Stressing science: Biotechnology can solve our problems, say experts

Five-day conference on computational biology conference concludes.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani scientific community should focus on Biotechnology as it can solve our energy crisis by utilising the country’s immense bio resources. This was stated by Rector International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Masoom Yasinzai while addressing the concluding ceremony of a five-day “National Conference on Computational Biology” organised by the university’s department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology in collaboration with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Pakistan Society of Computational Sciences/Biology.

Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Dr Khalil Ahmed and IIUI Vice President Academics Dr Mumtaz Ahmed were the guests of honour at the occasion.  National Cyber Security Chairman Syed Ammar Jaffer, Pakistan Society of Computational Sciences President Dr Syed Nasir Shah, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering Director General Dr Muhammad Ismail and IIUI Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Department Chairman Dr Jabar Zaman Khan Khattak also shared their views.



Yasinzai, on the topic of “Recent Advancement in Biotechnology and Computational Biology,” said biotechnology advancements can help in curing human diseases and the field has a vast scope in the future.

Speaking to students of Biotechnology, he said they have made the right choice by choosing the subject as it will lead them towards a bright future and help them undertake services for humanity. He highlighted innovations in Biotechnology and apprised participants about genetically engineered food.

Khalil briefed the audience about the achievements of PSF in various scientific developments. He urged the scientific community to keep arranging such conferences to promote research and development. He assured that the youth will be granted opportunities to obtain knowledge of the latest advancements in the field of science.



The conference, which lasted for five days, saw students of various schools, colleges and universities participate and present 20 of their projects. Various presentations and activities were also carried out related to Biotechnology. At the end of the conference, students who clinched the top positions in the competitions held during the conference regarding their research projects were awarded shields and certificates.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2013.