Post by Bernkop Group

We were delighted to welcome back Aamir Jalil to Innsbruck over the past three months for a #researchvisit. 🎉 Aamir completed his PhD with us in 2020 with the thesis “Novel multifunctional excipients for the design of innovative formulations to optimize mucosal delivery of antimicrobials.” Now an Assistant Professor, he returned to his Alma Mater to collaborate with our group once again. Below, Aamir shares his own insights into his stay! My name is Dr. Aamir Jalil, working as Assistant Professor at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. I joined the lab at Universität Innsbruck from June to August 2025 and had the opportunity to conduct research at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology under the supervision of Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch, through the support of the Ernst Mach Grant, Nachbetreuungsstipendium/EZA funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research and administered by OeAD-GmbH – Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung. My research focused on the development of pharmaceutical excipients to improve drug delivery systems targeting antimicrobial resistance (#AMR)—a growing global health challenge. Specifically, I worked on the characterization of thiolated sodium alginate, a mucoadhesive and functional polymer that I previously also worked on. What made this stay truly special was the chance to work in a high-tech lab, alongside a team of researchers who are just as passionate about drug delivery and polymers as I am. I had hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques, took part in scientific discussions, and explored exciting new ideas for improving how drugs can be delivered more effectively and safely. But this exchange was more than just time in the lab – it was a true academic and cultural bridge. Working with Prof. Bernkop-Schnürch’s group helped me see new possibilities for research and collaboration. We’re already planning to co-author publications and work on future joint projects. The knowledge, friendships, and collaborations I gained during these three months will stay with me for a long time. I returned to Pakistan with fresh energy, new skills, and the motivation to apply what I’ve learned to real-world problems back home. I’m deeply grateful to OeAD and the Austrian government for supporting international research in such a meaningful way. This experience reminded me how science truly transcends borders—and how collaboration can spark innovation in ways we don’t always expect. #DrugDelivery #PharmaceuticalSciences #Excipients #AMR #GlobalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #ResearchCollaboration #InternationalResearch #InnovationThroughCollaboration #AssistantProfessor #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfScience