AKU Graduates its First PhD in Health Sciences

His Highness the Aga Khan awards AKU's first PhD degree to Anila Yasmeen at Convocation 2005.

Aga Khan University’s PhD programme in Health Sciences reached a milestone with the graduation of its first scholar - Dr Anila Yasmeen - at the 2005 Convocation. Dr Yasmeen’s thesis ‘The Hepatitis C Virus Persistence: Virus and Host Related Factors’ was evaluated by an external evaluator from Bonn University, Germany, and was defended successfully in the presence of internal and external evaluators. A part of her thesis was accepted for publication in the ‘Journal of Viral Hepatitis’ in 2005.

Dr Yasmeen attained Master’s and MPhil degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Karachi. In 1999, through a competitive process, she was offered a place in AKU’s PhD Programme, during the course of which she also conducted research at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, under a sponsorship programme. The research project, which formed the basis of her dissertation, was funded by a grant from the University Research Council of AKU.

AKU’s PhD programme - Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences - is designed as a four to five years course to be pursued after the completion of a Masters degree. PhD degree students are also expected to participate in laboratory research rotations during the first year and select a laboratory and dissertation mentor at the end of that year.

“AKU’s PhD in Health Sciences is unique in many ways,” observed Dr Anila Yasmeen. “It provides students with the opportunity to investigate health-related problems common in our region; a facilitative working environment that encourages them to work closely with clinicians; and the ability to critically analyse and address problems using advanced techniques. After graduating, the students are fully capable of establishing themselves as independent scientists in research institutions.”

The University appreciates the fact that the endemic problems of a region beset with financial difficulties and low development indicators can be addressed only through relevant research focusing on low cost, accessible and innovative solutions. “This would further enhance the culture of research in our country and more population-based studies related to health sciences would be carried out,” AKU President Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha noted. “Eventually, it would lead to the improvement of quality of health and play a significant role in the development of the region,” he concluded.