GOLD MEDAL IN MINGGU PENYELIDIKAN DAN INOVASI 2025 (MPI 2025)

Dr. Nurhidanatasha Abu Bakar from the Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has once again captured national attention by winning the Gold Medal Award in Minggu Penyelidikan dan Inovasi 2025 (MPI 2025) organised by Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Kolej TATI (UCTATI), Kuala Terengganu on 14 to 15 May 2025.

Leading the charge in eco-friendly innovation, Dr. Nurhidanatasha, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul'ain, Dr. Shuhaila Mat Sharani, Mr. Muslim Bin Aqeel, and their collaborators from Universitas Andalas (UNAND) — Dr. Ir. Eka Candra Lina, Agnest Andini, and Rahyan Fadhlurrahman — unveiled a pioneering nanoemulsion formulation blending Piper aduncum (sireh hutan) essential oil and Melaleuca cajuputi hydrosol. This natural bioinsecticide was crafted with advanced nanotechnology to protect its active ingredients from environmental degradation by sunlight and microorganisms. The result is a potent, sustainable solution that lasts longer, resists breakdown, and is already making a significant impact across Indonesia as a game-changing eco-friendly pest control option.

The MPI 2025 award further underscore USM’s role as a national leader in sustainable innovation and health sciences, marking a bold step forward in eco-health solutions that offer a safer, environmentally responsible alternative to conventional insecticides.