Dr. Nur Athirah Binti Yusof
Institut Penyelidikan Bioteknologi, UMS
Dr. Nur Athirah Yusof is an accomplished biotechnologist and microbiologist with a strong track record in research, postgraduate supervision, education, and scientific outreach. She has served as a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) since 2016 and has made impactful contributions to microbial biotechnology, sustainable innovations, and polar research.
A former student of Sekolah Menengah Sains Johor, Dr. Athirah demonstrated academic excellence early on by achieving straight A’s in SPM. She was awarded with a JPA scholarship under the American Top University Program, leading her to complete her Bachelor of Science with High Honors (First-class degree) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), USA. She subsequently pursued a fast-track PhD in Microbiology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Dr. Athirah has international research experience, having worked on protein crystallization at Monash University and the Australian Synchrotron, and conducted functional protein studies at the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). Her groundbreaking research on stress biomarkers in Antarctic microorganisms has led to multiple peer-reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards, including gold medals at UMS PEREKA, PECIPTA, UTEMEX, and the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF).
As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Athirah has successfully supervised postgraduate students, including those who have completed their PhD and Master’s degrees under her guidance, contributing to capacity building in microbial and polar biotechnology research.
An HRD-accredited trainer, she is actively involved in knowledge transfer and has conducted industry-focused training in laboratory and soft skills. For two consecutive years, she was selected to conduct training sessions during the National Training Week (NTW), attracting over 200 participants nationwide, a testament to her national recognition and impact.
In the realm of science outreach, Dr. Athirah has been appointed as a member of the Young Scientist Network (YSN) under Akademi Sains Malaysia and has played key leadership roles in programs such as Sabah Minggu Sains Negara, Sabah DNA Day, Kembara Sains Borneo, STI1003, and the Sabah Chapter of ASM Outreach.
She also involves in research communication, with awards such as the Young Investigator Award by Akademi Sains Malaysia, Best Young Researcher at the South Korea Polar Conference, and Best Oral Presenter at the 2024 MSAB Conference.
