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About IBER
- Message from Director
- Staff
Research Centres
- KBFSC
- BRC
Research
Education
Publications

About IBER
- Message from Director
- Staff
Research Centres
- KBFSC
- BRC
Research
Education
Publications

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Biodiversity and Environmental Research

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https://iber.ubd.edu.bn/belalongensis-volume-6-issue-1/

https://iber.ubd.edu.bn/belalongensis-research-edition-3/

Belalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1
Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2
Belalongensis: Research Edition 4
Tropical Research Experience: TREx 2024
Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 1
IBER represents Brunei Darussalam in the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste
Laboratory training on genomics
Belalongensis: Volume 5, Issue 2
World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium 2023
Belalongensis: Research Edition 3

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Address:Institute For Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Universiti, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
Email:office.iber@ubd.edu.bnOpens in your application

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ubd.iber.kbfsc

🌳 Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD
🌱 Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre
🌱 UBD Botanical Research Centre
#iber #kbfsc #brc

We are proud to celebrate our UBD Faculty of Scien

We are proud to celebrate our UBD Faculty of Science's students — Harry Lik Hock Lau, Rusydi R. Sofian, Syahirah Nabilah Aedy Aewandy, Nur Diana Bazilah Awang Idris, Nur Aisyah Abdul Munir, and Nur Nabaahah Roslan — on their publication in RSC Advances. This work, led by Dr Anwar Usman, showcases their dedication to advancing environmental research.

Pharmaceutically active compounds — from antibiotics to NSAIDs and hormones — are emerging contaminants increasingly found in aquatic environments worldwide. These compounds enter water systems through human activities such as wastewater discharge, improper disposal, and pharmaceutical effluents, and even at low concentrations, they can pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and potentially human health.

One commonly detected pollutant is ibuprofen (IBU), widely used for pain, fever, and inflammation. With millions of doses consumed annually and incomplete removal in conventional wastewater treatment, IBU often persists in surface waters.

In this study, the students investigated the photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen using UV-activated titanium dioxide nanoparticles, providing insights into its degradation kinetics, mechanisms, thermodynamic behaviour, pathways, and the environmental safety of its by-products. Advancing sustainable solutions for cleaner water and a healthier environment.

Congratulations!

Exploration of nature’s medicinal flora continues

Exploration of nature’s medicinal flora continues to reveal vast, untapped potential in addressing contemporary health challenges. Our UBD PhD candidate, Ms Raudhatun Na'emah conducted field observations and documentation of medicinal plants in their natural habitat as part of her ongoing research into bioactive compounds with prospective therapeutic applications.

We thank Brunei National Herbarium (BRUN) for their assistance.

IBER’s Hari Raya celebration bringing together col

IBER’s Hari Raya celebration bringing together colleagues, collaborators, students, volunteers, and friends 🌙✨
A meaningful gathering to celebrate unity and strengthen connections.

Grateful to the Australian High Commission for the

Grateful to the Australian High Commission for the kind invitation to their Hari Raya Open House 🌙✨ A wonderful time of celebration and connection with IBER representative.

@duta.oz.bn

A meaningful lunch meeting with our Singaporean co

A meaningful lunch meeting with our Singaporean collaborators, Space Faculty, hosted by Assistant Vice Chancellor, YM Dr Hj Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi—fostering collaboration and shared vision.

@spacefacultyasia

IBER is proud to be part of UBD Hari Raya Celebrat

IBER is proud to be part of UBD Hari Raya Celebration 2026 ✨—Riang Raya di Taman UBD. IBER teamed up with the Institute of Policy Studies, Faculty of Military Studies, and the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement, celebrating community, connection, and festive spirit 🌙

Welcoming dinner hosted by UBD Vice Chancellor, YM

Welcoming dinner hosted by UBD Vice Chancellor, YM Dr Hazri Hj Kifle, in honour of our collaborators from Space Faculty, Singapore, led by CEO Ms Lynette Tan. An evening of meaningful connections, collaboration and shared vision.

@spacefacultyasia

The Herbal Medicine Symposium 2026 on Advancing Sc

The Herbal Medicine Symposium 2026 on Advancing Science, Innovation and Future Global Market Access was held at the National Institutes of Health, Malaysia from 7-8 April 2026.

Attending the symposium was Dr Atiqah Suhaili, Research Assistant, IBER.

The symposium explored the latest breakthroughs in herbal research - from traditional knowledge to modern scientific discoveries. The sessions highlighted how everyday herbs are now being validated through clinical trials, unlocking their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents and future drug developments. Keynote and plenary sessions covered the transformation of herbal practices into innovative products, the evolving role of the herbal industry and the translation of herbal knowledge into healthcare applications.

A truly inspiring platform bridging tradition and science towards a more sustainable and globally accessible future for herbal medicine 🌱🌺🌿🍃🫚

A heartfelt thank you to our collaborator, Dynamik

A heartfelt thank you to our collaborator, Dynamik Technologies, for inviting IBER representatives to EIDnovation Raya 2026—Celebrating 25 years of innovation and silaturrahim.

@dynamiktechnologies

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation t

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) for the kind invitation to their Hari Raya celebration, Majlis Gema Syawal 🌙✨

It was a pleasure for IBER representatives to be part of such a warm and festive occasion, celebrating the spirit of Syawal together.

@bibdbrunei

We are pleased to share the latest publication in

We are pleased to share the latest publication in Trends in Sciences on Litsea elliptica (locally known as Pawas), reporting on the in-vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the mature and young leaves. The paper is co-authored by PhD candidate, Ms Raudhatun Naemah Samsul (Faculty of Science), Dr May Goh (Herbal Research Group/PAPRSB IHS), Dr H. Taha and Dr Norhayati Ahmad (IBER).

In Brunei Darussalam, pawas is often consumed as ulam or a side dish and has been reported to provide relief for ailments such as headaches, fever, itch and stomach ulcers. Using animal models, pawas has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects comparable with standard reference drug used in the study. In addition, the pawas extracts have also shown effective analgesic properties and fever reduction in the animal models we have used.

Our findings highlight Litsea elliptica as a potent natural alternative for pain and inflammation management, providing a scientific foundation for its further exploration.

🌿 International Day of Forests – 21 March 🌿 B

🌿 International Day of Forests – 21 March 🌿

Brunei Darussalam is blessed with vast tropical rainforests that support extraordinary biodiversity, regulate our climate, protect water resources, and underpin sustainable livelihoods and economies.

From towering dipterocarps to iconic wildlife found only on Borneo, our forests are living systems that provide essential ecosystem services, from climate regulation and water security to opportunities for nature-based and green economies.

At the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), we advance interdisciplinary research on biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental change to support informed decision-making and sustainable forest management. Through science, we contribute to building resilient forests and resilient economies for the future.

🌳 Forests are not only part of our landscape, they are part of our identity and our prosperity.

Let us continue to protect, restore, and sustainably manage Brunei’s precious forest ecosystems.

@forestry.brunei
@sdg_ubd

#InternationalDayOfForests #ForestsAndEconomies #IBER #SustainableFuture #BruneiForests

Engaging discussions with delegates from James Coo

Engaging discussions with delegates from James Cook University and the Australian High Commission, hosted by UBD’s Office of AVC Global Engagement.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIU

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Regional Workshop on Zebrafish as a Research Tool (IROZAS) 2026 will be held on the 21 – 22 April 2026 in Malaysia.

Organised by the Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well-being (PLANETIIUM), IIUM, the workshop aims to introduce the research applications using zebrafish model and provide hands on training on zebrafish husbandry, breeding and provides opportunities for building collaborative platforms with regional partners.

The workshop will include talks from regional speakers including from Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Secure your participation now!

@planetiium

Engaging discussions with a delegation from Harbin

Engaging discussions with a delegation from Harbin Engineering University, hosted by UBD's Faculty of Science.

Majlis Khatam Al Quran dan Tadabbur Khas Sempena N

Majlis Khatam Al Quran dan Tadabbur Khas Sempena Nuzul Al Quran Tahun 1447H serta penyampaian sumbangan derma anjuran Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The UK-ASEAN Symposium on Precision Breeding was h

The UK-ASEAN Symposium on Precision Breeding was held in Hanoi from 11–12 March 2026. This symposium provides a catalyst for collaboration between UK and Southeast Asian researchers in agricultural genome editing.

Attending on behalf of Brunei Darussalam was Dr Norhayati Ahmad from the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD.

The symposium facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge regarding genome editing technologies and their global regulatory frameworks. Key sessions during the symposium include the advancements in crop breeding and improvements, gene editing in livestock and aquaculture and forming regional networks for further collaboration and partnerships.

We thank Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the British Embassy Hanoi for this opportunity.

8 March 2026 - This year's International Women's D

8 March 2026 - This year's International Women's Day theme provides a critical platform to address the intersection of gender equality, biodiversity, and conservation. This link is particularly significant as it emphasises the role of women as primary stewards of the earth's resources.

Women are not just participants in conservation. They are at the front lines to lead, protect and safeguard critical ecosystems. We recognise that effective solutions for our planet are also those informed by women’s leadership in environmental research.

At the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), including the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) and the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC), women-led research brings a unique, holistic perspective that bridges the gap between high-level science and community-based knowledge in order to secure a biodiverse future for all.

Wishing everyone a meaningful International Women's Day.

UBD researchers including student out at sea for f

UBD researchers including student out at sea for fieldwork, exploring and learning about Brunei’s rich marine biodiversity, in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and the Poni Group.

@fisheries.brunei
@lautbrunei

March 3, 2026 - WORLD WILDLIFE DAY. The theme for

March 3, 2026 - WORLD WILDLIFE DAY.

The theme for World Wildlife Day 2026, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” recognises the significance of medicinal and aromatic plants and their contribution to supporting ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods, while also providing habitats for wildlife.

Medicinal and aromatic plants are also vital to global industries such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, the food and beverage industry, and agriculture. Beyond this, we equally recognise the traditional knowledge of local communities and indigenous groups who, through their ethnobotanical wisdom, provide us with valuable insights into these healing plants and their uses.

UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), including UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC), bridges the gap between tradition and modern science by providing a sanctuary for ex-situ conservation and conducting rigorous scientific validation to ensure these natural resources remain sustainably utilised. Our work ensures that future generations will not only inherit the plants themselves but also the scientifically validated frameworks needed to use them responsibly.

#WorldWildlifeDay #WWD2026 #MedicinalAromaticPlants #ubdresearch

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