KUALA LUMPUR: Professor Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Mohamad Yusoff (pix) was conferred with the Lifetime Scientific Research Achievements Women’s award for her incredible and inspiring contribution to science and the nation.
Khatijah, a highly respected academician and a much acclaimed virologist who has distinguished herself through her extensive work on the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), a poultry virus, received the award during the first National Conference on Scientific Research Achievements by Malaysian Women.
The award was presented by Deputy Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis recently.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
For Khatijah, this award plays a fundamental role, as it would encourages collaboration between reputable researchers and helps women scientists gain visibility.
At the conference Khatijah presented her keynote address on her research — “Repurposing NDV vaccine for cancer treatment”.
Khatijah said NDV has the potential to be a cancer vaccine due to the absence of anti-NDV antibodies in human.
“Knowledge on the molecular biology of NDV has allowed us to develop various biologics in the prevention and treatment of disease. Whilst NDV attack chicken, it replicates poorly in human cells, causing mild respiratory conditions and conjunctivitis.
“Interestingly, NDV replicates very well in human cancer cells with high specificity and sensitivity. Several clinical trials using NDV as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment have shown positive outcomes” she added.
The conference, organised in conjunction with International Women’s Day by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) recognises the achievements by Malaysian women in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
The conference featured seven other inspiring women who have made significant achievements in their field. Among them are Prof Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, histopathologist from University of Malaya Medical Centre; Prof Dr Goh Lai Yoong, president of Hong Kong University Alumni Association Malaysia, Prof Dr Wan Haliza Abd Majid, Professor of physics, University of Malaya and Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, Malaysian Palm Oil Board research consultant.
Speaking to The Petri Dish, MINDS president Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Augustine Ong said: “The roles played by women scientists have been significant in the scientific community and to the nation.
“We need to showcase and share the stories of a diverse array of women scientists and, importantly, celebrate their achievements.
“It is crucial that the youngsters have role models in science to look up to.”
Ong also added MINDS plans to make this conference an annual affair.
He said women will continue to make contribution to the field of science and this conference serves as a platform for women scientists to bask in their ‘stardust moment’.
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