PhD candidate attends prestigious neuropharmacology school

HONOURED: Elias Chipofya

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Elias Chipofya, a PhD candidate at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), was awarded a prestigious travel scholarship and recently attended the 2nd School on Neuropharmacology Research and Drug Development in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The programme was organised and sponsored by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) through the African Regional Committee (ARC), in collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe's Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The school provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental pharmacological principles and practices required for researching potential neuroactive compounds. This knowledge and skillset will empower them to transform traditional natural compounds into potent therapeutic agents or preventive strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative treatments and preventions for neurological disorders.

Elias, who is supervised by Dr Taskeen Docrat and Prof Jeanine L. Marnewick, expressed deep gratitude for receiving the travel scholarship, acknowledging it as a testament to his dedication and hard work in neuroscience research. “This transformative experience allowed me to learn cutting-edge techniques in neuropharmacology and network with leading experts in the field. I am excited to apply this newfound knowledge to my research on Rooibos and its potential neuroprotective effects.”

Docrat, his main supervisor, added: “The scholarship will open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, propelling his research to new heights”.

Elias' research focuses on the protective effects of Rooibos herbal tea, a topic of growing interest. With limited knowledge on how Rooibos affects the brain, his research aims to uncover the neuroprotective mechanisms of its antioxidant compounds to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. "By understanding these mechanisms, we may develop novel preventive strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide," said Docrat.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za

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PhD candidate attends prestigious neuropharmacology school