Three sisters from Iran celebrated their academic journey in pharmacy from the University of Sunderland.
Zohreh, Zahra and Fatemeh Taghipour had moved to Sunderland from Oman in 2024 to study MSc Drug Discovery and Development at the university.
Now, Zohreh and Zahra have graduated from the university, while Fatemeh will graduate early next year.
Growing up in Iran, all three sisters were inspired to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Zahra said, “Our interest in pharmacy began very early in our childhood. The street opposite our home had a large warehouse for Darou Pakhsh, one of Iran’s most respected pharmaceutical companies.
“Naturally, we became curious about what was happening there. Our father, who was very passionate about pharmacy himself, explained that this was a pharmaceutical company involved in storing and distributing medicines. Those early experiences sparked a lasting curiosity in all three of us.”
Zohreh, Zahra and Fatemeh began their academic journeys in Pune, India, where they studied pharmacy.
Though Zohreh graduated first, the sisters experienced what it was like to study together as a family.
Zahra said, “Hearing about Zohreh’s experiences, the subjects she studied, and the excitement she had for the field inspired us.
"When the time came, both Fatemeh and I applied to the same university and followed her footsteps, motivated not only by our passion for pharmacy but also by the chance to share this journey together."
After graduating, all three sisters worked in the pharmaceutical sector until they decided to pursue higher studies and chose the University of Sunderland.
Dr John Lough, Programme Leader for MSc Drug Discovery and Development at the University, said: “Our overseas students do so much to enrich both the University and our local community.
“The Taghipour sisters are perfect examples of this - they are model students and a real credit to their family. Zohreh and Zahra did excellent project work last summer, and I look forward to following the successes of Fatemeh.”
