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Prof Amira Guirguis, Swansea University Medical School
A Swansea expert in substance misuse and drug detection has been appointed to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which makes recommendations to the UK government on the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs.
Amira Guirguis is professor of pharmacy at Swansea University Medical School. She is a leading academic expert on substance misuse, drug detection and novel psychoactive substances.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) advises the UK government on drug harms. It assesses substances that are being misused or could potentially cause significant health and social harms. It also conducts in-depth inquiries into aspects of drug use that are causing particular concern in the UK. It is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.
Professor Guirguis is one of ten new experts who have joined the ACMD. Their expertise spans crucial areas, including public health, law enforcement and scientific research.
As the MPharm Programme Director at Swansea University and an independent prescriber in substance use disorders, Professor Guirguis pioneered the UK’s first licensed pharmacist-led drug-checking service, bridging research, policy, and public health practice.
Her research integrates pharmacovigilance, analytical chemistry, forensic pharmacy and netnography – using online fieldwork - with a strong focus on harm reduction.
A prolific author with over 100 publications, she has supervised numerous doctoral projects and holds influential pharmacy professional and regulatory roles in the UK and Ireland, shaping education, practice, and healthcare policies. She is Chair of the Science and Research Committee of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Professor Amira Guirguis of Swansea University Medical School said:
"I am deeply honoured to be appointed to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. I look forward to contributing my expertise to tackling substance misuse use and to use my pharmacy knowledge to help shape evidence-based policies that reduce harm and improve public health. Working collaboratively with experts from diverse sectors, I aim to support the development of effective, inclusive strategies that address the challenges of drug misuse across the UK."
Dame Diana Johnson, UK government Minister for Crime and Policing, said:
“I am delighted to welcome the new members and reappoint those that have done such vital work to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
This wealth of experience will be invaluable in the council’s ability to provide evidence-based advice that helps protect our communities.”
The appointments, which commenced on 1 January 2025, have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.