Early Academic Pursuits:
Dr. Saharuddin bin Mohamad embarked on his academic journey in bioengineering, earning his Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Engineering degrees from Tokushima University, Japan, specializing in functional system engineering. His early academic pursuits laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics.
Professional Endeavors:
Following the completion of his doctoral studies, He pursued a post-doctoral position in bioinformatics at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan, which further enriched his expertise in the field. He then transitioned into academia as a lecturer in the Bioinformatics Program at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, where he has been dedicated to research, teaching, and program development.
Contributions and Research Focus:
His research primarily focuses on structural bioinformatics, with a particular emphasis on computer-aided drug design and protein engineering. He has also made significant contributions to molecular bioinformatics, particularly in the analysis and data mining of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data in genomics, metagenomics, whole-exomic, and transcriptomics. Moreover, his involvement in translational bioinformatics research projects has fostered collaborations with the Institute of Medical Research, Malaysia, contributing to advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.
Accolades and Recognition:
His outstanding contributions to the field of bioinformatics have been recognized through various accolades and appointments. Notably, he has received appointments such as Programme Coordinator for Bachelor of Science (Bioinformatics) and Advisory Board Member of MyBioInfoNet (Malaysia Bioinformatics Network). He was also elected as Vice President of the Malaysian Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (MaSBiC) for multiple sessions, showcasing his leadership and dedication to advancing the field.
Impact and Influence:
As the former Head of the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, and current Head of the Centre of Research in Systems Biology, Structural Bioinformatics, and Human Digital Imaging (CRYSTAL) at the University of Malaya, Dr. Saharuddin has played a pivotal role in shaping research directions and fostering collaboration within the academic community. His research, teaching, and leadership have contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of bioinformatics both locally and internationally.
Legacy and Future Contributions:
His legacy lies in his multifaceted contributions to bioinformatics education, research, and professional organizations. His dedication to advancing the field and nurturing the next generation of bioinformaticians exemplifies his commitment to excellence and innovation. Looking ahead, he continues to lead research initiatives at CRYSTAL and remains committed to driving impactful discoveries and advancements in bioinformatics for the betterment of society.