JOHOR BAHRU, 2 October 2026 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), congratulates ChM. Dr. Nur-Fadhilah Mazlan from the Department of Chemistry for successfully securing the Geran Penyelidik Baharu, with research funding of RM20,000.
The two-year project, running from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028, is entitled “Profiling Freshwater Diatom Assemblages Via Spectroscopy Techniques for Forensic Site-Specific Database.”
The research focuses on profiling freshwater diatoms, microscopic algae commonly found in aquatic environments, using spectroscopy techniques to establish a site-specific database for forensic applications.
In simpler terms, the project aims to identify the distinctive chemical and biological signatures of diatom communities from different freshwater locations. As diatom populations can vary according to environmental conditions and geographical locations, their profiles may provide valuable information for linking samples to particular aquatic environments.
The development of a site-specific diatom database could strengthen the scientific basis for forensic investigations involving freshwater environments, while spectroscopy may provide an efficient analytical approach for differentiating and characterising samples.
The project highlights the interdisciplinary role of chemistry by bringing together analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, environmental science and forensic science. It also demonstrates how fundamental scientific research can be developed towards applications that support evidence-based forensic analysis.
The research aligns with the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030 by strengthening emerging researchers and encouraging interdisciplinary research with potential scientific and societal impact.
The Faculty of Science congratulates ChM. Dr. Nur-Fadhilah Mazlan on securing the grant and wishes her and her research team every success in implementing the project.
Congratulations on this research achievement!
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