USM–UTU STRENGTHEN COASTAL AND AQUATIC SCIENCES COLLABORATION THROUGH FIELD RESEARCH IN WEST ACEH

23 September 2026 | West Aceh, Indonesia

The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen international research collaboration through the USM–UTU International Coastal and Aquatic Sciences Research, Academic Exchange and CSR Programme 2026, held in West Aceh, Indonesia.

The 10-day programme, which concluded on 10 September 2026, brought together academics, researchers and postgraduate students from USM and Universitas Teuku Umar (UTU), Indonesia) for field-based research, academic exchange, specialised scientific workshops, guest lectures and community-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

Centred in Lhok Bubon, West Aceh, the programme provided an opportunity for participants to explore the region's coastal ecosystems and fisheries activities while strengthening multidisciplinary research in areas including marine biodiversity, fisheries science, ecology, water quality, fish nutrition, parasitology and entomology.

Representing USM, Dr. Norhafiz Hanafi, Senior Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences and Person in Charge (PIC) of the USM delegation, highlighted the value of bringing scientific expertise beyond the university laboratory and into real coastal environments.

The programme also provided valuable international field and research exposure for postgraduate students, while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and future collaboration between researchers and students from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Beyond research activities, the collaboration incorporated community engagement and CSR components, reflecting the shared commitment of USM and UTU towards strengthening sustainable coastal resource management and generating meaningful benefits for coastal communities.

The programme marks another step in strengthening the academic and research partnership between USM and UTU, while providing a platform for future collaboration in research, education, student and staff mobility, scientific networking and joint publications.

Source: Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM–UTU Take Coastal and Aquatic Sciences Research to the Field in West Aceh, published 23 September 2026.

Text adapted for PPSKH website from the original article published by USM News.