Nicholas Rapa, a third year student following the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Pharmaceutical Technology, was awarded the Aurobindo Award for Best Pharmaceutical Technology Presentation at the 40^th Annual Pharmacy Symposium. Mr. Rapa's project titled " The Consistency of Herbal Teas: How do the Preparation Parameters Affect the Constitution of the Infusion?" described the method of preparation as well as resulting consistencies of five herbal teas; mint, white, sage, raspberry and maté. Such herbal teas are known for containing beneficial chemicals which have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. The infusion time and temperatures for these herbal preparations to release such chemicals was analysed.

This award is presented as part of a technical agreement between Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. (APL Swift) and the Department of Pharmacy within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta. APL Swift contributes towards student education by offering extra-mural practical sessions for undergraduate pharmaceutical technology students and providing them with valuable academic hands-on experience through site visits and observation of day-to-day processes.