Ross garners third medal for scientific collaboration

Samir Ross displays a bronze medal from Kazakhstan.

amir Ross, professor of pharmacognosy and research professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi, was recently awarded a Bronze Medal from Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The honor was presented to Ross for scientific collaboration with the university’s pharmacy school, which includes giving seminars and supervising graduate students. Ross traveled to Kazakhstan in April to accept the prestigious award.

In addition to his work in Kazakhstan, Ross frequently supervises Kazakh University students in Mississippi.

“A number of Kazakh students have visited the National Center for Natural Products Research for research training under Dr. Ross, with support from the Kazakhstan government,” said Larry Walker, NCNPR director. “This is an important collaboration, and I congratulate Dr. Ross on being recognized for this work.”

Ross has produced more than 220 publications over the course of his career and owns 11 patents related to his research.

“I was also recognized for my research in the area of natural products,” Ross said. “I have been working in this area for almost four decades.”

This is not the first time Ross has been recognized by Kazakh University. In 2012, he received a Gold Medal from the institution – its highest honor. His other awards include a Silver Medal from the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno in the Czech Republic in 2013 and the UM School of Pharmacy’s Faculty Research Award in 2009.

Ross said he is thankful to Kazakh University for the award and credited UM for supporting his research.

“It is such an honor to receive an award from the top medical university in Kazakhstan,” he said. “This recognition means a great deal to me. I would not have received it without the support and encouragement from my colleagues at the School of Pharmacy and National Center for Natural Products Research.”

Kazakh National has been recognized as the No. 1 medical institute in Kazakhstan. The medal honors S.D. Asfendiyarov, the university’s first rector.