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INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

mobility 2026

Mobility Programme

About the Programme
The mobility@INFORMM programme focuses on current topics in in-vitro diagnostics, advanced research technologies and cancer research. Participants can choose to follow the educational activities under 'Diagnostics & Advanced Research Technologies' or 'Cancer Research' groups. Medium of communication is in English.
This is an intensive, residential two week programme. Students can choose ONE of the following groups and TWO elective lectures.

At a Glance
This mobility programme is supported by experienced PhD qualified lecturers, skilled technical support staff and friendly energetic student buddies (1 host buddy: 2 participants).

Please view the brochures for details:
Mobility@INFORMM Health Campus, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mobility@INFORMM Main Campus, Penang, Malaysia

Read more …mobility 2026

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profile Dr Ong Min Thong

✉️ E-mail: omt@usm.my 

🏠 Location: 

INFORMM, USM Main Campus, 11800 Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA

Dr Ong Min Thong

Dr. Ong Ming Thong is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He holds a Doctor of Science (DSc), an MSc, and a BSc in Biochemistry from the Université de Genève, Switzerland. His research is primarily focused on Cancer Biology and Natural Products, with a particular emphasis on the anti-proliferative properties of various biological fluids and plant extracts. Notably, his work explores the therapeutic potential of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex sera and Nepenthes (pitcher plant) fluids against cancer cell lines. His expertise also extends to cell signaling pathways, such as EGFR and WNT, and the development of antimicrobial nanomaterials and biodegradable polymer composites.

  • Current publications

    (2024)

    • Govindasamy et al. (2024) Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g-MAH/CuO-TiO2 Composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties, BioNanoScience 14(3), 2678-2690

  • Current projects

    2026 - 

  • usm experts

  • Teachings

    TFM522

Read more …profile Dr Ong Min Thong

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profile Dr Sasidharan Sreenivasan

✉️ E-mail: srisasidharan@usm.my 

🏠 Location: 

INFORMM, USM Main Campus, 11800 Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA

Associate Professor Dr Sasidharana Sreenivasan

Dr. Sasidharan Sreenivasan is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He is a distinguished expert in Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology, having earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Biotechnology (2007) from USM. He formerly served as the Deputy Director of INFORMM (2019–2021). His research focuses on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and natural products. Dr. Sasidharan is recognized for his work on microRNA-mediated regulation of apoptosis in cancer cells and the development of "green" technologies for healthcare. His projects include the creation of intelligent wound patches and the use of carbon dots in green nanotechnology for drug delivery. A highly cited researcher, he was honored as a Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM) in 2022 and has consistently ranked among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University.

  • Selected publications

    (2025-2026)

    • Jing et al. (2026) Light-responsive nanotherapeutic carbon dots: a next generation tool for cancer phototherapy, Journal of the National Cancer Center 6 (1), 11-29
    • Ismaila et al. (2025) Polyalthia longifolia var. angustifolia thw.: a review of ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology applications and future prospects as a green anti-aging agent, Advances in Traditional Medicine 25 (4), 813-835
    • Jing et al. (2025) Reproducibility roadblocks and standardization in carbon dot synthesis: a critical review of current practices, challenges, and future directions, Microchimica Acta 192 (835), 1-52
    • Singh et al. (2025) Green Synthesis of Eco-Friendly Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Polyalthia longifolia Leaves for Enhanced Photoactivated Antimicrobial Activity and Biocompatibility, Chemical Physics Impact, 100955
    • Hong et al. (2025) Green synthesis of carbon dots from agro-waste Elaeis guineensis dry leaves via pyrolysis for cells cytotoxicity: anticancer potential and mechanistic insights, Emergent Materials 2025

     

  • Current projects

    2026 - 

  • usm experts

  • Teachings

    TFM522

Read more …profile Dr Sasidharan Sreenivasan

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profile Dr Venugopal Balakrishnan

✉️ E-mail: venugopal@usm.my 

🏠 Location: 

INFORMM, USM Main Campus, 11800 Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA

Associate Professor Dr Venugopal Balakrishnan

Dr. Venugopal Balakrishnan is an Associate Professor and currently the Deputy Director (Research & Innovation) at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He is a three-time USM alumnus, having completed his BSc (2001), MSc (2004), and PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology (2009) at the university. His research expertise spans Molecular Oncology, Epigenetics, and Biosafety. Dr. Venugopal is particularly recognized for his work on the HPV E7 oncogene and its role in cervical cancer progression. His lab is also pioneering the development of isothermal amplification assays using synthetically engineered enzymes and peptide-based electrochemical biosensors for early cancer detection. Beyond research, he serves as the President of the Malaysian Biosafety and Biosecurity Association (MBBA), championing safe laboratory practices nationwide.

  • Selected publications

    (2025-2026)

    • Jamil et al. (2026) Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles using Vitis vinifera’s tannin and its application in antibacterial activity/apoptotic capacity versus cancer cells, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8381309/v1]
    • Thangeswaran et al. (2025) THICAPA modulates amyloid precursor protein processing and alleviates oxidative stress in fibroblasts derived from patients with Familial Alzheimer’s disease, Molecular Biology Reports 52 (1), 835
    • Raypah et al. (2025) One‐step hydrothermal process of carbon dots derived from lemon and ginger juice: synthesis and characterizations, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 100 (12), 2601-2615
    • Vijayandran et al. (2025) Nanobodies targeting cytokines for the amelioration of autoimmune diseases, International Immunopharmacology 164, 115368
    • Badsha et al. (2025) Sustainable approaches on innovative utilization of household food waste as a renewable biomass for bioenergy production: Potential, challenges and social-environmental impacts, Biomass and Bioenergy 200, 107995

  • Current projects

    2026 - 

  • usm experts

  • Teachings

    TFM522

Read more …profile Dr Venugopal Balakrishnan

  • Hits: 83

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