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 pest since 1972. Special attention was given
to mosquitoes species which are vectors of many dreaded disease of mankind such as dengue, filariasis,
malaria and Japanese encephalitis. Due to the growing important 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 80 research grants totaling more than USD 6 million
from government and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and multinational pesticide
industries. These grans are used to conduct basic and applied researches on vectors and urban pests. In recognition of
the research and training activities, the university established a separate entity for the research group and named in
the VECTOR CONTROL RESEARCH UNIT (VCRU) at the Penang Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia as of 1 October 1991.
