Invitation to Apply for a Natural Products Chemistry Training and Development Programme

The Technical Secretariat (hereinafter “the Secretariat”) of the OPCW wishes to inform Member States that it will hold a natural products chemistry training and development programme in 2012. This is a pilot initiative and will receive funding support from the government of the Kingdom of Norway. It is scheduled to be held at the Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia, from 2 to 17 July 2012.

As the African region has a rich diversity and wealth of natural products, their chemical analysis and product development would support economic and technological development in the region in line with Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention (hereinafter “the Convention”). The programme is thus designed to provide a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, making full use of available technical facilities by providing a practical, hands-on approach on pilot plants.

The programme will provide participants with real case studies on how existing herbal-related small and medium enterprises operate. Participants will also be taken on field trips and will visit existing operating plants so that they can gain an understanding of the herbal industry and its potential, and develop project proposals.

The training programme is designed to assist qualified natural products chemists and scientists from Member States in Africa to:

1. acquire further experience and practical knowledge of chemical research in natural products development;
2. enhance national capacities in African Member States by offering training to personnel from industry, academic institutions, and government laboratories; and
3. provide sound knowledge in product development practices.