About Us
The School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been conducting research activities on vector biology and control especially those of mosquitoes and urban insect pests since 1972. Special attention was given to mosquito species which are vectors of many dreaded diseases of mankind such as dengue, filariasis, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. Due to the growing importance and awareness of crawling insect pests in the country in recent years, research have expanded to include studies in urban entomology. Molecular and biochemical research have also been initiated.
Since 1975, the Unit has received more than 100 research grants totalling more than US$7 million from governmental and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and multinational pesticide industries. These grants are used to conduct basic and applied researches on vectors and urban insect pests. In recognition of the research and training activities, the university established a separate entity for the research group and named it the VECTOR CONTROL RESEARCH UNIT (VCRU) at the Penang campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia as of 1 October 1991.