**Prof. Dr. Sammer Yousuf Visits Universitas Sumatera Utara to Advance Scientific Collaboration under COMSTECH Program**
Prof. Dr. Sammer Yousuf, a distinguished scholar from the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry at the University of Karachi, recently visited Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) in Indonesia as part of the COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar Program. The visit aimed to foster academic cooperation and promote scientific research among institutions in the Muslim world.
During her stay, Prof. Yousuf initiated her academic exchange with a productive meeting involving USU’s vice rector and the director of IGP, laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations. She engaged with faculty and students across multiple departments, focusing on current scientific advancements.
Prof. Yousuf delivered a specialized lecture at the Faculty of Pharmacy titled “Crystal Engineering: A Promising Approach to Modify Biological Activities.” In her talk, she highlighted how crystal engineering can be utilized to modify and enhance the biological properties of pharmaceutical compounds, offering innovative approaches for drug development.
At the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Yousuf presented her work on “Medicinal Plant-Based Anti-Leishmanial Leads.” She emphasized the significance of natural products and medicinal plants in the search for new treatments against leishmaniasis, a serious parasitic disease affecting millions worldwide.
The visit underscores the strong commitment of OIC-COMSTECH and Universitas Sumatera Utara to strengthening academic ties and advancing scientific research across OIC member states. The collaboration also highlights the roles of the ICCBS-University of Karachi, the Indonesian Consulate in Karachi, and Indonesia’s academic institutions in Islamabad in facilitating international scientific exchanges.
