I am applying to participate in the Hong Kong Laureate Forum because I believe it offers a unique platform to exchange ideas with global peers, gain diverse perspectives, and explore cutting-edge developments across scientific disciplines. Engaging in discussions with fellow researchers and experts from different backgrounds will enrich my research approach, spark new collaborations, and broaden the potential applications of my work.

My work focuses on integrating indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants with modern nanotechnological methods to enhance their efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer. This interdisciplinary approach not only aims to develop more effective and accessible therapies but also advocates for the validation and preservation of traditional knowledge systems. Participating in this forum would also allow me to share my findings on the promising synergy between natural compounds and nanotechnology, and to contribute to conversations on sustainable, culturally respectful innovations for medical applications. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to learn from international leaders in science and, present my research to a global audience.
I am confident that my academic background, research experience, and passion for scientific collaboration make me a strong candidate for the forum, and I also look forward to contributing meaningfully to its community.

Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University

Ms-Z-Pali-Recommendation-Letter.pdf

Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in women globally. Conventional breast cancer therapies are also associated with drawbacks, such as poor bioavailability, multidrug resistance, and systemic toxicity. Therefore, my doctoral research focuses on the development of novel nanotherapeutic systems by integrating bioactive compounds derived from indigenous medicinal plants with advanced nanotechnology for the treatment of breast cancer.
This study involves the synthesis and characterization of plant-based gold nanoparticles for their anticancer properties, such as cytotoxicity, cell death mechanism, reactive oxygen species activity, cellular uptake, and localization in breast cancer cell lines to enhance stability, targeted delivery, and therapeutic efficacy. Due to their unique characteristics, gold nanoparticles are promising drug delivery agents because they can easily penetrate cancer cells and accumulate at the tumor site without affecting healthy tissues. Plants are advantageous for nanoparticle synthesis because they are natural products, less toxic, and contain a wide range of phytochemicals with high efficacy, and enhance nanoparticle stability. This green approach aims to overcome limitations associated with conventional therapies while simultaneously validating and preserving traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge. This innovation will also have a positive impact in addressing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which promotes good health and well-being for all.