The International Conference of Marine Biotechnology 2024 (i-CoMB 2024) was held from 24th to 26th September 2024 at the UMT Convention Centre (UMTCC), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The event was officially inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of UMT, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, alongside H.E. Peter Van Acker, the Ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia.
i-CoMB 2024 was jointly hosted by the Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, UMT, and Ghent University, Belgium, with support from a network of prestigious institutions, including:
• National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), Malaysia
• Bioeconomy Corporation, Malaysia
• Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
• Ocean University of China, China
• Jiangsu Ocean University, China
• Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Indonesia
• Diponegoro University, Indonesia
The theme for this year’s conference, “Advancing Marine Biotechnology for Ecosystems and Societal Well-Being,” underscores the vital role of marine biotechnology in safeguarding marine ecosystems while promoting human welfare. As the global marine environment encounters unprecedented challenges, the solutions presented at this conference are poised to contribute significantly to sustainable marine resource management and biotechnological innovations.
The conference focused on five core areas that highlight the diverse and evolving nature of marine biotechnology:
1. Microbial Biotechnology
2. Natural Products from Marine Bioresources
3. Climate Change and Organismal Adaptation
4. Systems Biology
5. Immune and Molecular Therapeutics
Over the course of two days, i-CoMB 2024 gathered nearly 200 participants, including researchers and students from both local and international institutions. Participants had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, exchange ideas, and establish collaborations aimed at addressing real-world problems through advancements in biotechnology.
i-CoMB 2024 aspires to advance scientific understanding and foster collaborative efforts in marine biotechnology. The conference not only addressed pressing challenges but also explored future opportunities, offering valuable insights that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems and societal development.