Using a BPS bursary to attend a CNPHARS-IUPHAR High Training Course, China

At the start of July 2024, if someone had told me I’d be traveling abroad by the end of the month for a training course, I would have laughed it off. After all, I hadn’t left the UK since the onset of COVID-19. So, you can imagine my surprise when, following my application a few days earlier, I received an email from the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) informing me that I’d been awarded a bursary to attend a one-week training program in China.
 
My journey with the BPS began in 2019 when my PhD supervisor, Prof. Amos Fatokun, first introduced me to the Society. Since then, I’ve been an active member, participating in three BPS annual Pharmacology meetings, where I’ve had the opportunity to present my research through posters and an oral presentation. As a member, I regularly receive emails from the BPS about various events and opportunities. One such email, which I was particularly excited to see, offered bursaries for early career researchers to attend the CNPHARS-IUPHAR High Training Course on Pharmacology of Natural Products and Traditional Medicines in Qingdao, China, from July 23-26, 2024. Having recently completed my PhD at Liverpool John Moores University in Cancer Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, focusing on novel therapeutics development for targeted cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases —particularly from natural products —this opportunity seemed tailor-made for me.
 

Me in Qingdao, China

Thanks to the prompt and efficient assistance from the BPS Team in providing all the necessary documentation, I was able to secure my travel arrangements quickly and smoothly. The journey from Liverpool to Qingdao was a long one, with two stopovers, but my excitement about both the training course and my first visit to China made it thoroughly enjoyable. Upon arriving at the venue, I was warmly welcomed with a reception from the host, who were incredibly accommodating and eager to assist, especially with communication, given the language barrier. Despite my best efforts at preparing for my first trip to China, my crash course in the local customs fell short, as none of my downloaded apps worked. However, the friendly hosts and fellow event participants were more than helpful in guiding me.
 
The first day of the international event was engaging, with over 100 participants and a rich array of guest speakers from around the world. That evening, we were treated to a welcome dinner hosted by Prof. Yongxiang Zhang, the CNPHARS President, and Prof. Guanhua Du, an IUPHAR Executive Committee member. The rest of the training was filled with themed lectures and discussion sessions on various topics related to natural products and traditional medicines. I particularly enjoyed the lectures and discussions led by Prof. Caroline Samer (Chair of the IUPHAR Clinical Division, Switzerland) and Prof. Henry H. Sun, which focused on drug discovery and clinical trials involving natural products and traditional medicines (TM).
 

One of the many session highlights from the workshop.

One of the highlights for me during these sessions was learning about recent advancements, such as the use of AI in natural product and TM drug discovery. For instance, the use of virtual humans to screen new drug candidates before animal studies or human trials, which can predict clinical success or failure of a potential drug candidate with up to 84.4% accuracy. This approach could have a significant positive impact on both drug discovery time and costs, helping to identify potential safety risks early in the process.
 
Beyond the training, I had the privilege of exploring the beautiful coastal city of Qingdao in the company of Prof. Ingolf Cascorbi, Prof. Valerie Schini-Kerth, Dr. Vanessa Minervini, Dr. Makhotso Lekhooa, and our wonderful hosts, Lily and Ma, who served as our city guides. We visited major attractions like the Zhan Bridge, May 4th Square, Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre, Tsingtao Brewery, and Golden Sand Beach. I also had the opportunity to network with guest speakers and participants, many of whom I’ve since connected with on LinkedIn.


I had an amazing time exploring the city with my peers and our hosts!
 
Reflecting on the experience, attending the CNPHARS-IUPHAR Advanced Training Course was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and culturally. I’m already considering how to incorporate some of the insights I gained into my next pharmacology and drug discovery project. I’m deeply grateful to the BPS for the bursary award that made this journey possible, and to the event organisers for their exceptional hospitality.
 
The BPS offers bursaries to support members when attending meetings. Learn more about bursaries.
Find out more about becoming a member, including free membership for undergraduates.

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