University of Buckingham student wins AI award for pioneering research into fake malaria medicines
An innovative University of Buckingham student has won a prestigious AI award for developing technology that could help save lives by detecting counterfeit malaria medicines using just a smartphone.
Jean D'Amour Kwizera, a final-year undergraduate Computing student, has been recognised with the Overt STEM AI Impact Award for his groundbreaking research into how artificial intelligence could help tackle one of the world's most serious public health challenges.
His project explores whether a simple smartphone photograph could help identify counterfeit antimalarial tablets, potentially offering an affordable and accessible screening tool for communities where sophisticated laboratory testing is out of reach.
Counterfeit medicines are a major global health threat, with an estimated 267,000 deaths linked to falsified antimalarial treatments. Fake medicines can contain little or none of the active ingredients needed to treat the disease, leaving patients believing they are receiving effective treatment while their condition deteriorates.
Jean's research focuses on Coartem, one of the most widely used malaria treatments in sub-Saharan Africa and a frequent target for counterfeiters.
While existing detection methods often rely on checking packaging, expensive laboratory equipment or destructive testing, Jean set out to explore a simpler alternative: could artificial intelligence distinguish a genuine tablet from a fake using an ordinary smartphone camera?
His system analyses photographs of tablets, checking image quality before examining the tiny lettering and markings stamped onto each pill. Although counterfeiters can often replicate a tablet's colour and shape, the smallest details can be much harder to reproduce accurately.
Using machine learning, the technology learns to recognise the characteristics of genuine tablets and flags those that appear suspicious.
To test his approach, Jean created a dataset of 1,500 photographs, including simulated counterfeit tablets. In early trials involving previously unseen simulated fakes, different lighting conditions and cameras, the system successfully identified around half of the counterfeits while correctly recognising approximately 94% of genuine tablets.
Although still at the proof-of-concept stage, the research demonstrates the potential for AI-powered technology to provide an additional screening tool in areas where access to specialist equipment is limited.
The technology is not intended to replace pharmacists or laboratory testing, but could eventually help people identify suspicious medicines and seek professional advice.
Jean's achievement is the culmination of 10 months of determined research, experimentation and problem-solving, supported by his project supervisor, Dr Nasir Ibrahim.
Reflecting on his award, Jean said: "This award represents 10 months of my final year, filled with long days, challenges, setbacks, and moments of starting over. There were times when things didn't go to plan, but I kept trying and gave it my best. Much of that effort happens quietly, so to have that journey recognised like this is something I'm genuinely grateful for. It means a lot."
He added: "Special thanks to my project supervisor Dr Nasir Ibrahim for believing in this project and guiding me every step of the way. Thank you to the School of Computing for the encouragement and opportunities throughout my degree."
Dr Nasir Ibrahim praised Jean's determination and the wider significance of his research. "This award is a testament to Jean’s hard work, dedication and perseverance and a recognition of the potential impact of Jean's contribution towards addressing a timely global health challenge."
Jean's success highlights the University of Buckingham's commitment to nurturing innovation, encouraging independent thinking and supporting students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.