Westminster alumni win in British Pharmacological Society Awards 2024

Andre and Georgi graduated with First Class Honours in Pharmacology and Physiology in 2024 and have been recognised by the BPS for their outstanding performance and contribution to pharmacology, respectively. Both students demonstrated a clear passion for the discipline. During their degree, they took advantage of opportunities within the University, as well as being student members of the BPS. They represented their fellow students as Course Representatives and ambassadors at Open Days, supporting their peers and enthusing new students to embark on a career in Pharmacology and Physiology.

The BPS’s Undergraduate Pharmacology Prize recognises the contributions to pharmacology made by members and increases the impact on the discipline by supporting the career progression of early career pharmacologists. The Award celebrates final year undergraduate students studying pharmacology at universities in the UK and Ireland.

Andre Gordon undertook his final dissertation with Dr Maria Ashioti, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences. His independent research project is titled A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating the Comparative Neuroprotective Efficacy of Minocycline and Memantine in Animals Models for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Throughout the project, he was able to apply his understanding of how medications work to formulate a hypothesis about their possible neuroprotective impact in stroke. He is also currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Clinical Drug Development. Andre visited Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, spending time in the Histopathology and the Clinical Chemistry departments.

Dr Maria Ashioti said: “Andre was a motivated and committed student who went above and beyond to produce an excellent piece of original research during his final year project. As his final year project supervisor, I was impressed with his knowledge of neuropharmacological drug targets and his willingness to learn new concepts and analytical techniques. Andre also went above and beyond to support and guide the other students. This external recognition for Andre’s contributions to pharmacology is very well deserved.”

Georgi Kostakev’s contribution to the promotion of pharmacology within the University was also celebrated. Georgi’s project, supervised by Dr Anthony Booker, was focused on enhancing the antimicrobial capabilities of allium sativum against Escherichia Coli, where he contributed valuable new information to the infectious disease knowledge base. Georgi investigated the antibacterial activity of Bulgarian garlic from his own country, which proved to have measurable effects. Georgi undertook a clinical placement at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana as part of his degree studies, where he spent time in the Departments of Haematology, Histopathology and Parasitology. He was also part of Westminster Working Cultures where he attended a work experience event in Singapore with speakers from Google, Sony, L’Oreal and others.

Dr Anthony Booker said: “Over the course of the project, it was clear that Georgi had a strong aptitude for research, producing some excellent work. It was a pleasure to work with him as his final year project supervisor and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Dr Stephen Getting and Dr Christopher Biggs, Co-Course Leaders of the Pharmacology and Physiology BSc Honours course, said: “As a team we are very proud of their achievements, dedication to their studies, supporting their course and enthusing new students to study. Winning these awards will allow them to utilise the skills they have developed on the course and make a difference in their chosen careers.”

Andre’s and Georgi’s work directly contribute toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about the Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses at the University.