Johor Bahru, 9 July 2025 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was honoured to host Distinguished Professor Dr. Ingo Koeper from the College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Australia, in a visit that combined academic engagement, research discussion, and scientific exploration. His visit was held under the Science Seminar Series, aimed at fostering global scientific collaboration and dialogue.
The highlight of the visit was an insightful seminar titled “Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membranes – Versatile Model Membrane System”, delivered from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at UTM HELIxS, C17. Prof. Koeper introduced the audience to the concept of tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs), in which a lipid bilayer is covalently tethered to a solid surface to form a stable and analytically accessible system. He highlighted recent developments from his team, who have successfully developed tBLMs that mimic bacterial membranes, particularly those of Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, two major nosocomial pathogens. His research focuses on how membrane complexity affects the accuracy of model systems, with implications for biosensor development and drug-membrane interaction studies.
The day began with a meeting with the Deputy Dean and administrative team of the Faculty of Science from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the Main Meeting Room, where ideas for future collaboration and academic exchange were discussed. This was followed by a coffee break and seminar preparations. After the engaging seminar, Prof. Koeper joined faculty members for a networking lunch and rest session from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
In the afternoon, Prof. Koeper was given a guided tour of the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), selected Chemistry Department laboratories, Laser Centre, Nanomaterials Lab at T02 and UTM’s scenic campus, beginning at 2:30 PM. The program concluded around 4:00 PM.
Prof. Koeper, a renowned physical chemist and expert in biological aspects of nanotechnology, currently serves as Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) and Head of the STEM Academy at Flinders University. His core research techniques include electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and neutron scattering. With a distinguished career spanning institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the University of Paris VI, Prof. Koeper’s contributions to membrane biophysics and nanoparticle drug delivery continue to impact global science.
This visit significantly strengthened research ties between UTM and Flinders University, paving the way for future international collaborations.
