The University of Karbala has earned international recognition for scientific innovation after Dr. Jalal Hassan Mohammed Abu Tahin, a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy, won a Bronze Medal representing the university and Iraq at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) in Santa Clara, California, USA.

In a statement to Karbala Now, Dr. Abu Tahin said the award was presented for his invention, titled “Novel Thiol Derivatives with Anticancer Activity.” The research focuses on the synthesis of novel thiol derivatives that demonstrate anticancer activity against cancer cells. The invention introduces an innovative chemical structure that could contribute to the development of promising therapeutic compounds for cancer treatment.

Dr. Abu Tahin emphasized that the achievement adds to the University of Karbala’s growing record of accomplishments in scientific research and innovation. He noted that the award reflects the increasing quality of the university’s research output and the ability of its academic staff to compete at international scientific and innovation forums.

He further highlighted the university’s continued support for researchers and innovators and its commitment to promoting applied scientific research that addresses health and other societal challenges. By encouraging the transformation of academic research into practical innovations with scientific and social value, the University of Karbala seeks to strengthen its role in serving the community and contributing to Iraq’s broader efforts in research, development, and innovation.

The exhibition was held under the patronage and supervision of several international institutions and organizations dedicated to intellectual property and innovation, including the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA), and the United Inventors Association of America (UIA). The event was organized in coordination with the Iraqi Inventors and Innovators Society (IIIS) and the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC).

Emad Bao