Research that transforms lives
Advancing knowledge, nurturing innovation and creating meaningful impact for people, communities and
the world through trans-disciplinary research.
Research and Innovation @ USM
In line with the university’s values of quality, equity, availability, accessibility, affordability and appropriateness, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) aspires to be a pioneering, trans-disciplinary, research-intensive university that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socio-economic well-being.
This mission is guided by the seven APEX thrusts: Future-oriented, Unique, Sustainability, Humanity, Universality, Change and Sacrifice. Research at USM is driven by three main thrust areas: curiosity-driven, people-focused and industry-driven research.
As a pioneer in adopting the Blue Ocean Strategy in Malaysia’s higher education landscape, USM seeks to lead not only through academic excellence but also through meaningful contributions to society. Research and innovation are encouraged to improve lives, especially for underserved communities, through solutions that are sustainable, affordable and accessible.
Advancing research excellence
To assist the University in moving towards excellence in research and innovation at the national and international levels.
A world-class research university
To move towards a world-class research university with emphasis on sustainability.
Success Stories
Explore the ideas, achievements and research journeys that reflect USM’s commitment to excellence, engagement and leadership.
Grant Awarded
Discover the latest research grant awards and achievements from the USM research community.
Research Expertise / Directory of Expertise
Find the right expertise at USM
Welcome to the USM Directory of Expertise, an expert finder that helps you discover academic staff across a wide range of disciplines. USM has around 1,900 active academic staff with extensive experience in research and innovation.
Research Centres & Institutes
Explore USM’s research centres and institutes across strategic, applied, scientific, engineering, arts and medical disciplines.
Hi-Centres of Excellence
- 01Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR) ↗
Focuses on nano-optoelectronics, advanced materials and related research technologies.
- 02River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) ↗
Advances research in river engineering, urban drainage and sustainable water management.
- 03Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine ( INFORMM) ↗
Undertakes molecular medicine research to support biomedical understanding and health innovation.
- 04Centre for Drug Research ↗
Conducts multidisciplinary research related to drug discovery, pharmacology and therapeutic development.
Applied Sciences
- 01Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC) ↗
Supports analytical biochemistry research, laboratory analysis and advanced scientific investigation.
- 02Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) ↗
Promotes interdisciplinary research and knowledge on sustainability and global development.
- 03Cybersecurity Research Centre (CYRES) ↗
Focuses on cybersecurity research, digital protection and emerging cyber challenges.
Engineering
- 01Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC) ↗
Develops expertise and collaboration in microelectronic design and semiconductor-related technologies.
- 02Science & Engineering Research Centre (SERC) ↗
Facilitates research and technical collaboration in science and engineering disciplines.
Pure Arts
- 01Centre for Global Archaeological Research ↗
Researches archaeological heritage, material culture and the human past.
- 02Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CenPRIS) ↗
Studies public policy, international relations and issues affecting regional and global affairs.
- 03Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA) ↗
Advances research on women, gender, equality and social transformation.
- 04Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) ↗
Focuses on Islamic development management, knowledge and socio-economic development.
Pure Sciences
- 01Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB) ↗
Brings chemical and biological sciences together to investigate biological systems and applications.
- 02Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies (CEMACS) ↗
Conducts research on marine ecosystems, coastal environments and ocean sustainability.
Applied Arts
- 01Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia ↗
Explores instructional technology, multimedia and digital approaches to teaching and learning.
- 02National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN) ↗
Undertakes research and policy analysis on higher education development and transformation.
Medical
- 01Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre (PKTAAB) ↗
Supports cancer-related research, expertise and services in the field of oncology.
- 02Human Genome Centre (Virtual Centre) ↗
Supports genomics and human genome research for biomedical and health-related applications.
Note: Centre descriptions are short summaries for page layout. Please confirm wording and current links with each centre before publication.
Innovation & Commercialisation
USM supports researchers in turning ideas, discoveries and intellectual property into practical innovations with value for society and industry. Through an enabling innovation ecosystem, the University promotes IP protection, effective commercialisation and stronger collaboration between researchers, industry and USM’s business arms.
Explore Innovation & Commercialisation ↗A leading IP and commercialisation service unit
To be acknowledged as the university’s best intellectual property and commercialisation service unit in Malaysia.
Our MissionTo help develop an innovative ecosystem at USM that encourages and supports discoveries, creations and knowledge innovation by its researchers.
- Uphold the USM Intellectual Property Policy.
- Identify and protect researchers’ intellectual property.
- Provide efficient IP commercialisation services.
- Strengthen communication between industry and USM units.
- Support USM business arms in achieving global standards.
- Build a strong culture of discovery and innovation.
Research & Publication Repository
Access research outputs and publications from the USM scholarly community through ePrint@USM.
Discover more about research at USM.
Connect with the research community, explore expertise and learn about the University’s research initiatives.