The Dean of UKM’s Faculty of Medicine, Prof Dr Marina Mat Baki, said the joint PhD was the first of its kind offered at the faculty.

“The full-time research PhD programme will be offered next year. It allows UKM students to conduct research at SUMS during their second year of study.

“Students in this programme will also have the opportunity to undergo placements at both UKM and SUMS.

“This will provide valuable research exposure, enabling them to conduct deeper data analysis and write articles for publication in journals,” she said in a statement today.

Graduates of the programme will receive a jointly awarded degree from UKM and SUMS, in a single scroll.

Meanwhile, programme coordinator and head of the biochemistry department at UKM’s faculty of medicine, Assoc Prof Dr Goon Jo Aan, said the PhD programme would encourage knowledge sharing and research related to health and degenerative diseases.

This would help address ageing issues that have become a global concern.

Goon said the PhD programme would be conducted by combining conventional learning with the latest technology, such as open and distance learning, where students could attend online lectures, interact with supervisors and collaborate with fellow researchers from both UKM and SUMS.

“This approach allows students to present research proposals, discuss findings and receive guidance from experienced supervisors at both universities,” she said.

Goon said students would also have the chance to work with international and local researchers to develop digital and numerical skills in research management.