Medan, August 7, 2026 — Lecturer of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Dr. apt. Henny Sri Wahyuni, S.Farm., M.Si., was invited as a speaker at the Symposium of the 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (PIT IAI), held at Hotel Santika Dyandra Medan on Friday (August 7, 2026).
During the scientific event, Dr. apt. Henny Sri Wahyuni delivered a presentation entitled “In Silico in New Drug Discovery.” The topic explored the use of computational (in silico) approaches in the process of drug discovery and development, representing an important advancement in pharmaceutical science and modern drug research.
The use of in silico methods enables researchers to study and predict potential drug compounds through computer-based approaches before proceeding to subsequent stages of research. The development of such technologies provides opportunities to support a more targeted drug discovery process and improve research efficiency in the pharmaceutical field.
Dr. apt. Henny Sri Wahyuni’s participation as a speaker at PIT IAI 2026 demonstrates the active role of academics from the Faculty of Pharmacy USU in sharing knowledge and developments in pharmaceutical science with professionals. The forum also served as a strategic platform connecting academics, practitioners, and professional organizations to discuss developments in in silico science and technology more broadly, thereby enhancing participants’ knowledge and professional competencies.
The discussion on in silico approaches to new drug discovery also demonstrates how advances in pharmaceutical science are increasingly interconnected with technological development. The in silico approach can serve as an innovative strategy in research and new drug discovery while creating opportunities for more collaborative and sustainable research development.
The topic of in silico approaches in new drug discovery is closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as the development of technologies and research methods for drug discovery can support health innovation and strengthen a research ecosystem oriented toward improving public health.
The dissemination of knowledge on in silico technology to pharmacists and participants in scientific forums also supports SDG 4: Quality Education. Scientific activities such as PIT IAI contribute to continuing professional education, enabling professionals to keep pace with developments in science and technology in the pharmaceutical field.
The use of computational approaches in drug research also reflects the importance of innovation and technological development, which is relevant to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The integration of pharmaceutical science with computational technology represents a form of innovation that has the potential to strengthen research and drug development capacity.
Furthermore, the involvement of higher education institutions and professional organizations in scientific forums supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Collaboration among academics, practitioners, professional organizations, and various stakeholders is an important factor in promoting the sustainable development of pharmaceutical science.
For USU, the participation of lecturers in national scientific forums is part of the university’s commitment to strengthening its contribution to education, research, and community service. Through the development of scientific expertise and innovation, the academic community is expected to contribute to improving public health while supporting the achievement of the SDGs at both the national and global levels.