Malaysia ’s very first International Brain Research organisation’s seminar

Malaysia is set to gain a prominent position in neuroscience research and education, following the acceptance of Monash University’s Brain Research Institute at Monash Sunway (BRIMS) as an Associate School of Neuroscience of the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO).

France-based IBRO is the key driver of neuroscience research and education development, and its decision has led to Monash University making history by hosting the 11th International Brain Research organisation Seminar.

The seminar is a major neuroscience training event by IBRO, and paves the way for BRIMS to gain acceptance as an Advanced School for Neuroscience programmes, said BRIMS head Professor Ishwar Parhar.

" Malaysia was previously an unknown entity in the world of neuroscience education and research and this recognition from IBRO, which paves the way for us to conduct these seminars and training programmes, firmly places the country on the global neuroscience map," said Professor Parhar, who is also one of the world's leading neuroscientists.

He revealed that since the creation of BRIMS, there has been increased interest locally in developing neuroscience research. However, there is a severe shortage of people with knowledge or expertise in this area.

He explained that more than 60 of the seminar’s participants were Masters or early PhD students selected by IBRO through a tough selection process aimed at picking only the best for the sponsored programme with 21 of these students being Malaysians.

"These seminars, which bring together top quality students, provide the perfect opportunity to develop our human resources, and create networks that will support future research activity," said Professor Ishwar.

Professor Parhar acknowledged that the recognition of BRIMS as an Associate School was only the beginning.

"As BRIMS is an advanced brain research institute, with a host of research facilities and equipment, we want to take this recognition from IBRO to the highest level - the Advanced School - so we can carry out advanced training programmes in the field.

The seminar, which we have themed ‘Hormones, Brain and Behaviour’, already features high profile international researchers from Japan, Australia, Thailand and BRIMS.

It will also introduce participants to neurogenomics, confocal imaging, live cell imaging, laser micro dissection and behavioural analysis. Monash University's Sunway campus is the only facility in Southeast Asia equipped with a live-cell imaging microscope, which basically allows researchers to study live cells under the microscope.”

"We have the equipment and human capital needed to do so and are confident of making Malaysia only the third country to conduct IBRO's Advanced Programmes," affirmed Professor Parhar.

For more information please call Ms Thaera Yousef at 03-5514-6033 / 016 420 6464 or Mr David Lim at 03-5514-6041 / 012 227 2305.