Johor Bahru, 8 November 2025 — The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), proudly congratulates Dr. Amirah Farhan Kamaruddin from the Department of Chemistry for being selected as a recipient of the COMSTECH Research Grant Program for Young Women Researchers, awarded by OIC-COMSTECH, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Dr. Amirah received a research grant amounting to USD 5,000.00 for her project titled “Electroanalytical Quantification of Heavy Metals Inhibition on Bilirubin Oxidase-Catalysed Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Seawater Sample.”
This research focuses on developing a sensitive electroanalytical method to quantify the effects of heavy metal contamination on marine enzymatic reactions. By studying how heavy metals inhibit the bilirubin oxidase-catalyzed oxygen reduction process, Dr. Amirah aims to establish a reliable biochemical approach for monitoring seawater quality and detecting environmental pollutants.
The project addresses pressing global concerns surrounding marine pollution, heavy metal toxicity, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 14 – Life Below Water). The proposed electrochemical analysis has the potential to provide a cost-effective and efficient diagnostic tool for environmental monitoring and marine ecosystem protection.
The COMSTECH Research Grant Program for Young Women Researchers is a prestigious initiative that supports early-career female scientists from OIC member countries, encouraging international collaboration, innovation, and leadership in science and technology. Dr. Amirah’s selection reflects her dedication to scientific excellence and her growing impact in the field of electrochemistry and environmental analysis.
The Faculty of Science extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Amirah for this international recognition and outstanding achievement. Her success exemplifies UTM’s commitment to empowering women in science and fostering research that contributes to global environmental sustainability.
For more research highlights from the Faculty of Science, visit https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/.
