Between 22 and 26 November, Sechenov University hosted the International Online School ‘Identification, Development, and Standardisation of Natural Medicines’. This new training course was prepared by researchers and teachers of Sechenov University’s Institute of Pharmacy in co-operation with the Department of Strategic Development and Internationalisation.

This English-language programme was designed for senior and graduate students, residents, and teachers at foreign medical and pharmaceutical universities. The participants included Guangdong Pharmaceutical University (Guangzhou, China), South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (Shymkent, Kazakhstan), Belarusian State Medical University (Minsk, Belarus), and Vitebsk State Medical University (Vitebsk, Belarus).

The course was delivered by:

·         Prof David William Morton (Arzamastsev Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov University; Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia);

·         Prof Nikolai Friesen (Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov University; Scientific Director, University of Osnabrück Botanical Garden, Germany);

·         Prof Snezana Agatonovic-Kustrin (Arzamastsev Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov University; Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia).

During the training sessions, the participants learnt about:

·         new approaches to the identification of natural sources of biologically active compounds;

·         development of medicinal products from natural materials;

·         molecular genetic methods used to study medicinal plants;

·         pharmacopoeial requirements for medicinal plants and herbal medicines;

·         and newest standardisation methods.

‘This is the second time that we have organised this International School for the students and employees at partner universities’, said Prof Galina Ramenskaya, Director of the Institute of Pharmacy. ‘These training sessions explored the research themes in which our staff are well recognised internationally’.

‘The online school attracted more than 100 participants. The lectures delivered by our associate professors — Dmitry Bokov, Vladimir Gegechkori, and Natalya Solovyova — were very interesting for the attendees’, added Prof Galina Ramenskaya.

‘It was a very rewarding experience. I learnt more about current research in the field of herbal medicines, and I was also happy to practice my English’, said Valeria Fomenko who is a 5th-year student at the Institute of Pharmacy.

Foreign guests also praised the event.

‘Herbal medicines are very promising for the medical practice’, said Prof Saule Ordabayeva, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry at South Kazakhstan Medical Academy. ‘These lectures showcased the effectiveness, safety, and quality of herbal preparations. Our Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry at South Kazakhstan Medical Academy is very thankful to the lecturers and organisers of this online school at Sechenov University’.