Medan, 21 Juli 2026 - The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) successfully hosted the International Summer Course of Pharmacy (ISCP) 2026, which took place from June 17 to June 25, 2026. Aligned with the theme "Towards a Sustainable Smoke-Free Generation," this academic program served as a global platform for pharmacy students and professionals to converge, exchange expertise, and develop innovative solutions to contemporary public health challenges, with a specific focus on tobacco control. The year’s edition welcomed a diverse cohort of international participants from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tanzania. This program was meticulously structured to provide a holistic learning experience, integrating rigorous academic sessions with practical pharmaceutical development and impactful community engagement.
In her activity report, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Sumaiyah, M.Si., Apt., detailed the framework and objectives of the event. She highlighted that this program was meticulously structured to provide a holistic learning experience, integrating rigorous academic sessions with practical pharmaceutical development and impactful community engagement. She emphasized that the collaboration among international delegates aims to spark long-lasting global networks and foster innovative pharmaceutical solutions to accelerate the creation of a sustainable, smoke-free environment.
A key highlight of the academic curriculum was a specialized workshop dedicated to natural product formulation. Participants engaged in the "Formulation of Gummy Candies: Utilizing Lemongrass, Ginger, and Black Pepper as a Smoking Cessation Aid" This session challenged students to apply traditional pharmacological knowledge alongside modern drug delivery systems, fostering the development of practical, natural alternatives to assist in nicotine cessation. Complementing the laboratory work, participants conducted community outreach programs centered on health advocacy. By distributing informative materials and engaging directly with the local community, students aimed to raise awareness regarding the health risks associated with smoking and empower the public with strategies for a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle. These initiatives were pivotal in reinforcing the program’s commitment to a sustainable, smoke-free future.
Beyond the classroom, the ISCP 2026 program incorporated an immersive field trip to Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. This excursion was designed to foster international camaraderie and cultivate an appreciation for environmental conservation. Participants observed the ongoing efforts to protect Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, emphasizing the correlation between human health and the preservation of natural habitats. The field trip also featured trekking and river tubing, offering participants a unique insight into Sumatra’s rich biodiversity. The experience concluded with a cultural culinary exploration, where participants sampled indigenous fruits, including the renowned durian. This shared experience was essential in strengthening the bonds among the international cohort, effectively transforming them into a cohesive global network.
The success of ISCP 2026 underscores the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara's dedication to advancing pharmaceutical sciences on the international stage. Through this program, participants earned academic credit while experiencing the academic standards and cultural hospitality of USU. This initiative acts as a catalyst for future research collaborations and student exchanges, firmly positioning the Faculty of Pharmacy, USU, as a distinguished destination for international pharmaceutical education. By blending community-focused pharmaceutical innovation with cultural and environmental engagement, ISCP 2026 provides a robust model for future academic programs. Participants departed not only with enhanced technical competencies but also with a global network and a profound commitment to public health and environmental sustainability. For prospective students and international researchers, ISCP 2026 demonstrates that USU is at the forefront of addressing global health crises through science and social responsibility.
The International Summer Course of Pharmacy (ISCP) 2026 reflects the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara’s commitment to fostering global collaboration. By integrating clinical innovation, community advocacy, and environmental stewardship, this program directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on smoking cessation and tobacco control, and SDG 4 (Quality Education), by providing a platform for international knowledge exchange. Furthermore, by emphasizing the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity during field activities the program aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land). Most importantly, through the successful engagement of participants from countries including Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tanzania, ISCP 2026 exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening global academic networks and cross-border cooperation. Ultimately, ISCP 2026 has successfully equipped the next generation of pharmacists with the necessary tools to lead collective efforts towards a sustainable, smoke-free world.
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