LOCAL AND GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT AND RECOGNITION

3 JUNE 2026

FROM BORNEO’S HIDDEN “ZOMBIE FUNGI” TO FUTURE AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS: UMS POSTGRADUATE MAKES BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY

Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), have successfully discovered and described a new species of entomopathogenic fungus, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., alongside five species recorded for the first time in Malaysia, further demonstrating that Sabah’s forests remain one of the most important frontiers for biodiversity discovery.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the discovery forms part of the PhD research of Muhammad Shahbaz, a postgraduate student at ITBC, UMS. His work exemplifies how young researchers are contributing directly to global scientific knowledge while uncovering the extraordinary diversity hidden within Borneo’s ecosystems.

The study revealed one species new to science, Leptobacillium geminatum, and documented the first Malaysian records of Simplicillium formicae, S. puwenense, Leptobacillium leptobactrum, L. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum. These findings significantly expand Malaysia’s fungal biodiversity records and provide new insights into the ecology and evolution of entomopathogenic fungi associated with spiders and wasps.

Beyond taxonomy and biodiversity documentation, Shahbaz’s PhD research explores the untapped potential of these fascinating “zombie fungi” for real-world applications. His work investigates the development of novel antifungal compounds derived from entomopathogenic fungi and enhanced through nanotechnology approaches, with the aim of combating plant pathogens and crop diseases in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This demonstrates how biodiversity research can contribute not only to scientific discovery but also to food security, sustainable agriculture, and future biotechnological innovations.

At ITBC, UMS, we believe that every new species discovered is more than just a name. It represents new knowledge, new opportunities, and new solutions for humanity. Discoveries such as these remind us that we cannot protect what we do not know exists, and that the forests of Borneo continue to hold biological treasures with the potential to transform science and society.

This achievement also reflects ITBC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of mycologists and biodiversity scientists, providing opportunities for young researchers to pursue world-class research while addressing global challenges through local discoveries. Through continuous investment in talent development, research excellence, and international collaboration, ITBC is helping position Sabah and Borneo as emerging centres of excellence for fungal biodiversity research in the tropics.

As often highlighted by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, Borneo is a living laboratory for the world. This latest discovery strengthens UMS’s role as “The Brain of Borneo”, where groundbreaking discoveries continue to emerge from one of the planet’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

At ITBC, UMS, we remain committed to exploring the unknown, empowering young scientists, and transforming biodiversity discoveries into knowledge, innovation, and conservation impact for future generations.

For research collaboration, fungal identification services, postgraduate opportunities, and biodiversity-related enquiries, please contact pejibtp@ums.edu.my.

To read more about the new species, click: https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nzb2.70107

31 MAY 2026

Borneo continues to remind us that even in places that have been explored for decades, nature still holds secrets waiting to be discovered.

Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have successfully discovered and scientifically described Calocybe kinabaluensis sp. nov., a striking indigo-blue mushroom species found in Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. This discovery marks the first recorded species of the genus Calocybe described from Sabah and Malaysia, adding a new chapter to the nation’s scientific history.

ITBC proudly congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan and his team on this outstanding scientific achievement. Discoveries such as this demonstrate the importance of long-term biodiversity research and reaffirm Sabah’s status as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

Why does discovering a new species matter?

Every species is a piece of the puzzle that makes ecosystems function. This newly discovered mushroom plays an important ecological role as a natural decomposer, helping recycle nutrients and maintain healthy forest soils. More importantly, the discovery highlights how much of Borneo’s biodiversity remains undocumented and how much we still have to learn about the natural world around us.

We cannot protect what we do not know exists. Species may disappear before they are even discovered, taking with them unique ecological functions, genetic resources, and potential benefits for future science, medicine, agriculture, and conservation. Every new species discovered strengthens our understanding of biodiversity and provides critical knowledge for conservation planning.

At ITBC, UMS, we remain committed to advancing world-class biodiversity research, uncovering the hidden treasures of Borneo, and ensuring that future generations inherit a richer understanding of our natural heritage. As our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim Hj. Mansor often emphasizes, Borneo is a living laboratory, and UMS is proud to continue its role as The Brain of Borneo in generating knowledge that benefits Sabah, Malaysia, and the world.

To read more about this newly discovered species:

Read the full scientific paper here,

https://phytotaxa.mapress.com/.../view/phytotaxa.759.3.3

29 MAY 2026

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is proud to celebrate the discovery of Ardisia condensiflora, a plant species new to science and endemic to Sabah.

Originally collected from Tawau Hills Park in 2014, this remarkable species remained unidentified for almost a decade before being confirmed as a new species through detailed taxonomic research led by Dr. Avelinah Julius (ITBC, UMS) in collaboration with Dr. Timothy M.A. Utteridge (Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore).

This discovery demonstrates that Sabah's forests continue to hold extraordinary biodiversity waiting to be uncovered. It also highlights the critical importance of herbarium collections, scientific research, and strong institutional collaborations. The study was made possible through herbarium specimens loaned by Sabah Parks Herbarium, reflecting the value of the long-standing collaboration between ITBC and Sabah Parks, as well as the LoI between UMS and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

As biodiversity faces increasing threats worldwide, discoveries such as Ardisia condensiflora remind us that many species may still remain unknown to science. Understanding and documenting biodiversity today is essential for conservation, ecosystem resilience, and safeguarding Borneo's natural heritage for future generations.

Congratulations to Dr. Avelinah Julius and all collaborators involved in this significant scientific achievement.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, a conservation biologist and senior researcher at the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, for being honoured with the Outstanding Malaysian Nature Conservationist Award 2025 at the prestigious Biji Alam Awards!

This national recognition celebrates her tireless dedication and leadership in protecting the endangered Bornean elephant and promoting human–elephant coexistence through her impactful work with Seratu Aatai, a conservation initiative she founded. Her research and community-driven efforts continue to bridge science, people and policy ensuring that Sabah’s wildlife heritage thrives for generations to come.

Dr Nurzhafarina’s achievement reflects ITBC’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation, community empowerment and science-based action that makes a difference for people and nature alike.

Heartiest congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christophe Wiart on being listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2025 by Stanford University & Elsevier.

This distinguished recognition, covering both career-long citation impact and single-year (2024) citation impact, reflects the depth of your contributions and dedication in advancing scientific knowledge.

Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, on being awarded the prestigious Whitley Award 2025 in the United Kingdom! This internationally renowned recognition, often referred to as the “Green Oscar,” celebrates her outstanding dedication to the conservation of Bornean elephants and efforts in empowering local communities. Her achievement not only brings immense pride to ITBC and UMS but also highlights Malaysia’s vital role in global biodiversity conservation.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, who has been selected as a 2025 Women of Discovery Fellow by WINGS Women of Discovery, New York!

This prestigious award honours exceptional women scientists, explorers, and conservationists from around the world who are making impactful contributions in science, exploration, and conservation. Dr. Farina now joins a distinguished group of over 100 remarkable women who have received this recognition since 2003. Her achievement not only highlights her dedication and passion for conservation, but also shines a spotlight on Sabah and Malaysia on the global stage!