I participated in the 6th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters: Building Networks to Address the Goals, which was held online from 1–2 October 2025. This event brought together chemists from across the Commonwealth to address challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the only virtual chemistry poster event delivered by and for Commonwealth countries, it provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking with researchers working on similar and complementary challenges.

I presented my poster under the Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) theme. The poster was based on my recently published article in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science titled “Alginate–Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Chrysin, Curcumin, and Montmorillonite for Wound Healing Applications”, which stemmed from my undergraduate research conducted at the IMU University as part of my Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) degree.

My research focused on the development of a natural hydrogel-based wound dressing designed to improve antibacterial activity, mechanical stability, and drug release. The project demonstrated promising outcomes for advanced wound care applications and highlighted the potential of combining naturally derived polymers with bioactive compounds.

This project was completed during the final six months of my studies under the PMS-G medicine programme at IMU. The programme’s hybrid learning structure, which covered research fundamentals, study design and methodology, SPSS, and molecular tools in biomedical research, was instrumental in preparing me for laboratory-based research. With structured teaching and close supervision, I was able to complete a full experimental research project within six months, despite having no prior laboratory experience.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors Dr Then Yoon Yee, Dr Liew Yun Khoon, Dr Lim Wei Meng, and Dr Wong Lai Chun for their guidance, encouragement, and continuous support throughout my research journey. I would also like to extend special thanks to my colleague, Dr Ong Zhi Wei, whose role was crucial in transforming my research into a publication and poster presentation.

Finally, I am deeply grateful to my parents for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their encouragement, particularly during challenging periods in the laboratory, played a vital role in helping me complete this project.

Participating in the 6th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters was a highly rewarding experience that strengthened my interest in research and reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global health challenges.

Submitted by Siddhant Kaushik/ Dr Then Yoon Yee