Research Staff
Dr Nura ABDUL KARIM
Email Address: Nura_Abdul_Karim@nparks.gov.sg
Interests & International Engagement
Before adopting my current role as Deputy Director with responsibility for the Library, Training and External Relations, I worked firstly as a research officer in the Singapore Herbarium and later, after obtaining my doctoral degree from the University of Western Australia, I led the Plant Records Unit and then was appointed as a Deputy Director of Horticulture in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. During my stint in the Horticulture branch, I formulated the Plant Records Procedures and Policy as well as the Living Collection Policy of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
My current responsibilities are varied. For the Library, I am working towards improving and modernising the library facilities through adoption of an integrated library management system. I am also trying to create awareness of the rich Gardens’ library and archive collections by collaborating with the National Library Board (Singapore) and the Biodiversity Heritage Library (USA) and by revamping the Library’s web presence. Another of my responsibilities is to develop and manage the collaborative agreements between the Gardens and international botanical institutions. Additionally, I am one of the approving officers for the NParks research permit application. I am also in-charge of the training programmes and scheduling of overseas interns, professional staff exchange programmes for the Gardens, and the development of ad hoc study visit programmes. As part of my training remit, I am actively involved in training staff and volunteers to be docents of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Selected Publications
|
Nura Abdul Karim (2017). Oral Presentation Abstract T6-05-05: The Challenges of a botanical library in the tropics and the need for restoration and digitisation of materials. The XIX International Botanical Congress, Shenzen, China, Abstract Book 1: 508. Published online: |
|
Abdul Karim, N. (2016). Chapter 5: Collection Record Management Systems. Part C: The Plant Collection – Linchpin of the Botanic Garden. From Idea to Realisation, BGCI’s Manual on Planning, Developing and Managing Botanic Gardens: 87- 106. Published online: |
|
Yang Zhang, Adeline Ik Chian Wong, Ji’en Wu, Nura Abdul Karim, Dejian Huang (2016). Lepisanthes alata (Malay cherry) leaves are potent inhibitors of starch hydrolases due to proanthocynidins with high degree of polymerization. Journal of Functional Foods, Vol. 25: 569-578 |
|
Abdul Karim, N. (2016). Book Review: A Guide of Medicinal Plants; Book 2. Gardenwise 46: 40. |
|
Abdul Karim, N. (2015). Maintaining Singapore Botanic Gardens through contract companies (Case Study 2.3). From Idea to Realisation, BGCI’s Manual on Planning, Developing and Managing Botanic Gardens: 42. Published online: |
|
Abdul Karim, N. (2015). Cultivating Opportunities in the “Hidden Garden”. Mendaki Policy Digest 2015 (SG50 Special Edition): 246-249. |
|
Nura Abdul Karim (2012). Book Review: Forest Research Institute Malaysia: A Sanctuary for Threatened Trees, Research Pamphlet No. 130 by WSY Yong, LSL Chua, M Suhaida, B Aslina. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, Vol. 24 (2): 291-292. |
|
Ooi, G.L, Tan, B.C., Wee, Y.C. & Abdul Karim, N. (2011). Culture and Tradition. From Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development: 162-172. |
Our Other Websites
