Today, April 27, the Faculty of Biology and Ecology at the National University of Uzbekistan hosted an international scientific seminar organized by the “Young Biochemists” club. The event focused on one of the most pressing issues in modern biomedicine: “Schizophrenia: Secrets of the Brain and How to Discover New Drugs Using Artificial Intelligence.”

The keynote speaker was Erkin Shukhratovich Kurganov, PhD, a researcher at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and a member of international societies in neuroscience, physiology, and biophysics. Dr. Kurganov provided evidence-based insights into the imbalance of dopamine and glutamate systems in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, as well as the critical roles of genetic and epigenetic factors.

A significant portion of the seminar was dedicated to the revolutionary role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the pharmaceutical industry. Key takeaways included:

• AI significantly accelerates the identification of new drug molecules by analyzing vast amounts of complex biological data.

• This technology not only saves time but also ensures high precision in enhancing the efficacy of medications.

This international dialogue served as a vital platform for young scientists and students to explore cutting-edge scientific advancements and expand international academic collaboration. The seminar was attended by T. Khojiev, Vice-Rector for Youth Affairs and Spiritual-Educational Work at NUUz, along with faculty members, graduate, and undergraduate students from Gulistan and Karshi State Universities, who participated remotely via Zoom.