As part of the effort in inspiring young minds to pursue research, researchers at the Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) group have been actively hosting local and international students (Indonesia, Pakistan and Spain) for short research attachment or research stint since 2014. Recently, the research group has had the privilege to host two pharmacy students from France, Claudiane Elina Tiffany Lequertier (Université Paris-Saclay) and Manon Marie Agathe Rampal (Université de Rennes), for a one-month (31st of July 2023 – 25th August 2023) research attachment under the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) organised by the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) in collaboration with the Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA).

Their research activities revolved around a simple project entitled “Antimicrobial and wound healing effects of postbiotics derived from lactic acid bacteria in vitro”, which was designed to expose them to various cell culture techniques, Sulforhodamine B and scratch assays. To provide them with a full research experience, we also guided them in terms of research logbook maintenance, data analysis, and interpretation as well as report writing. In addition to hands-on experience at the laboratory, we arranged an interactive session between Claudiane, Manon and our BPharm final year project students, Jeannete Anak Richard Engkasan, Hanisah Basyirah Binti Mohd Rafi, Wardina Binti Wirasari and Nur Alia Adriana Binti Mohd Alias, just so that the students could have an opportunity to exchange ideas and share experiences. The students had a wonderful time interacting with each other.

Coincidentally, the PHARM-IIDEx 2023 “Empowered by Innovation” innovation/ invention competition (16th of August 2023) took place during the research attachment and we encouraged Claudiane and Manon to attend the event for exposure to the innovation/ invention component of research. Claudiane and Manon were delighted to visit the various booths for their innovative products.

Besides, Claudiane and Manon also had the opportunity to tour the Pilot Plant at the Faculty of Pharmacy UiTM. Both students were excited to see the actual facility which they had learned during their lectures. Overall, the short research attachment was well received by both Claudiane and Manon. More importantly, it has benefited not only Claudiane and Manon, but also our very own students in the form of new friendships fostered through cultural exchange via food and languages amongst others.