Toxicology alumnus Andrew has his eyes set on a Nobel Prize

Andrew Munkuli Bambala, an alumnus of the Master's Programme in Toxicology at Karolinska Institutet (KI), aspires to win a Nobel Prize. Before joining KI, Andrew obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Zambia. He chose KI due to its renowned position in the medical field and its association with Nobel Prizes. He had always been inspired by Nobel Prize winners in science and dreamed of being in an environment where such laureates were "manufactured."

Andrew had an enriching experience at KI, both inside and outside the classroom. He appreciated the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and the opportunity to interact with classmates from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. A significant highlight for him was attending the Nobel lecture of the 2018 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine, James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo. This experience further motivated him to strive for a future Nobel Prize.

During his studies, Andrew received the "2019 års stipendium" from Farmaceuter utan Gränser - FuG Sweden for his presentation at the Swedish Human Rights Day, which he considered a step in the right direction. He also interned at the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) located within AstraZeneca in Sodertalje, working alongside experienced scientists. Additionally, as a recipient of the Swedish Institute scholarship, he had the opportunity to visit the Swedish Parliament and the United Nations Development Programme in Copenhagen. He served as the Chairperson of the board for the Network for Future Global Leaders - Karolinska Institute and welcomed numerous scholars to Sweden as a speaker.

After completing his Master's, Andrew returned to Zambia with a focus on contributing to medication safety, poison management, and environmental protection. Currently, he works as a pharmacist in the Emergency Department at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. He also lectures Pharmacy and Nutrition Science students in Toxicology at the University of Zambia. Andrew aims to establish a Poison Center at the hospital, aspiring for it to become a center of excellence in the country. Additionally, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Toxicology.

Andrew feels that his studies at KI have prepared him well for the next phase of his career. He is eager to pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to society both locally and globally.