KUALA LUMPUR, Prof Dr Shahrina Md Nordin, Director of the Institute of Smart and Sustainable Living (ISSL) at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), has been elected as a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). UTP in a statement today said this prestigious recognition underscores Shahrina's exceptional contributions to the field of social innovation and her pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology and sustainability initiatives. Shahrina, who also serves as the Lead Facilitator for the Energy Transition Malaysian Alliance (ET-MAce), said the recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of her research team and the unwavering support from UTP. 'It inspires me to continue driving innovation and making a positive impact on society,' she was quoted as saying in the statement. The statement also said that Shahrina, a leading communication expert, specialises in innovation diffusion and communications that promote the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies. 'Her researc h has been instrumental in diffusing innovations and effectively communicating complex scientific and technological concepts related to sustainability,' it said. UTP also noted that Shahrina's commitment to sustainability is evident through her leadership role in overseeing the Green Hydrogen Advocacy for Clean Energy in the Asia Pacific project, funded by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Shahrina has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as the Research Council UK British Council and the Social Innovation Linkages and Knowledge Exchange Network (SILKEN) and has worked alongside Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on initiatives aimed at uplifting Indigenous communities. The statement also mentioned that Shahrina's research has had a profound impact on fostering inclusivity in sustainability initiatives by bridging communication gaps among diverse stakeholders. 'Beyond her research, Shahrina's strategic planning expertise benefits industries and communities in sustainability, e nergy transition, and circular economy initiatives. As a testament to her impactful research, she has secured over RM11 million in research grants as a Principal Investigator,' the statement said. Shahrina's appointment as a fellow of ASM is a significant milestone for UTP and a testament to the university's commitment to research excellence and social impact, it added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency