In collaboration with the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR), University of Dundee and the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, CNPEM, we are pleased to announce the Overseas course Practical Aspects of Drug Discovery: At the Interface of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacology.
Increasingly scientists representing a variety of disciplines in leading research institutions, as well as small and medium-sized companies are leveraging their expertise to engage in early-stage drug discovery. Such drug discovery R&D requires the productive combination of multiple disciplines including biochemistry, medicinal and computational chemistry, natural products, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and project management, the breadth of which can present organisational, knowledge and competence challenges for institutions and investigators.
This interactive, lecture- and discussion-based course will give scientists of all disciplines a broad introduction to the theoretical, practical and organisational aspects of small molecule and natural product drug discovery. Each topic-based lecture mixes presentation with discussion sessions and case histories to develop the key aspects of critical disciplines and activities. Additional discussion-based sessions will build on the lectures to illustrate the strategic planning of drug discovery programmes, including the development of target product profiles, compound progression criteria, scientific strategy and the need to work collaboratively. This course will focus on the need for drug discovery in Latin America and how these approaches can be applied in the regional context and environment.
Target audience
The course is open to applicants from institutes based in Latin America and the Caribbean. The programme is aimed at researchers with a PhD and background knowledge of any discipline related to drug discovery, including biology, chemistry, pharmacology, computational chemistry and informatics.
Representatives from research institutions who want to expand upon their expertise in disease biology into early stage drug discovery and have an interest in communicable and non-transmissible Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), TB, Malaria and HIV among other diseases, are encouraged to apply. Applicants with an interest in treatments for any disease would benefit.
The course is free to attend and limited bursaries are available to cover travel and accommodation costs.