The Master of Pharmacy Study Program at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang once again demonstrated its commitment to scientific development by holding ISHRAQ Series 1. This activity was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, online via Zoom Meeting starting at 9:00 a.m. WIB. ISHRAQ is an abbreviation of Islamic Science for Health Research Advancement & Quality which serves as a forum for scientific discussions in the field of pharmacy. This event is free and open to students, academics, researchers, and the general public interested in health and pharmacy.

Carrying the theme “Unlocking Traditional Knowledge for Next-Generation Drug Discovery”, This activity focuses on the use of traditional knowledge in the development of modern medicines. This theme was chosen in response to Indonesia's vast potential in biodiversity and culture. Through a scientific approach, it is hoped that this knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, can be developed into more standardized pharmaceutical products. This also represents a strategic step in creating drug innovations based on local wisdom.

During its implementation, ISHRAQ Series 1 featured speakers from academic circles who were competent in their fields. The material presented covered the development of natural-based drugs or ethnomedicine, mapping of traditional knowledge, and techniques metabolite profiling. Each topic is systematically presented to be easily understood by participants from various backgrounds. Furthermore, this activity serves as a means of introducing the Master of Pharmacy Study Program at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang to the wider community.

Head of the Master of Pharmacy Study Program, Dr. apt. Burhan Ma'arif ZA, M.Farm., explained that the ISHRAQ Series was designed as an expert lecture forum that presents the latest issues in the field of pharmaceutical science. This program is planned to be held in four series each year, with different material covered at each meeting. Each series represents a major branch of pharmaceutical science, such as natural products, pharmaceutical technology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmaceutical biomedicine. This way, participants can gain comprehensive insight into the drug development process from various aspects.

He further emphasized that this activity serves not only as a promotional medium for study programs but also as a space for learning and scientific discussion. In this first series, the primary focus is on the development of herbal-based medicines based on empirical community experience. This process includes ingredient identification, chemical analysis, and scientific efficacy testing. This approach is expected to bridge the gap between modern science and traditional practices long established in the community.

This theme is also inseparable from Indonesia's position as one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Furthermore, Indonesia's ethnic and cultural diversity has yielded a variety of unique traditional healing methods. This potential presents a significant opportunity for developing medicines based on local resources. Therefore, drug research and development must be conducted in a focused manner, while still adhering to empirical evidence available in the community.

The ISHRAQ Series has a distinct advantage over similar events held by many other institutions. The material presented is designed sustainably from upstream to downstream in the drug development process. Each series offers in-depth and up-to-date discussions aligned with developments in pharmaceutical science. This makes the ISHRAQ Series a scientific forum that is not only informative but also applicable.

This activity involves various universities, particularly pharmacy study programs in East Java and parts of Central Java. This involvement is expected to strengthen academic networks and collaboration between educational institutions. Furthermore, this activity provides an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the Master of Pharmacy Study Program. Thus, the ISHRAQ Series not only impacts scientific development but also institutional strengthening.

At the conclusion of the event, it is hoped that all participants will have gained tangible benefits from the material presented. The ISHRAQ Series is expected to become a sustainable platform for the development of pharmaceutical science relevant to community needs. Furthermore, this activity is also expected to encourage the development of drug innovations based on Indonesia's natural resources. Going forward, this program will continue to be implemented with more diverse and innovative themes.