By Nur Mahirah Ahmad Putera
SERDANG – In line with its vision of becoming a university of international repute as outlined under the Strategic Plan 2014-2020, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Centre For Diagnostic Nuclear Imaging organized an “International Conference on Translational Molecular Imaging and Aerospace Medicine and Physiology Showcase (ICTMIPs16)”, the first of its kind to have been held in Malaysia.
The two-day ICTMIPs16 which started on April 15, 2016, was aimed at strengthening the field of translational molecular medicine imaging (biotechnology, molecular genetics-medical imaging) and to be the pioneer in the field of molecular imaging. The field of translational molecular medicine is based on medicinal technology space that encourages and introduces translational medicine through education and research.
Head of the programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr Fathinul Fikri said ICTMIPs16 featured a combination of both fields - translational molecular imaging with medicine and aerospace physiology.
He also said the conference was held because it has great potential to be expanded nationwide, adding that there were plans to make it an annual event for PPDN.
ICTMIPs16 was held with the cooperation of PPDN, together with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), National Space Agency of Malaysia (Angkasa), College of Radiology and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
ICTMIPs16 received sponsorship from SIEMENS which introduced participants at the conference renowned speakers in the field of molecular imaging from Australia, Prof Rodney J Hicks. Other speakers were Prof. Emeritus Dr Leonard I Wiebe, Prof Emeritus Tom Sanders, Assoc. Prof. Peter Eu S.M, Prof Heinz-Peter Schlemmer and Dr Ramdave Shakher. Malaysian speakers also took part in the conference where they presented their research papers at a session which was held in parallel with the main one.
An exhibition was also put up by SIEMENS, PPDN, Angkasa, MPOB, Pertanika, UPM Faculty of Medicine and Perdana Universiti. Visitors had the chance to see an MRI replica machine brought specially by SIEMENS while Angkasa put up an aerospace suit for display.
Some 59 participants and 21 speakers from various target groups all over the world took part in the programme. Besides being exposed to translational molecular imaging, selected participants received special showcase posters or able to make oral presentation of their research.
The Best Poster winner received RM3,000 and a certificate – courtesy of Prof. Dato’ Jalil Nordin - during a dinner which was graced by UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris.
Undoubtedly, the organization of the programme leaves a big impact where it helps to widen the network of cooperation through meetings, discussions and area specializations involving IAEA, JAXA and German Cancer Research. It also paves the way for a students’ exchange programme with Monash University and Peter MacCallum in the area of molecular imaging. – UPM.
