The University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has identified infectious diseases as one of the most challenging issues faced by mankind. In line with the vision to be among the leading institutions in the area of infectious diseases, the University of Malaya approved the formation of the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC) in 2008.
It is envisioned that TIDREC will be a research center dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in tropical infectious diseases in Malaysia, focusing especially on neglected tropical infectious diseases that have potential impact on the global community.
TIDREC will serve as a focal point for collaborative (local and international) research efforts in tropical infectious diseases for the University of Malaya. There is active collaboration with other local and overseas universities, industry and institutions, such as the Malaysia Genome Institute, and the National Institute for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals.
TIDREC is based in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and leverages on the existing experience and expertise of the academic and laboratory staff there. The department has a strong tradition of research, with particular strengths in dengue virus, Nipah virus, enterovirus 71, melioidosis, HIV, proteomics, and vaccinology.
