Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya | Stem cell | Best Researcher Award 

Deputy Director, at University of Science Malaysia, Malaysia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). With over a decade of experience in tissue engineering, organoid development, and lung injury repair, he has led groundbreaking studies on cancer stem cells and regenerative therapies. His leadership roles include Head of the Breast Cancer Translational Research Program (BCTRP@IPPT) and Deputy Director (Research & Networks) at USM. His contributions to biomedical research are evident in his extensive publication record, external research funding, and supervision of numerous postgraduate students. Dr. Badrul’s work has been widely cited, with an H-index of 21 (Scopus) and 26 (Google Scholar), reflecting his impact on the global scientific community.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya holds a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (2010), where he specialized in stem cell therapies and tissue engineering. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. in Human Genetics (2006) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where he developed expertise in genetic engineering and cellular biology. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Genetics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2002), where he laid the foundation for his passion in biomedical sciences and regenerative medicine. His strong academic background has enabled him to lead pioneering research in stem cell-based therapies, cancer biology, and organoid development, contributing significantly to advancements in tissue regeneration and disease modeling.

💼 Work Experience

Dr. Badrul has over 14 years of experience in biomedical research and academia. He started as a Senior Lecturer (2010-2015) at USM before being promoted to Associate Professor (2016-present). His leadership in regenerative medicine and biomedical sciences is evident in his roles as Head of the Regenerative Medicine Cluster (2013-2015, 2017), Director of the Animal Research & Service Centre (ARASC, 2019-2021), and Head of the Breast Cancer Translational Research Program (BCTRP@IPPT, 2022-present). In 2025, he is set to take on the role of Deputy Director (Research & Networks) at USM, where he will oversee collaborative biomedical research and innovation. His expertise in stem cell therapy, lung injury repair, and cancer research has positioned him as a key figure in Malaysia’s biomedical research landscape.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Badrul’s research spans stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology, with a focus on tissue engineering, organoids, and lung injury repair. His studies involve developing novel stem cell-based treatments for chronic lung diseases, breast cancer, and chemotherapy-induced tissue damage. His pioneering work on cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironments has led to significant discoveries in targeted cancer therapies. Additionally, he explores animal modeling for lung regeneration, aiming to develop innovative approaches for treating respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. His work also extends to 3D-printed tracheal scaffolds and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for regenerative medicine, pushing the boundaries of bioengineering and personalized medicine.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Badrul’s outstanding contributions to biomedical sciences have earned him several prestigious research grants and awards. His notable recognitions include:

• Best Research Award for advancements in stem cell-based cancer therapies
• International Grant (NSGF, Japan) for developing 3D-printed tracheal scaffolds
• MOSTI Science Fund Grant for investigating the regenerative potential of a honey-based inhaler for asthma
• TRGS (MoHE) Grant for pioneering research on ceramic/polymer scaffolds for bone regeneration
• FRGS (MoHE) Grant for exploring the roles of ALDH1A1 and RARB1 in lung cancer stem cells
• USM-RIKEN Matching Grant for airway regeneration studies
  His research has been supported by both national and international funding agencies, solidifying his reputation as a leading scientist in regenerative medicine.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Badrul has authored numerous high-impact publications in esteemed peer-reviewed journals. His research contributions have significantly influenced stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and cancer research. Some of his top publications include:

• Sun et al. (2024) – Notch Protein Remodeling for Tumor Therapy

  • Discusses the development of intelligent drugs that remodel Notch proteins to selectively target tumors.
  • Presents a novel strategy for defensive targeting in cancer therapy.
  • Published in Cell Death & Disease.

• Zhang et al. (2023) – Endometrial Stem Cells for Ovarian Insufficiency

  • Investigates menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells as a promising treatment for chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency.
  • Highlights the regenerative potential of these stem cells in fertility preservation.
  • Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy.

• Shaffi et al. (2023) – Airway Organoid Development

  • Reviews advancements in airway organoid culture techniques.
  • Focuses on direct culture strategies for rapid organoid development.
  • Published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

• Ridzuan et al. (2021) – Mesenchymal Stem Cells for COPD

  • Explores how extracellular vesicles from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reduce airway inflammation in a rat COPD model.
  • Suggests a potential stem cell-based therapy for chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy.

• Halim et al. (2019) – Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Airway Repair

  • Examines the role of mesenchymal stem cell-secreted factors in repairing damaged airway epithelium.
  • Demonstrates potential applications in regenerative medicine for lung diseases.
  • Published in Regenerative Medicine.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong track record in regenerative medicine, stem cell research, and tissue engineering. His impactful publications, successful research grants, and contributions to student mentorship make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening global collaborations, industry partnerships, and public engagement could further solidify his position as a leading figure in his field.