Tag: University of Karachi

Karachi, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Sri Lanka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK). As per the MOU, both leading institutions intend to promote collaborative research and academic activities in various areas of science and research.

On behalf of their institutions, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator-General, and KDU Vice Chancellor Major General Milinda Peiris signed the MoU in an online meeting held on Wednesday. Various Sri Lankan and Pakistani officials and scientists also attended the online meeting.

Prof. Iqbal Choudhary, speaking on the occasion, said that ICCBS was one of the eminent centres of excellence and one of the academic research establishments of chemical and biological sciences in Pakistan. The ICCBS as a centre for excellence owns an international stature in the field of science and research, he said, adding that ICCBS is the only institution in Pakistan that is not only certified by ISO but it also became ‘UNESCO, WHO, OIC, and NAM- S and T Centre for Excellence’.

He said, “Centre is known for its excellence in academic research and graduates training. At the same time the centre is serving to industries and government agencies.” It is pertinent to mention here that the KDU is a state Defence University, which is now open for civil students who wish to continue their higher studies in the fields of Engineering, Law, Management, Social Sciences and IT.

According to MOU, both institutions will cooperate and develop activities related to various fields of sciences such as allied health sciences, food sciences, herbal medicines, spectroscopy, bioequivalence studies, clinical research, disease genomics, tropical disease research, etc. The MOU will also encourage the joint supervision of 5 PhD scholars every year in the fields of mutual interest. According to the MOU, this agreement will be in effect for a period of five years from the date of execution and may be extended by mutual agreement in writing by both parties.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer,
University of Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)
Fax: +92-21-99261330
Email: pro@uok.edu.pk
Website: www.uok.edu.pk

Karachi, September 14, 2021 (PPI-OT): The National Centre for Research (NCR), Khartoum, Sudan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK). According to the MOU, ICCBS, University of Karachi will establish a medicinal plants research laboratory at the NCR in Sudan. The MOU will encourage the institutions of the two countries to collaborate with each other, and work on focused projects pertaining to socio-economic development. The faculty exchange program will endeavour to bridge the expertise gaps in both countries by sharing experiences.

The MOU was signed in an online meeting. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator-General, and NCR Director General Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdelrahim signed the MoU on behalf of their institutions. Mr. Abdul Wahid Abbasi, Chargé d’ Affaires at Pakistan Embassy in Khartoum, and Ms. Marwa Kamal, Chargé d’ Affaires at Sudan Embassy in Islamabad also attended the online meeting. Many scholars from ICCBS and NCR also attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Iqbal Choudhary said that the ICCBS was among the leading centres of excellence in chemical, biological and biochemical sciences, serving as the centre for research and training of scholars from various countries of the world. The facilities at the ICCBS are at par to any good research establishment in the West, he maintained.

The two countries have many common national and strategic issues, he said, adding that it is very important for the scientists in the two countries to collaborate with each other and work on focused projects, related to socio-economic development. This requires collaboration efforts, he mentioned. The establishment of a medicinal plants research laboratory at the NCR will further promote natural product chemistry in both countries. It is pertinent to mention here that the NCR is a premier research institute of the Ministry of Science and Communications. It consists of 13 research institutes working in different areas of sciences in Sudan.

According to MOU, the ICCBS and the NCR will both organize joint conferences, workshops and trading courses to bring the scientists of the both countries together. Both ICCBS and NCR will work together to build the human capacity of various institutions in Sudan. Both countries will share experience and expertise in the field of medicinal plants research, industrialization and marketing.

For more information, contact:

Public Relations Officer,

University of Karachi

Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)

Fax: +92-21-99261330

Email: pro@uok.edu.pk

Website: www.uok.edu.pk

Karachi, September 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):The two-day COMSTECH-ICCBS International Exhibition on “Technology Enabled Healthcare Solutions” concluded at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi on Thursday with reaffirmation of technology based development in Muslim world from governments, scientists, philanthropists and industry leaders.

The exhibition, attended by more than 21 exhibitors, highlighted the importance of indigenously developed technologies as an excellent way of nurturing culture of innovation and industrial growth in the country. The international exhibition was jointly organized by the ICCBS Technology Park and Technology Incubation Centre (ICCBS-TPTIC), and the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).

Speaking at the exhibition’s concluding ceremony, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General, said that exhibitions were very effective ways of showcasing the new innovations and ideas. He mentioned, “Our mission is to promote ‘Made in OIC’ and ‘Made in Pakistan’.” The ICCBS Technology Park and Technology Incubation Centre, University of Karachi is the largest among entrepreneurship centre based in academic institutions, he said.

The international exhibition was designed to project technologies and innovations in the realm of biomedical engineering and healthcare services, he said, adding that it was a showcasing of next generation technologies, solutions and strategies from all over Pakistan and OIC countries. He said that this global event was an opportunity to explore and discover the practical and successful implementation of such technologies in healthcare sector. In the end, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary presented certificates to the exhibitors showcasing the indigenously developed technologies in the event.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer,
University of Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)
Fax: +92-21-99261330
Email: pro@uok.edu.pk
Website: www.uok.edu.pk

Karachi, September 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho attended an inaugural ceremony at Karachi University’s International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS). The research institution launched an exhibition titled ‘Technology Enabled Healthcare Solutions’ and was attended by Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Secretary Health, Dr. Kazim Jatoi, Patron in Chief ICCBS, Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, Dr. Panjwani Memorial Trust Chairperson, Ms. Nadira Panjwani, and Director ICCBS, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary.

During the opening remarks, Minister for Health began by stating that the cause of technological advancements in health was very dear to her and that research in stem cells and regenerative health is something that is sorely needed in provincial and national healthcare. She also said that ‘being minister of health in the province of Sindh, I am fully aware of the importance of the deployment of technologies in providing high quality healthcare to the general public. We, at the provisional level, have taken several steps to modernize our healthcare system, and to introduce the most modern technologies available today.’

Dr. Azra Pechuho in addition said that ‘realizing the excellence of the ICCBS, my ministry has decided to declare it as Sindh Governments’ provincial healthcare research hub, and to sponsor research on projects such as disease genomics, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine, clinical trials, drug development and traditional medicine.’

Minister for Health stated that the Health Ministry has ‘established a world-class Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory at the ICCBS which is functioning according to the best international standards and providing high quality data to the law enforcement agencies of the province. I have also assigned the ICCBS to upgrade the chemicobacterio lab in Sindh.’ The exhibit included a device called the Sehat Drone and a social distancing analyzer, among other technological health advances.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer,
University of Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)
Fax: +92-21-99261330
Email: pro@uok.edu.pk
Website: www.uok.edu.pk

Karachi, September 07, 2021 (PPI-OT):ICCBS International Exhibition on “Technology Enabled Healthcare Solutions” will begin tomorrow (Wednesday) in the premises of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the exhibition (September 8-9, 2021), jointly organized by the ICCBS Technology Park and Technology Incubation Centre (ICCBS-TPTIC) and OIC-COMSTECH. More than 20 exhibitors will participate in the international event. The ICCBS Spokesman said the inaugural ceremony will be held in Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, ICCBS, at 09:00 AM.

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuhu, Provincial Minister for Health, Population, and Welfare, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science and Technology and ICCBS Patron-in-chief, Prof. Dr. Khalid M. Iraqi, Vice Chancellor University of Karachi, Dr. Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, Sindh Secretary Universities and Boards Department, Chairman Husein Ebrahim Jamal Foundation Mr. Aziz Latif Jamal, Chairperson Dr. Panjwani Memorial Trust Ms. Nadira Panjwani, and Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General will also address the inaugural ceremony.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer,
University of Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)
Fax: +92-21-99261330
Email: pro@uok.edu.pk
Website: www.uok.edu.pk

Karachi, September 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science and Technology, has said that we need to focus our efforts largely on establishing a strong knowledge-based economy. Artificial intelligence is evolving at a fantastic pace in the world. It has been predicted that by 2030, computers will become more intelligent than humans and will take over many of our functions, he said. The federal government has made a 600 percent increase in its development budget of science and technology.

Realizing the importance of biomedical devices and healthcare services, the ICCBS Technology Park and Technology Incubation Center (ICCBS-TPTIC) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi in collaboration with OIC-COMSTECH is organizing a two-day COMSTECH – ICCBS International Exhibition on “Technology Enabled Healthcare Solutions” in the premises of ICCBS on September 8-9, 2021.

Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman along with Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General was addressing a press conference held at the L.E.J. National Science Information Center, ICCBS – University of Karachi on Monday.

Prof. Rahman, who is also the patron-in-chief of the ICCBS, said, “For Pakistan to progress in the 21st century and become part of this 4th Industrial Revolution, we need to focus our efforts largely on establishing a strong knowledge-based economy.” The change requires the need for visionary leadership in Pakistan, he said, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the first steps for such a transition by establishing the Knowledge Economy Task Force and funding many important projects through this initiative.

He said, “A silent revolution is taking place in the country as Knowledge Economy Task Force is setup to promote technology driven economy with enhanced allocations to higher education, technical skills development of human resource, promotion of digitalization, promotion of Artificial Intelligence education and skills.”

Different development projects worth RS120 billion have been submitted, while some of them have been approved and are being implemented across the country, he said. The objective of this exhibition on “Technology Enabled Healthcare Solutions” is to highlight the role of modern-day tools and equipment, which are commercially available, or developed as prototypes for commercialization, Prof. Rahman mentioned.

“NIV Crosses Vast Number of 300,000 PCR Based Tests”

Prof. Iqbal Choudhary, talking about the ongoing pandemic, he said this time of the national need several academic and research institutions moved forward to contribute in meeting the health challenge of unprecedented magnitude. The ICCBS, Pakistan’s premier academic research institute, was forerunner in this national service, he said.

He said that the National Institute of Virology at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) had crossed a staggering number of 300,000 PCR based tests, and developed the capacity to conduct over 2,500 tests every day, largest in the country, he said, adding that Chief Minister of Sindh was personally monitoring the development of this super lab. The results of the genotyping, conducted at the National Institute of Virology, hundred percent delta (Indian) variants are spreading in the city, he said.

The ICCBS as a center for excellence owns an international stature in the field of science and research, he said. The Industrial Analytical Center (IAC) at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry offers a range of professional analytical and consultancy services to more than 700 private and public sector organizations and industries in Pakistan, he maintained.

He said, “This international exhibition will bring a unique platform for innovators, technology developers and service providers, who are eager and ready to share experience and professional skills with participants of common interests in science, technology and innovation.”

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer,
University of Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99261351 (Ext. 2294, 2306)
Fax: +92-21-99261330
Email: pro@uok.edu.pk
Website: www.uok.edu.pk