22.5.2026 – UMBI Research Updates Series (RUS) in Molecular Medicine

22 May 2026 | The weekly 𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏𝟑/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 featured two insightful presentations by UMBI Research Fellows, highlighting the dynamic landscape of scientific research, innovation and adaptability in molecular medicine.

The first session by Assoc. Professor Dr. Nadiah Abu titled “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞” explored the evolving nature of scientific careers and the importance of strategic adaptability in research. Her presentation discussed the concept of intellectual freedom, structural pillars of academic survival, and the many dimensions of research pivoting including hypothesis, methodological, model-system, career and translational pivots. Drawing from notable scientific success stories such as the discovery journey of Minoxidil, Dr. Nadiah also shared important reflections on “pivot penalties”, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, Nobel Disease, and the challenges faced by non-pivoters. She further inspired the audience through her personal experience in securing the 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 (𝐋𝐑𝐆𝐒) 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐊𝐏𝐓). The session concluded with a meaningful take-home message that the best scientists are often those who know when to persist and when to pivot.

The second session was delivered by Ts. Dr. Mohamad Aimanuddin Mohtar entitled “𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬”. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of CRISPR technology, tracing its origins from bacterial immune defense systems to one of the most transformative tools in biotechnology. The audience gained insights into how scientists repurposed the bacterial memory spacer system into synthetic guide RNA technology, enabling broad applications across multiple fields. Dr. Aimanuddin highlighted the growing impact of CRISPR in plant biotechnology, livestock improvement, genetic and metabolic disease correction, infectious disease control, drug discovery, biofuel production and the food industry. He also shared updates on CRISPR therapeutics currently in clinical trials, alongside ongoing UMBI research applications including targeted gene knockout studies in breast cancer cells and CRISPRi genetic screening targeting upregulated cell surface genes in glioblastoma (GBM).

The session reflected UMBI’s continued commitment towards advancing molecular medicine research and fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration. Appreciation is extended to both speakers for their informative and engaging sharing sessions, as well as to all participants for their active participation and encouraging discussions throughout the programme.

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