Nurhafiza ZainalMalaysiaSenior LecturerUniversiti MalayaDr. Nurhafiza Binti Zainal is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She holds a Dual PhD in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Malaya and Medicine from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. Additionally, she earned an MRes in Biotechnology from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Universiti Malaya. Dr. Nurhafiza's areas of expertise include virology and immunology. Her research explores the intricate relationship between viruses and the host immune response, particularly the role of host protein expression and genetic factors in shaping disease outcomes. Her work also investigates mechanisms such as cross-reactive immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement to improve vaccine development and antiviral strategies. In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Nurhafiza is involved in interdisciplinary initiatives such as One Health programs and sustainability-focused projects related to menstrual health and environmental responsibility.She has led and contributed to multiple nationally funded research projects focused on viral immunology. Notably, she received the prestigious IEIF International Education Innovation Fund award for an ASEAN research collaboration hosted by The University of Adelaide. Dr. Nurhafiza has also been recognized with the Excellence Service Award and Certificate of Excellent Service from Universiti Malaya.