Malaysia celebrates a momentous achievement as Dr. Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi becomes the first Malaysian-based scientist to be inducted into The Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s esteemed national academy of sciences. This historic milestone not only honours her decades of scientific contributions but also places Malaysia firmly on the global map of excellence in research and innovation.

The Royal Society’s 2025 cohort includes trailblazing researchers from around the world whose work spans artificial intelligence, neuroscience, global health, and more. Among them stands Dr. Ravigadevi, whose groundbreaking work in biochemistry and her leadership in scientific innovation have earned her a place alongside some of history’s most influential scientific figures, including Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin.

Born in Johor Bahru in 1955 and now residing in Petaling Jaya, Dr. Ravigadevi will mark her 70th birthday in London this July, just two days after officially signing the Royal Society’s Charter Book, a historic document that has captured the signatures of scientific luminaries for over three centuries. Dr. Ravigadevi earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology from Universiti Malaya in 1979, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London in 1983.

Today, she serves as a scientific consultant at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), where her leadership has driven significant research in the biological and environmental sciences. She also heads the Biological, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences division at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and serves on several national science and innovation boards. Despite the personal recognition, Dr. Ravigadevi remains grounded and humble, attributing her success to teamwork and global collaboration.

“This is a shared honour with the exceptional team I had the privilege of leading at MPOB,” she said. “True scientific advancement rarely happens in isolation. Our breakthroughs were the result of seamless partnerships and a deep, shared commitment to advancing science for the benefit of humanity and the planet.”

Her induction into The Royal Society stands as a beacon of inspiration, not just for Malaysian scientists, but for aspiring researchers across the region. Dr. Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi is undoubtedly one of them. This is a proud and powerful moment for her, and for the nation.

Source / Image Credit : The Star , MOSTA