PROF. DR. LAU YEE LING

Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Parasitology at the Universiti Malaya (UM), Professor Dr. Lau Yee Ling has an impressive academic background. In 2008, while awaiting her PhD viva, she began her academic career as a lecturer at Monash University Sunway Campus. During her tenure at Monash University, she received two Monash University Research Grants, which allowed her to pursue her research in the field of molecular parasitology. In 2009, she returned to her alma mater, the University of Malaya, as a Senior Lecturer. Her dedication and contributions led to her receiving tenure in 2010, followed by promotions to Associate Professor in 2013 and Professor in 2019. She was appointed a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia in 2019.

Professor Lau's scientific pursuits have primarily revolved around the comprehensive investigation of Plasmodium knowlesi, a zoonotic parasite known for its significant role in the development and transmission of malaria. Her research focuses on utilizing advanced molecular techniques to identify, detect, and characterize these parasites in both human and animal hosts. By employing state-of-the-art molecular methods, Professor Lau aims to advance our understanding of Plasmodium knowlesi and its interactions with its hosts, ultimately contributing to the development of effective control and prevention strategies.

Throughout her career, Professor Lau has collaborated with local and international researchers, resulting in the publication of over 240 ISI journals. Her published work has accumulated a total citation index of 4389 and an H-index of 33. Her exceptional research achievements have also enabled her to secure various international and local research grants, including the Wellcome Trust, Hubert Curien Partnership-Hibiscus (PHC-Hibiscus), ASEAN-India Collaborative R&D scheme, GCRF Global Impact Acceleration Account (GIAA) Impact Fund, Wellcome Trust, High Impact Research Grant, University of Malaya Research Grant, FRGS, E-science, LRGS, among others. The cumulative research funding she has obtained exceeds RM6 million. Additionally, she has obtained multiple intellectual property rights for her work on the rapid molecular diagnosis of dengue, malaria, and COVID-19.

Professor Lau's commitment to mentoring and guiding students is evident through the successful completion of 13 master's and 20 PhD students' studies since 2009. Currently, she supervises 2 master's and 4 PhD students, further contributing to the education and development of future researchers in the field of parasitology.

With her extensive background in grant management, she has held various administrative roles, such as Head of the Grant Management Unit in the Health and Translational Medicine Cluster and Faculty of Medicine. Additionally, she has served as a committee member for evaluating applications for FRGS, LRGR, and TRGS at both national and international levels. In 2017, she established the Science Café, which has become the primary platform for research communication between clinicians and scientists at the Faculty of Medicine. She has also been involved in multiple committees, including the University of Malaya Institutional Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee (IBBC), Animal Experimental Unit, Faculty of Medicine Risk and Quality Management, and has served as an internal auditor for the Faculty of Medicine. Currently, she holds the position of editor-in-chief for the Journal of Health and Translational Medicine (JUMMEC) at the University of Malaya, as well as editor for the Asia Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and associate editor for BMC Infectious Diseases. Her contributions to the scientific field have led her to become a regular reviewer for prestigious international journals, such as Nature Scientific Reports, Lancet, PLOS One, Parasites & Vectors, Malaria Journal, International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health, and others.

Due to her extensive experience and reputation in the field of molecular parasitology, Professor Lau is highly sought after as a speaker and consultant both locally and internationally. She has actively participated in professional societies, such as the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), where she served as a council member in 2018-2019, and the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB), where she held the position of Honorary Secretary in 2017-2019 and the President in 2019-2023.

Professor Lau's passion for research is equaled by her dedication to teaching and education. In her classes, she not only ensures that her lectures are easy to understand but also strives to engage students by incorporating recent articles and real-life scenarios to demonstrate the practical relevance of the subject matter. Due to her enthusiasm for education, she volunteered to be the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Phase II coordinator in 2011 and later became the PBL main coordinator in 2018. Recently, she has been actively involved in organizing PBL training workshops for the UMMP program.

Professor Lau has received several prestigious awards, including the MSMBB Best Scientist Award 2023, MTSF's Science & Technology Award for Year 2020, the University of Malaya Excellent Service Award three times in 2011, 2013, and 2015, and the MSPTM Nadchadtram Medal in 2014. She has also been recognized multiple times internationally and nationally for her innovative research, including winning the Grand Prize in the National Exclusive Innovation Challenge Award 2018 and Korea Creative Invention Contest 2018.