Sayed M. Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari, a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is currently engaged in a ground-breaking research project titled “Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Sponges against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria (AMP-MDR).” This project is supervised by Dr. Wasim Sajjad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at NUMS.
Mr. Bukhari was honoured to participate in the inaugural International Training Class on Natural Product Technology, organized by the Standing Committee on Scientific & Technological Cooperation in collaboration with Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (COMSTECH-HUCM). Held from May 6-17, 2024, this prestigious training program included intensive study sessions in Changsha, Tianjin, and Beijing, China.
The training focused on new drug discovery to combat antimicrobial resistance and biofilms, crucial in the ongoing fight against evolving pathogens. The program aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of pharmacovigilance principles and regulations, offering a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial peptides, antimicrobial metabolites, and their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer activities.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and simulation activities, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios to enhance retention and skill development. Mr. Bukhari’s participation in this training significantly enriched his understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape, particularly in new drug discovery and natural products technology.
During the training, Mr. Bukhari visited the Department of Pharmacy at Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) and various other university laboratories. He actively participated in discussions, demonstrating his keen interest and commitment to the field. He also gained hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and LCMS, and attended several seminars organized by the university.
Mr. Bukhari had the opportunity to visit different pharmaceutical industries, where he observed their processes and techniques. He also received membership from the university and established valuable collaborations with various researchers. He acknowledged Dr. Wasim Sajjad’s dedication to exploring long-term opportunities for his research group, which has been instrumental in training graduates in the latest trends in science and technology, continually inspiring the team toward new heights of academic excellence and innovation.
This experience holds great promise for NUMS students, who can benefit from similar visits, collaborations, and training sessions in the future.
