Another L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award winner, Dr Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak’s own research is perhaps a field that’s a bit more in the limelight these days, especially with the ongoing global pandemic. And because of this, there’s hardly any time to do anything else, but work.
Virologist, Dr Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak.
“I believe viral research is always in a constant state of urgency,” she says. “For instance, I also have ongoing projects on avian influenza and COVID-19, both of which are of equal importance. Not to brag but, for me, it is just another day in the office. The pressure is there when a breakout happens but, as scientists, we do what we do best every day.”
Finding the truth about any matter through the application of science has always been very appealing to her. She recalls gravitating towards science since her secondary school years, and later received a matriculation certificate in life science. “Upon deciding on a degree course, I was intrigued by the term ‘biotechnology’ as I thought delving into biological-converged technologies must be impressive! Later on, I was awarded first-class honours for my bachelor’s degree in biotechnology as a proof, if you like, of my passion for the branch of knowledge!”
Moving Forward
This led to her PhD in clinical medicine research at Imperial College London, where she focussed on working on two types of viruses – fowlpox and avian influenza. “Believe it or not, viral research triggers my child-like inquisitiveness and offers me gratification, and I have been in love with my work ever since!”
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award
Dr Mariatulqabtiah personally feels that the battle against the unseen is where the excitement lies in her work. She points out that the presence of viruses can only be predicted by manifestations of clinical symptom and further tests need to be performed to prove their existence.
Virologist, Dr Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak.
“Unlike in medical disaster movies, I seem to think that my own journey as a virologist is a bit dull! I never been positive for COVID-19, nor was I ever in mortal danger from infectious viruses. However, I received a verbal attack from a stranger, who accused me of being purely interested in making profit from my research!
A Woman in Science
“I was a naïve first-year PhD student at that time. So this stranger’s words had an impact on my confidence. Luckily, my PhD mentor was super supportive. We talked it over and we concluded that the world is filled with people who, no matter what you do and how hard you try, will simply not be convinced. Keep calm and carry on with sincere research… that’s what I’ll say!”
Now, she’s helped develop a loop- mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for detecting monkeypox, which avoids the use of expensive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines. “Therefore, the technology can be utilised in rural areas where analytical laboratories may be unavailable. I believe that an effective and reliable early warning can facilitate the actions of public- health officials in disease mitigation measures. Should monkeypox emerge in our country and this L’Oréal- UNESCO award win will definitely help in creating more awareness towards this.”
