Pakistani PhD student wins ‘Commonwealth Chemistry Award’ for research in health, wellbeing

A team led by Aqsa Arif successfully designed nanoparticles with Methylprednisolone prodrugs capabilities

Aqsa Arif, a Pakistani PhD student from the LEJ Nanotechnology Centre at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, has been awarded the poster prize in the Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) category at the prestigious 5th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters – Building Networks to Address the Goals virtual event. Competing against scholars from 28 countries, her research was recognised for its significant contribution to global sustainability and development goals.

The virtual event, organised by Commonwealth Chemistry and the Federation of Chemical Sciences Societies, UK, took place in September 2024. A spokesperson from the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, confirmed on Tuesday that Aqsa Arif is pursuing her PhD under the supervision of Dr Mujeeb-ur-Rehman at the HEJ Research Institute. This year, more than 180 abstracts from 28 countries were accepted for presentation at the event.

Arif's research, titled "Prodrugs of Methylprednisolone Nanoparticles: Effective Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Analgesic Agents," was selected by the judging panel as the winner in the SDG 3 category. She received a £200 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.

The research, led by Arif, involved the design of nanoparticles capable of delivering Methylprednisolone prodrugs. Methylprednisolone is an FDA-approved medication commonly used for the treatment of arthritis, asthma, and inflammation.

Prof. Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of the ICCBS at the University of Karachi, congratulated both Aqsa Arif and her supervisor, Dr Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, for this outstanding achievement, highlighting the growing international influence of Pakistani students in the field of science. Prof Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, and Prof  Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, also sent their congratulations to the PhD scholar.