INTERNATIONAL 19^th UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The 19th International UMR Conference was successfully held on April 15–16, 2026, at Peshawar Medical College under the inspiring theme, “Charting the Cosmos of Knowledge: from Research to Reality.” The conference brought together medical, dental, and allied health students from across Pakistan and internationally, fostering a dynamic environment for research dissemination, academic competition, and professional skill development.
The conference was inaugurated on April 15th by the distinguished Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, whose presence highlighted the institution’s persistent commitment to undergraduate research excellence. The scientific sessions were greatly enriched by a joint online plenary delivered by Prof. Dr. Anwar Hoosen (University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Dr. Yogandree Ramsamy on the critical topic, “The Essential Pathway of AMR Research in Resource-Limited Settings,” offering valuable insights into antimicrobial resistance challenges and solutions in low-resource environments.
On the second day, April 16th, Prof. Dr. Saeed Farooq (Keele University, UK) delivered an engaging plenary session on “Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: Basic Concepts and Prerequisites,” equipping delegates with foundational tools for evidence synthesis in medical research. The closing ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Israr, Secretary of the Higher Education Department (HED), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose address celebrated the achievements of young researchers and highlighted the role of undergraduate inquiry in shaping evidence-based practice. The conference hosted participants from across Pakistan and international institutions, presenting 96 research projects through poster and verbal presentations across categories including Basic & Clinical Sciences, Medical Education, Dental Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, and Public and Environmental Health, and 16 research ideas presented in the Research Idea Pitch Competition. Formal invitations were dispatched to 147 institutions nationwide and abroad, each package including a personalized cover letter, conference brochure, and promotional poster outlining the competitions and skill-development sessions. (Annex-8, 19th UMR Bulletin 2026)