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Welcome to the Global PharmEd OPTIMISE Research (GPOR) Network, an international collaborative platform hosted by Ulster University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, dedicated to advancing pharmacy practice and education through global innovation, research excellence, and evidence-based impact.
Vision
Advancing global health through collaborative innovation in pharmacy education and practice
To transform global pharmacy practice and education through collaborative innovation, building bridges between academic excellence and real-world healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and advance pharmaceutical care.
Mission
Our mission is to address global gaps in pharmacy education, workforce readiness, and medicine optimisation by fostering international partnerships, driving innovation in digital health technologies, and promoting quality and equitable access to pharmaceutical care across diverse healthcare systems.
Key Activities
Research & Innovation
- Coordinated support for international PhD researchers.
- Collaborative research initiatives (global and country-specific).
- Evidence-based practice development: medicines optimisation protocols, research instruments and policy white papers.
Training & Consultancy
- Responsible AI integration.
- Telepharmacy and digital health.
- Medicine optimisation and therapeutic assessment.
- Innovation in clinical pharmacy practice and assessment.
Research Partnerships
- Exploring opportunities for developing research partnerships (country-specific).
- Initiating work on institutional research agreements.
- Coordinating joint-research grant applications and external supervisions.
Strategic Fit & Advisory Panel
The GPOR Network addresses:
- Global gaps in pharmacy education, workforce readiness, and medicine optimisation.
- Ulster University strengths in digital health, pharmacotherapy, and cross-border education and capacity building.
- International priorities for scalable pharmacy education and equitable medicines optimisation.
Prof. Paul McCarron
Head of School
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ulster University
Prof. Barry Bleidt
Adjunct Professor
Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Institute of Public Health
Prof. Hasniza Huri
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International)
Universiti Malaya
Working Groups and Key Focus Areas
The examples under the working group serve to provide an overview of general research themes. However, these examples are not conclusive and are subject to change on an annual basis.
Examples of potential research collaboration areas:
- Digital health literacy development for pharmacy students.
- AI-enhanced learning platforms and adaptive curricula.
- PGx in pharmacy curriculum from international perspectives.
- Virtual simulation environments for clinical practice.
- Telepharmacy education and training.
Examples of potential research collaboration areas:
- Quality Use of Medicines.
- LMIC-focused treatment protocols for chronic diseases.
- Pharmacist-led medicines optimisation protocols.
- Access to essential medicines in underserved populations.
- Medication adherence and patient-reported outcomes.
Examples of potential research collaboration areas:
- Evidence-based clinical pharmacy practice development.
- Academic-practice partnerships.
- Innovative service delivery models.
- Quality improvement in pharmaceutical care.
Partnerships and Funding
GPOR brings together leading institutions and organisations from across the globe to create a comprehensive network of excellence in pharmacy education and practice.
Our network currently spans multiple regions with dedicated regional leads coordinating activities across more than 10 countries.
Our network continues to expand, with new regional partnerships being established regularly.
As we strive to ensure effective and impactful partnerships, we have annual capacity to accept new partners or projects.
New partnerships will be discussed based on the project's novelty and impact, previous work and existing partnerships in the same country.
Network Leadership and Contact
Dr. Mohamed Elnaem
GPOR Network Founder & Chair
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ulster University
Dr Mohamed Elnaem
Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy
Expression of Interest
Ready to collaborate?
We welcome expressions of interest from institutions, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing global pharmacy education and practice.
Whether you're interested in joining our network, exploring partnership opportunities, or learning more about our initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact us today to discover how we can work together to advance global pharmacy practice and education.
Global PharmEd OPTIMISE Research Network
Advancing Global Health Through Collaborative Pharmacy Innovation
