Yogyakarta, September 24, 2026 — The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 9th International Conference on Pharmacy and Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences (ICPAPS 2026) on September 24–25, 2026, in Yogyakarta. With the theme “Enhancing Pharmaceutical Care and Sovereignty Through Digital Transformation,” the international conference provided a forum for academics, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from various countries to exchange knowledge and discuss developments in pharmaceutical sciences and practices in the era of digital transformation. The event also formed part of the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM’s 16th Lustrum and 80th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebrations.
In his opening remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM, Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi, M.Si., emphasized that digital transformation has become an important part of the development of the pharmacy profession. The use of technology is not only aimed at improving efficiency, but also at delivering better, safer, and more equitable healthcare services while strengthening the independence and resilience of the health system. He noted that increasingly complex health challenges require contributions and collaboration from diverse stakeholders.
A similar view was expressed by ICPAPS 2026 Program Chair, Prof. Dr. apt. Dwi Endarti, S.F., M.Sc., who emphasized that the conference was not merely a platform for presenting research findings, but also an opportunity to build networks and foster collaboration. Bringing together researchers, educators, clinicians, industry practitioners, communities, and regulators was expected to facilitate the exchange of diverse perspectives in addressing health challenges. She also encouraged participants to make the most of the various sessions and interactions throughout the conference as opportunities to share experiences and explore new avenues for collaboration.
ICPAPS 2026 featured a range of scientific sessions covering Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (PPCP); Pharmacy Education, Social and Administrative Pharmacy, and Clinical Pharmacy (PESC); Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery System (PDDS); and Herbal Medicine and Natural Products (HMNP). A variety of topics were discussed from academic, healthcare service, industry, and policy perspectives, including digital transformation in health systems, the use of health data, drug discovery, clinical pharmacy, biopharmaceutics, herbal medicine, and pharmaceutical practice.
The conference program also featured speakers from Indonesia and abroad, enriching discussions on developments and challenges in the pharmaceutical field. Through this exchange of knowledge, participants were expected to gain new insights while building connections that could develop into future research and academic collaborations.
The organization of ICPAPS 2026 also contributed to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by strengthening knowledge and innovation for healthcare services; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through knowledge exchange and capacity building; and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through innovation and the utilization of digital technology in the pharmaceutical sector. The event also supported SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international networks and collaboration.
Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM, ICPAPS 2026 served as an opportunity to celebrate achievements while expanding collaboration in addressing future developments and challenges in the pharmaceutical field. Through the theme “Enhancing Pharmaceutical Care and Sovereignty Through Digital Transformation,” the conference is expected to encourage the use of digital transformation to strengthen healthcare services, innovation, and self-reliance in the health sector.
