The University of Bath is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through a new university-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing global research, interdisciplinary education, and sustainable innovation. This agreement builds on a foundation of collaboration established through a previous MoU, which supported joint initiatives in areas such as water resilience, green construction, cancer research, and public policy.

USM, a leading research-intensive institution, is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse programmes, and pioneering sustainability initiatives. With its main campus located in Penang, Malaysia—a UNESCO-recognised hub of culture and innovation—USM brings expertise in science, engineering, and health sciences. Dean of the Faculty of Science at Bath, Professor Duncan Craig, and Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Science, Professor Momna Hejmadi, visited USM’s main campus in February 2025. Whilst there, they took part in a MoU signing ceremony with USM's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, and Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Professor Dr Nurzalina Binti Abdul Karim Khan.

A MoU signing ceremony took place during the visit to USM by senior members of staff from the University of Bath

The MoU enhances existing collaborations between researchers from both universities in the subject areas of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. The partnership also bridges disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary research between Bath’s Faculty of Engineering and Design and USM’s government-supported Engineering department. This collaboration will address global challenges in sustainable technology, cybersecurity, and industrial applications, leveraging USM’s regional influence and Bath’s expertise in translational research.

The MoU renewal underscores both universities’ ambition to elevate their international profiles through joint workshops, conferences, and public engagement. In addition to supporting and fostering research collaboration, the MoU provides the opportunity for USM and Bath to explore postgraduate pathways and co-development of programmes that align curricula with regional workforce needs. By renewing this partnership, Bath and USM reaffirm their commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and addressing complex global challenges through shared knowledge and innovation.

Bath is excited to re-establish this partnership with USM and looks forward to seeing the collaborations that will emerge through working together.