Faculty of Pharmacy (FARMASI) Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully organised the International Summer School on Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences: From Experimental Pharmacology to Natural Product Research from 15–22 May 2026, welcoming delegates from Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (KMCT) College of Pharmacy. The international academic program brought together six pharmacy students and one faculty member from India in a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening global engagement in pharmaceutical education, research, and intercultural exchange.
This summer school served as an important platform to enhance scientific collaboration between Indonesia and India in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The program combined academic lectures, laboratory immersion, cultural experiences, and student interaction to provide participants with comprehensive international exposure.
Participants explored various research facilities and laboratories, including pharmaceutical technology, phytochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and cosmetology laboratories. Through these activities, students gained direct insight into contemporary pharmaceutical research and laboratory practices at UNHAS.
The academic sessions also featured distinguished researchers from UNHAS, including Muhammad Aswad, PhD, who presented advances in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research, as well as Yulia Yusrini Djabir, PhD, who shared insights into drug efficacy and medication safety research. These sessions fostered scientific discussion and encouraged future international research collaboration among participants.
Beyond the academic agenda, the international summer school also promoted intercultural understanding through cultural visits, traditional dance workshops, and interactions with pharmacy student organisations at UNHAS. As part of the cultural immersion program, participants from KMCT College of Pharmacy visited Fort Rotterdam, one of Makassar’s most prominent historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites. During the visit, the participants explored the historical significance of the former Dutch colonial fortress, which now functions as a cultural and educational museum preserving the legacy of the Bugis-Makassar civilisation. The cultural activities provided valuable opportunities for students to experience Indonesian traditions and local heritage while strengthening intercultural communication, friendship, and professional networks across institutions and countries, further enriching the international academic exchange experience.
The program concluded with a closing ceremony on 21 May 2026, attended by university leaders, faculty representatives, organisers, and participants. The successful implementation of the International Summer School reaffirmed the FARMASI UNHAS’ commitment to advancing internationalisation and fostering meaningful global partnerships in pharmaceutical sciences education and research.
