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, the gut-brain axis, natural products and drug discovery, developmental toxicity, and medical education. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to secure several research grants, leading to meaningful collaborations, publications, and the supervision of a number of postgraduate students. I’ve also served as an examiner for dissertations and contributed to advancing research both within and beyond my institution.Teaching is a joy and a cornerstone of my career. I teach Human Anatomy (Gross, Embryology, and Histology) to both undergraduate (MBBS, Dentistry, etc.) and postgraduate students. I’ve been involved in curriculum development, Anatomy Practical exam coordination, OSCEs and serve on vetting committees across various UG and PG medical /dental programs—including Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Clinical Dentistry. Whether preparing students for anatomy quizzes or guiding young researchers, I believe learning should spark curiosity—and definitely a bit of laughter along the way. After all, who says the brain can’t enjoy a little tickle while studying itself?I remain engaged with several professional bodies in anatomy (MAA) and neuroscience (MSN, IBRO), and have had the privilege of serving on scientific committees, participating in conferences, and being invited as a speaker / external examiner at various academic institutions. Mentorship is particularly close to my heart—whether it's nurturing critical thinking, building confidence, or simply helping students navigate their academic journey with a steady hand.I welcome opportunities for collaboration, idea exchange, and interdisciplinary research. Whether you're working on a related project or simply passionate about the brain, the body, or how nature might influence both—feel free to connect. There’s always something new to discover, especially when minds meet across disciplines.