Prof. Ali Mohammad Sharifi is a scholar with over 27 years of experience in Molecular Pharmacology at the Iran University of Medical Sciences and currently joined as a professor of regenerative Medicine in the Tissue Engineering Group at NOCERAL, department of Orthopedics Surgery, School of Medicine. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1992 and in 2018, he further enriched his expertise by acquiring a Tissue Banking Diploma from the National University of Singapore. Throughout his career, Prof. Sharifi has undertaken international research, including working at McGill University in Canada and at Max Plank Institute in Germany. His research output includes over 100 publications in high-impact journals, along with several patented innovations. He has held various administrative and editorial roles in academia, and has served as a peer reviewer for numerous high-impact journals. His dedication to education is evident through his mentorship of undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly Ph.D. candidates specializing in molecular medicine, tissue engineering, molecular pharmacology, and cell therapy.  Prof. Sharifi's research expertise involves the fields of cell therapy and regenerative Pharmacology, with a particular emphasis on translational medicine. His extensive body of work includes pioneering studies on pharmacological priming, therapeutic angiogenesis, and innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of stem cell therapy by manipulating HIF-1α stabilization, especially in the context of diabetes. Additionally, his research activities include bone and cartilage regeneration, employing a diverse array of strategies such as stem cells and biologically derived products like amniotic membrane extract and mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome. He has also explored the potential of herbal agents in regenerative medicine.  His contributions extend to the development of custom-made bio-implants for addressing large bone defects and the design and production of various wound dressings, with a specific focus on diabetic wound healing. In recent times, Prof. Sharifi has harnessed the transformative power of CRISPR gene editing technology to combat synovial fibrosis induced by osteoarthritis. In summary, Professor Sharifi is an active scientist in the field of Molecular Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, exemplifying innovation, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge for improvement of healthcare and human well-being.  

  Cheah Chia Wei graduated from the University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She then worked as a dental officer in the Ministry of Health, before joining the Faculty of Dentistry. There, she underwent specialist training in Periodontology and became a lecturer, teaching general dentists and specialists in Periodontology. She has a PhD related to oral microbial profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in relation to the inflammatory status of rheumatoid arthritis subjects with periodontitis. Currently, Cheah Chia Wei is the postgraduate coordinator for Master of Oral Sciences (Periodontology) program, and also heads the Clinical Craniofacial Dental Research Group in the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. She is also the treasurer for The Malaysian Society of Oral Microbiologists and Oral Immunologists. Her research interests include extraction socket ridge preservation, periodontal/bone regenerative material for implantology, and oral microbiology influencing periodontal health and systemic health. She has published her work in peer-reviewed journals and has presented it both locally and abroad. Cheah Chia Wei also serves as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals in her area of expertise.  

Dr. Adibi Md. Nor is a marine biologist and aquaculturist with over 20 years of experience in the fisheries sector. Beginning his career with the Department of Fisheries (DOF), he has dedicated his professional life to advancing sustainable aquaculture and marine science innovation. Currently, he serves as the Head of Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy, Centre of Excellence, and PhD Programme Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Throughout his career as a policymaker, scientist, and business development leader with the agri/aquaculture company, he has developed a deep understanding of and a strong background in food security and agri/aquaculture, specialising in addressing the challenges and complexities of the global food system. This breadth of experience has shaped his insights into the flow of using scientific evidence in the policy-making process. To ensure sustainability and share his expertise with society, Dr Adibi has developed the Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE) academic course known as Nasi Lemak and Food Systems at Universiti Malaya. Dr. Adibi’s work focuses on integrating nature-based solutions into aquaculture and coastal resource management, emphasising harmony between economic growth and ecological resilience. His approach promotes the restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems — including seaweed cultivation, sustainable aquaculture, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) — as practical strategies to enhance livelihoods while protecting biodiversity. A strong advocate for community participation, Dr. Adibi works closely with local fishers and coastal communities to build inclusive aquaculture models that empower people through sustainable income generation. His efforts reflect a commitment to creating a biodiversity-driven economy, where ecosystem health underpins long-term economic stability and social equity. At Universiti Malaya, he leads research and policy dialogues that bridge science, sustainability, and development. Through his leadership, the Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy initiative seeks to translate research into action — fostering innovation that addresses the challenges of climate change, food security, and marine conservation. He has published widely on seaweed and fisheries research related to policy, biology, and value chain aspects. He was appointed as a reviewer for the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, the Journal of Aquaculture, Fish, and Fisheries, the Journal of Quality and Quantity, the Journal of Applied Phycology, the Journal of Socioeconomics and Development, and Botanica Marina in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. He was a consultant for international and local seaweed projects from 2019 until 2025 and a scientific advisor and business development planner for the Abalone Aquaculture Company in 2018. Driven by a belief that environmental stewardship and economic progress must go hand in hand, Dr. Adibi continues to inspire collaborative solutions for a sustainable blue economy. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of biodiversity and nature-based approaches in shaping a resilient and inclusive future. Currently, he is actively pursuing innovation in seaweed cultivation as nature-based solutions (website: https://drcweedaquasolutions.com/). Endearingly, his social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) are called Dr C+Weed, which he started in July 2021 as a forum for conversing with and educating people about seaweed. Dr Adibi intends to make seaweed a superfood to combat global and local food security issues. His publications and research areas can be accessed at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adibi_Nor Current Research Endeavours: Seaweed Cultivation for Blue Carbon: Advancing Sustainable Decarbonization Efforts. Evaluating Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Implementation Among Malaysian Aquaculturists, Using the Quantitative Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey Technique.   Sea Grapes Seaweed Cultivation Offers Avenue Toward Greater Food Security, Healthier Diets, and Better Nutrition in Malaysia. Seaweed Cultivation for Climate Mitigation, Food Security, and Local Community Development in Abandoned Shrimp Ponds in Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia Food Security in Malaysia: The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Paddy and Rice Industry in Malaysia. The Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Approach Using Land-Based Farming System Between Seaweed and Marine Finfish. Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) on GlobalSeaweedSTAR program: Safeguarding the Future of the Seaweed Industry in Developing Countries.  Influence of Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Gracilaria sp. seaweed on Physiological and Fillet Quality of Tilapia, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). Developing Regenerative Aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Seaweed Cultivation: A Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change and Food Insecurity. Revitalising the Malaysia Seaweed Industry through the Blue Economy.