The Future of Pharma

I am originally from Iraq. I graduated from the University of Sheffield with an honour MEng degree in Chemical & Biological Engineering. In my final year, I carried out a research project in the Particle group under the supervision of Prof. Agba Salman, the project was based on using high shear wet granulation to determine the optimum process parameters required to produce a good, quality granule which affects the tablet properties such as strength, dissolution and disintegration. I have enjoyed every aspect of the project gaining a great deal of both practical and theoretical knowledge. I believe that my experiences undertaking undergraduate/Master degree has prepared me for further studies.

I joined Particle Products Group at The University of Sheffield in September 2015 to study for a PhD under the supervision of Prof Agba Salman. My research project is focused on studying the effect of Fluidized bed drying on the final properties of granules produced by Twin Screw Granulator and consequently the effect on the downstream tableting process. Beside the laboratory scale work in this project, I have got the opportunity to also work in the Diamond Pilot Plant (GEA, ConsiGma continuous tableting line), which is the first of its scale in any UK university to study the influence of fluidized bed drying on the granules and tablet attributes in larger scale.

It’s expected that the importance of the continuous manufacturing concept will increase over the coming years in pharmaceutical industry due to its lower costs and waste production, improved efficiency, increased flexibility, quick throughput and the increasing demand for solid dosage forms. Since the wet granulation is the most widespread method to enhance the properties of materials such as flowability, homogeneity and compressibility before the tabletting process, clearly the continuous wet granulation is of a paramount importance for solid dosage forms manufacturer. In this way, wet granules could be obtained and dried in a continuous manner.

The main benefit of my work is to enable industry to achieve quality and quantity of production of tablet.

In the future I am keen to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical Research & Development or related fields. I value how this profession encourages to further our understanding of pharmaceutical science. On a personal note, my family have always encouraged me to study and the conviction that studying would bring me a great personal and professional success.