Dr Aini Ideris named National Academic Figure for 2026

Dr Aini Ideris, a former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor, has been honored as the National Academic Figure for 2026 at the 17th National Academic Awards ceremony. The prestigious award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, accompanied by a trophy, certificate and RM200,000 in prize money.

At 73 years old, Dr Aini has made significant contributions to avian medicine, animal biotechnology and vaccine development. Her work includes the creation of the Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV4UPM) and a fowlpox vaccine, both of which have been introduced to international markets. Dr Aini also made history as the first woman appointed as UPM's vice-chancellor, holding the position from 2016 to 2020.

She previously received the 2010 National Academic Award for Innovation and Product Commercialisation and, in 2026, was awarded the Merdeka Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation. The 17th National Academic Awards ceremony recognized the excellence and contributions of nine academics from various higher education institutions.

Other awards included the Promising Academic Award for Prof Dr Ong Wee Jun and Associate Prof Dr Serene Lock Sow Mun, the Innovation and Product Commercialisation Award for Associate Prof Dr Mohd Khairi Abu Husain, and the Book Publication Award for Dr Siti Noor Hafizah Mohamed Sharif. The Teaching Awards were given to Associate Prof Dr Saipolbarin Ramli (Arts and Social Sciences) and Dr Ooi Say Keat (Pure Sciences).

Zambry emphasized that this recognition represents the nation's highest honor for scholars and academics who dedicate their lives to advancing knowledge and contributing to society. The ceremony serves as both an acknowledgment of past achievements and a responsibility to continue exploring knowledge, producing quality work and inspiring future generations.