As many as 80 national and international experts and researchers gathered on Thursday at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) to discuss advancements in biotechnology and bio-computing in an international conference.
The 3-day long conference is organized by the department of biological sciences of faculty of basic and applied sciences (FBAS) of IIUI. The participants will keep delivering lectures for three days in various sessions of the conference on topics such as DNA vaccine against tuberculosis, multidrug resistance, enhance production of antifungal compound through genome intervention, exploring genes network of lungs cancer’s NGD data using advanced bioinformatics techniques and other relevant topic akin to the conference theme.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector COMSATS university stressed upon implementation of technology in the society for the solution to the problems. He added that advancements have come to the wonder stage of human history and a huge amount of knowledge is being created across the world. He maintained that Industrial biotechnology is the move of hour, universities must trend the incubators to attract industry and produce best entrepreneurs. COMSATS University Rector opined that knowledge economy is the key to excel in the future. He furthered that role of humanity and artificial intelligence are the aspects to be discussed in present age. He urged the universities to promote and said it be focused on societal benefits.
Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, IIUI Rector said that “technology is the today’s gold mine, academic circles be focused to explore them”. He added that nations invested in science and technology, are prosperous today. Dr. Masoom noted the need to follow the excelling nations and learn from their experiences. Highlighting the importance of youth, IIUI Rector said that 56 million youth is a precious asset and if it is put on the right track through higher education, it can lead to the pathway of prosperity, stability and progress. Dr. Masoom stressed upon changes in the teaching methods and called for practicing ‘outcome based education’ to produce best and innovative professionals. He also urged for relevant to the society research and local challenges be addressed through research. He called upon universities to be relevant to the society and find indigenous problems. IIUI Rector said that the GDP dedicated for the education was inadequate as it needs more investment for best results.
Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, IIUI President said that he was happy to see that there was not a single day at university which would not witness an activity. Said that IIUI has become an omen of an active contributor in society. “ I am happy that IIUI is moving forward in relevant research, activities, discussions and providing solution to the challenges of Muslim world” IIUI President added. 
Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that universities must introduce youth and societies to changes and advancements in this global village era because it will keep the society in pace of progress. He hailed the faculty and department’s efforts to muster a huge number of experts at the event.
Earlier, Dr. Asma Gul, Principal Organizer and Chairperson Biological Sciences apprised the participants about the objectives of conference. She also thanked all the experts for attending the event.
The inaugural session was also joined by IIUI Vice President Dr. Aqdas Naveed Malik, Dean FBAS, Dr. Arshad Zia, Chairman Biological sciences male campus, Dr. Asif Mir, Dr. Abdul Hameed, Dr. Shaheen Shehzad, Dr. Bashir Ahmed , other faculty members and relevant officials. the conference will conclude on Saturday.