Karam Alali shares his experience of Uppsala Pharmacometric Summer School

Karam Alali, Ph.D. student and 2024 UPSS participant, shares his story and experience of the two weeks in Uppsala. Application for the coming summer just opened.

UPSS 2024 participant Karam Alali, originally from Syria, began his academic journey studying pharmacy and biotechnology before transitioning to pharmacometrics during his Ph.D. in Malaysia.

“The integration of math and pharmacy is what excites me most,” Karam explains. “Using programming and mathematical models to predict drug behavior felt like the perfect blend of my interests.”

“The UPSS experience was really rewarding,” he says. “I got to learn so much from experienced mentors, work with peers from all over the world, and dive into real-world challenges. It really helped me see things differently and sharpen my approach.”

The application for the 2025 summer school just opened, and Ph.D. students from around the world are encouraged to apply. Previous NONMEM experience is required, and the application consists of submitting an abstract and a poster presentation based on the abstract.

Karam’s participation in the Uppsala Pharmacometric Summer School (UPSS) was made possible by a travel and accommodation grant from Pharmetheus. “As part of the grant, he was invited to present his research at Pharmetheus’ reoccuring Scientific Meeting – a one hour slot each week dedicated to learning, knowledge sharing and discussion

“It was very rewarding to present my work to such an engaged and knowledgeable audience,” he says.

His work focuses on using population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models to compare insulin pharmacokinetics in patients with and without diabetes following acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia. The goal of his research is to improve stroke outcomes through tailored dosing strategies.

Mats Karlsson, Professor of Pharmacometrics at Uppsala University, Sweden, where he leads one of the world’s largest research groups in pharmacometrics, is highly involved in the curriculum and education provided at UPSS.

Uppsala Pharmacometric Summer School

Hosted by Uppsala University’s Department of Pharmacy, UPSS is a two-week program designed for Ph.D. students. It combines practical modeling sessions, lectures, and teamwork to develop skills in pharmacometrics. Although the course itself is free, participants must cover their own accommodation and travel expenses.

Mats Karlsson, professor of pharmacometrics at Uppsala University, has been closely involved with UPSS since its beginning.

“Our summer school is not just about sharing knowledge — it’s about encouraging collaboration and exploring new possibilities in pharmacometrics. Seeing how this field has grown — from a niche idea to a cornerstone of drug development worldwide — is incredibly gratifying. With each year, we’re building a stronger global network of researchers who will shape the future of pharmacy and medicine,” Mats Karlsson says.

Pharmetheus consultants, many of whom first attended UPSS early in their careers, contribute regularly to the program. In 2024, Dr. Niclas Jonsson presented on full random effects modeling (FREM).

UPSS fosters a sense of community through social events and group activities.

“Uppsala is such a friendly city,” Karam says. “The chance to learn and work with peers globally was a highlight of the UPSS program.”

Karam was invited to present his research at Pharmetheus’ reoccurring Scientific Meeting – a one hour slot each week dedicated to learning, knowledge sharing and discussion.

Date and location

August 11–22, 2025, Uppsala, Sweden.

Requirements

• Ph.D. students with prior NONMEM experience.
• Abstract submission and poster presentation.

Format and topics

Lectures, hands-on sessions, group work, and student presentations.

• Week 1: Covariate model building
• Week 2: PKPD modeling in NONMEM 7

Fee and grants

Free (travel, accommodation, and food not included). Travel/accommodation grants available for eligible students.

Application deadline

The application is open until March 24, 2025.

Thanks to support from Pharmetheus and PMX Africa, the program remains accessible to students from diverse regions. Join students from around the world at UPSS and grow your skills in pharmacometrics!

Apply now