MANAGEMENT
aquatic arthopods . In addition to this role in cutting edge research , the technology capabilities of the Genomics cluster are used in a wide range of research areas , some of which are not directly within the remit of the TMB platform . The future research directions of the Genomics cluster will be determined by the newly appointed cluster leader , Associate Professor Qasim Ayub , who comes to us from a distinguished career at the Sanger Insitute in the UK .
The Food Security and Biodiversity cluster is emerging as a separate entity from the Genomics cluster . The research in this area focuses on rice productivity and discovery and utilisation of the biodiversity that exists in our region . A prominent project in this area is on the origin and control of weedy rice , a problem that plagues much of Sarawak and Sabah . Another major effort is in deciphering the Malaysian microbiome , led by Associate Professor Lee Sui Mae . This is based on the detailed analysis of 140 families in Segamat . The Malaysian microbiome effort is in close collaboration with another campus platform , SEACO . A third major effort led by this cluster is centred on the study of the mosquito .
As with all evolution , some parts will be gradually lost or absorbed into new functions . The departure of Associate Professor Wong Chee Piau for fresh opportunities will mean that that the activities of the Telemedicine cluster will be gradually absorbed into other clusters in the Platform or campus . The Telemedicine cluster has been at the forefront of the introduction and application of telemedicine in Malaysia and the region and we are grateful for his leadership of this area . Earlier changes at the end of 2015 had seen the absorption of the Tropical Biology Education and the initiation of a system of semi-permanent Senior Fellows and shorter-term fellows .
Since 2016 , the TMB has provided also smaller amounts of funding to seed projects to encourage these to grow to become larger units of research that can strengthen existing clusters or become the nucleus of new ones . The highlights are presented in this report .
The Infectious Disease and Health cluster , lead by Associate Professor Sharifah Hassan Syed , is focused on the infectious diseases that can plague the tropics , particularly dengue and chikungunya . An integrated effort , involving lab , hospital and community based efforts has resulted in large external grant support and collaboration across a spectrum of disciplines .
Human Genetics is a newly formed cluster led by Professor Maude Phipps . It is concerned with deeper understanding of the rich variation in human genetics available in our region and how that can inform both the story of our evolution and health . A major focus of this cluster is the study of the indigenous groups in Malaysia and there has been worldwide interest in the findings presented .
Systems Biology of viral infections is in another newly formed cluster led by Professor Sunil Lal . It builds on his research excellence in the study of the influenza virus and seeks to quantify and discover new aspects of viral-host relationships in that system .
The third newly formed cluster is the Clinical Research cluster led by Associate Professor Nor ’ azim Bin Mohd Yunos . It utilises the reach of Monash by integrating the clinical research capabilities at Johor Bahru and Segamat with the capabilities in Sunway City and Australia . Current research foci include dengue and psoriasis .
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