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- Message from Director
- Staff
Research Centres
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Research
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About IBER
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IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 1

IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 1

Post author:iber
Post published:25/05/2019
Post category:Newsletter

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Contact Info

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

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

Majlis Tadarus Malam-Malam Bulan Ramadhan di Istan

Majlis Tadarus Malam-Malam Bulan Ramadhan di Istana Nurul Iman.

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Tase

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park.

As Brunei’s largest freshwater lake and a designated ASEAN Heritage Park, Tasek Merimbun serves as an essential wetland refuge for both resident and migratory waterbirds. Monitoring efforts through the AWC help track population trends, guide wetland conservation strategies, and strengthen protection of this unique ecosystem.

Our sincere thanks to the Museums Department for supporting this important international conservation initiative.

This concludes our coordinated AWC for 2026 — we look forward to welcoming even more volunteers next year!

#AsianWaterbirdCensus

Celebrating the achievements of our UBD's Faculty

Celebrating the achievements of our UBD's Faculty of Science students. From the lab to the field, your hard work and commitment to excellence truly shine.

Asian Waterbird Census continues at Brunei Bay. As

Asian Waterbird Census continues at Brunei Bay. As an Important Bird Area, the mudflats and rich coastal habitats of Brunei Bay provide vital feeding and roosting grounds for migratory shorebirds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

During our survey, we counted hundreds of migratory birds and recorded several tagged individuals (photos by Joremy Tony). These tags help scientists track migration routes, survival, and site fidelity—revealing where birds travel, how they use habitats, and how best to protect them across borders.

Every count contributes to the larger effort of conserving migratory waterbirds and the wetlands they depend on.

#AsianWaterbirdCensus

Fieldwork isn’t glamorous — but it’s worth it. Boo

Fieldwork isn’t glamorous — but it’s worth it.
Boots soaked, notebooks damp, humidity at 100% — and still, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be than out here learning from the forest.

Dr. Salwa Khalid participated as an advisor at the

Dr. Salwa Khalid participated as an advisor at the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization Workshop hosted by the Ministry of Health from February 3 to 5, 2026. The event was organized in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The workshop focuses on identifying and prioritizing nationally significant zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach, while also enhancing prevention, surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts for zoonotic disease threats in Brunei.

@mohbrunei

UBD Open Day - Please come and visit IBER booth at

UBD Open Day - Please come and visit IBER booth at UBD's Chancellor Hall from 9 to 10 February 2026!

We’re excited to share our latest poster, ‘Land Sn

We’re excited to share our latest poster, ‘Land Snails & Slugs of Kuala Belalong’, produced by IBER of Universiti Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Taxon Expeditions @taxon_expeditions

This poster features a selection of 10 of the 35 species of land molluscs recorded around the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in Ulu Temburong.

From tiny snails to unique slugs, it’s a fun glimpse into the rich and often overlooked biodiversity of the rainforest. Perfect for nature lovers, students, and anyone curious about the small wonders of the forest floor!

Should any school in Brunei be interested in obtaining a hard copy poster, please contact us at office.iber@ubd.edu.bn

Poster credits:
Content: Menno Schilthuizen
Photos: Peter Koomen, René Krekels, Sotiris Kountouras & Yaco Joven
Design: Rafhiah Kahar & Izznie Adanan

Mr David van der Zwang (Deputy High Commissioner)

Mr David van der Zwang (Deputy High Commissioner) and Ms Amanina Shofry (Officer) from the Australian High Commission visited our Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) on 2 February 2026, during an ongoing field course by staff and students from the University of the Sunshine Coast. The guests were welcomed by our IBER staff member, Ms Hazimah Mohd Din.

Thank you for visiting KBFSC!

@duta.oz.bn
@ubdglobaloffice

Our UBD researchers, Prof. Takaomi Arai and Dr. Mu

Our UBD researchers, Prof. Takaomi Arai and Dr. Muhammad Amin, conducting fieldwork in Kalimantan with colleagues from Universitas Mulawarman as part of an ongoing collaborative initiative between our two universities.

@unmul

We are pleased to share the latest publication in

We are pleased to share the latest publication in Archives of Pharmacal Research on the plant, Tinospora crispa or locally known as ratnawali, a climber that is widely distributed in Asia with vines that have characteristic protuberances.

The paper co-authored by Dr Norhayati Ahmad (IBER UBD) and Nurul Hazlina Zaini (UBD BRC) in collaboration with Prof Ki Hyun Kim and his team at Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea together with researchers from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea, looks into the isolation and elucidation of the metabolites in Tinospora crispa and their anti-cancer activity.

The study reports the discovery of new cis-clerodant-type diterpenoids which exhibit notable anticancer effects in both liver and lung cancer models providing promising lead candidates for future research in anticancer therapeutics.

Tinospora crispa photo credit: Norafiqah Yusof

Our UBD staff and students participated in the Wor

Our UBD staff and students participated in the Workshop on Assessment of Non Native and Harmful Species in Brunei Darussalam Marine Water, co-organised by Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) @mpa.brunei and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) @ubd.oavcris

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Kandol r

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Kandol rice fields, Labi, Brunei Darussalam.

Rice fields are very important habitats for migratory waterbirds. Millions of birds travel along a major migratory route called the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, between North-East Asia and Australasia, stopping along the way, including in Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, and Wasan Milling Company, for their support in this important international conservation initiative.

@agriculture.gov.bn

Huge congratulations to Muhamad Nukman bin Hj M Ma

Huge congratulations to Muhamad Nukman bin Hj M Marali on the successful completion of his MSc thesis titled An Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Asplenium nidus in a Diabetic Animal Model.

Muhamad Nukman’s thesis looked into the wound healing capabilities of this epiphytic fern using different wound models in both a normal and diabetic animal.

Traditionally used as a pain reliever, A.nidus also known as bird's nest fern or locally as Lukut, or Paku Langsuir has also been reported to possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
The study sheds light on the unique properties of our local medicinal plants and bridges the gap between traditional herbal wisdom with science.

Not all leaves are green, and that’s the beauty of

Not all leaves are green, and that’s the beauty of the tropical rainforests!

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