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ICCBS

PNAC grants accreditation to ICCBS KU’s Forensic DNA Lab

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PNAC

KARACHI: The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, has renewed and expanded the accreditation of the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL), located within the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of … Read more

ICCBS–Karachi University and Indus Hospital Sign MoU    

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ICCBS

KARACHI -The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), Karachi. This MoU aims to promote translational health research by enabling cooperation in biological, biomedical, and clinical research, including clinical trials, between the two institutions. … Read more

Baloch Pakistani PhD student selected for 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting

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Baloch

KARACI: A female Baloch Pakistani PhD student from the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, has been selected to participate in the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, dedicated to Chemistry, scheduled to be held from June 29 to July 4, 2025, in Lindau, Germany. A spokesperson for the International Center for Chemical and … Read more

KU’s HCTRS receives accreditation certificate from GCC Center

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KU

KARACHI: The Halal Certification, Testing, and Research Services (HCTRS), a part of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, has reached a significant milestone by earning an accreditation certificate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Accreditation Center. This achievement was celebrated during an official meeting at the HEJ … Read more

Model statutes must be implemented at all KU Centers

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Model

KARACHI:  “The appointment of a new Director in ICCBS, University of Karachi, should be done under the Act Code of the University of Karachi.

The higher authorities must take notice of the unwanted interference of the former Directors and donors into the administrative affairs of Karachi University.

The university’s Vice Chancellor must call a meeting of the KU Senate to ensure the implementation of model statutes at all university centers.”

These views were expressed by the University Syndicate Member Dr Riaz Ahmed, Senate Member Prof Dr Firdous Imran, Faisal Hashmi, Iftikhar Ahmed and others in the meeting held at the Staff Club on Wednesday.

Many teachers, officers, and employees of the ICCBS participated in this meeting. Dr Riaz Ahmad criticized the unnecessary interference of retired professors and capitalists in the administrative affairs of the university and said that this interference is damaging the educational and research activities of the research center while the faculty, staff, and students are suffering from severe mental distress.

He said that teachers, officers, and employees can bring their long-standing problems to the authorities through peaceful protest.

Prof Firdous Imran said that there is a need for a regular social media campaign against the illegal interference of influential people in ICCBS.

Dr Faiz Muhammad said that a uniform policy should be established for all the centers of Karachi University.

Faisal Hashmi paid tribute to those who raised their voices against the lawlessness in ICCBS and announced the full support of the Officers Welfare Association.

Iftikhar Ahmed said that the Employees Welfare Association earlier was with the oppressed people and it is still with the oppressed.

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SFDL-ICCBS solves 8000 DNA and Serology cases

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SFDL-ICCBS

KARACHI: Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL), University of Karachi, has furnished high-quality reports of more than 8000 cases.

SFDL, established through the support of the Sindh Health Department, Government of Sindh, is the only ISO 17,025 certified laboratory in the country, offering comprehensive DNA and Serology services in Sind Province.

Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, expressed these views while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the one-day training on “Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System” held in the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, ICCBS.

Prof. Farzana Shaheen welcomed the officials of the armed forces, Sindh Police, law enforcement and security departments, rescue services, medico-legal, and prosecution departments to the training session.

She said this specialized training is designed to provide participants with key strategies and effective tools. She noted that SFDL not only plays a vital role in routine DNA forensics but also actively engages in research in DNA forensics.

SFDL laboratory at the ICCBS is also providing capacity-building opportunities for the police, prosecution, and law enforcement agencies, she said.

Dr Summaiya Syed said that SFDL has played a pivotal role in solving the cases of sexual violence, especially, in the province. She pointed out that the conviction rate in Sindh province has increased from 4 to 15 percent after the establishment of SFDL at the ICCBS, University of Karachi.

She underlined the significance of the continuous training of all relevant actors of the Criminal Justice System in the Sindh province.

Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, in the ceremony, gave a detailed presentation about the progress of the SFDL. He said the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) is committed to aligning itself with the latest advancements in the field of forensic DNA and these research initiatives are aiming to position it at the forefront in the field and ensure its competitiveness among other forensic labs globally.

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ICCBS director be appointed as per KU Act and law: Prof Atta

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ICCBS

KARACHI- Prof Dr Atta-Ur-Rahman, Professor  Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, has said that the new director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, should be appointed as per the University Act and law.

All the legal notices issued to the Karachi University’s senate members and ICCBS academic and nonacademic staff must be withdrawn by the donors, he said. I had prepared the model statutes and the time has come for ICCBS, University of Karachi to adopt these model statutes, he observed.

Prof Atta-Ur-Rahman, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the ICCBS, expressed these views while talking to the 17-member delegation of the HEJ Institute Action Committee, University of Karachi, in a meeting held at the HEJ, Research Institute on Friday.

In the meeting, the 17-member delegation, headed by Syed Ali Kazmi, Deputy Convener to HEJ Institute Action Committee, and the member Safeer Muhammad, expressed serious concerns over the irregularities in the 30th executive board of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, held on September 2, in the center.

The members of the committee informed Prof. Atta-Ur-Rahman that some external elements in association with the retired professor are trying to sabotage the research and academic environment of the international center.

Keeping Prof Dr Farzana Shaeen, the Director of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, out from the executive board is an illegal act, and said that this is not only an act of disrespecting our director but also an insult to the institution, they asserted.

They also pointed out that without the approval of the board’s minutes, the publication of an advertisement in national newspapers for the position of new director of the center is beyond the law as well.

Declaring the publication of the advertisement illegal, they demanded the authorities concerned that the new director must be from three senior professors of the ICCBS, and added that anyone from outside the institution will never be accepted for the ICCBS nonacademic and academic staff.

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DNA analysis becomes cornerstone in criminal investigations

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DNA

KARACHI: Forensic DNA testing helps identify criminals and absolve the innocent, as DNA analysis has become a foundation stone in criminal investigations.

Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, expressed these views while delivering an inaugural speech in the one-day training session for investigation officers (IOs), organized by the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Tuesday.

A total of 30 police officials from the Police Investigation Department participated. The officials were given hands-on training at the mock crime scenes. This training session was held to improve the skills of the police personnel regarding the collection of evidence.

SFDL In-charge and Project Director Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan presented the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony. However, the concluding session was also attended and addressed by the AIG Sindh Police (Investigation) Zulfiqar Ali Mahar, Police Surgeon Karachi Dr. Summaiya Syed, and Director CPLC Shanakht Project Amir Hassan.

In her speech, Prof. Farzana Shaheen said the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid – more commonly known as DNA – was considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Forensic DNA is an important modern-age tool, which has gained much attention recently in most criminal and civil matters, she maintained. She said this session was a part of the training program designed for various stakeholders separately, catering to their office needs.

AIG Sindh Police Zulfiqar Ali Mahar appreciated the efforts, made by the SFDL, University of Karachi in terms of organizing training programs for police officials, and expressed his satisfaction with the performance and latest equipment of the forensic DNA lab.

In his speech, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of technological advancement in the field of forensic DNA analysis.

He also described the establishment of a modern facility for forensic DNA analysis, which is developed according to international standards containing qualified and trained staff and highly advanced technology.

Training of the police officials is quite important for the proper collection of evidence that helps the dispensation of justice in its true spirit, he pointed out.

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DIG Admin Sindh Police visits KU’s Forensic DNA Laboratory

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DIG

KARACHI: DIG Admin Sindh Police Imran Yaqub has visited the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) and the Industrial Analytical Center (IAC) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, the Director of ICCBS, University of Karachi, along with Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, the Project Director and In-charge SFDL, and Dr. Shakil Ahmed, the In-charge IAC, welcomed the police official.

A Spokesman of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, said on Thursday that the DIG Police had arrived on an official visit, during which he also met with Prof. Farzana Shaheen and other officials.

In the meeting, the Police higher official appreciated both Centers’ scope and quality of work. In her speech, Prof. Farzana Shaheen stressed the need for close coordination between different stakeholders to benefit from the world-class forensic facilities established at the ICCBS.

She said that the SFDL regularly organized training programs for judges, prosecutors, Medico-legal officers, crime scene investigators, and investigation officers for the correct collection of samples and effective presentation of evidence in the courts of law.

The ICCBS officials explained the capacity of the SFDL and the IAC to carry out analysis in the full spectrum of forensic DNA and serology, foods, drugs, narcotics, toxicology, and traces, etc. as required in the investigation.

The DIG Admin briefed about the initiatives of the Sindh Police to build an integrated mechanism to streamline the sample submission and reporting in cases where forensic analysis is required.

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Chinese University appoints Pakistani scientist as a visiting professor

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Chinese University

KARACHI: The Hunan University of Chinese Medicines, China, has appointed Prof Dr Raza Shah, the Senior Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, as its visiting professor.

According to the ICCBS, University of Karachi spokesman, the world-famous Chinese University made this appointment in recognition of Prof. Raza Shah’s academic stature and outstanding contribution to the development of traditional medicines.

Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, congratulated Prof Raza Shah for his achievement.

Prof Shah was also recently appointed as a member of the Expert Advisory Committee, WHO International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry.

It is also worth mentioning that Prof. Raza Shah has recently received the Iranian Khwarizmi International Award from the Ministry of Science, Research Technology of Iran and became the Khwarizmi International Laureate.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prof Shah, working in the area of Nanomedicine and Supramolecular Chemistry, has authored six books (Elsevier) and also edited four books (Elsevier), along with 09 chapters in books and more than 460 research articles in international journals with impact factor more than 1700 with H-index 50. He has three US patents to his credit. He has supervised and co-supervised 35 Ph.Ds. and 44 M.S/M.Phil scholars.

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SFA signs two agreements with ICCBS-Karachi University 

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SFA

KARACHI: Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has signed two Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

SFA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Halal Certification Testing and Research Services (HCTRS) and the Industrial Analytical Center (IAC), ICCBS, University of Karachi.

This MoA aims to create a long-term framework of collaboration, cooperation, and development of a strong linkage between SFA and the research centers of the ICCBS for the testing of food products, which is in the interest of both institutions.

The SFA Director General Agha Fakhar Hussain and Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, signed the agreement in a meeting held at the HEJ, Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi on Friday evening.

In his talk, the SFA Director-General praised the efforts made by the ICCBS administration to make this agreement possible in the interest of Sindh province. He also praised the industrial support and national services of the International Center (ICCBS).

He said the authority’s goal was to guarantee that the people of Sindh were fed in a safe, hygienic, and healthy manner by standards.

I want to have strong relations between SFA and the ICCBS, University of Karachi, he said, adding that SFA is trying to make all possible efforts to provide better food items to the people of Sindh.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Farzana Shaheen congratulated the officials of the SFA and ICCBS on the signing of the agreement. She hoped that this agreement would further strengthen the University’s HCTRS and IAC in the province.

Halal Testing Laboratory works to standardize and uplift the high-quality standard of nutrition & hygiene in Halal-certified food & other products by international export quality standards, she said.

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KU’s Professor wins 37th Khwarizmi International Award

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KU’s

KARACHI: Prof Dr Raza Shah, the Senior Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), the University of Karachi, has won the 37th Khwarizmi International Award (KIA) in Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Prof. Raza Shah will attend the 37th KIA Award Ceremony at the end of February in Tehran, where the Pakistani scientist will be awarded the trophy, certificate, and cash prize of 20,000 USD by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The award is given to the most prominent scientists in the world and is considered to be a highly prestigious award in the world in general and Iran in particular.

The ICCBS, University of Karachi Director, Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen congratulated Prof. Raza Shah for his great achievement.

According to the spokesman of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, the awards have been announced by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology to recognize the valuable achievements of the researchers, innovators, and inventors in the field of Science and Technology.

It is worth mentioning here that the Khwarizmi International Award is named in memory of the achievements of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, the Iranian mathematician and astronomer.

According to the ICCBS Spokesman, Prof. Shah, working in the area of Nanomedicine and Supramolecular Chemistry, has authored six books (Elsevier) and also edited four books (Elsevier), along with 12 chapters in books and more than 460 research articles in international journals with impact factor more than 1700 with H-index 50.

He led the vaccine (COVID-19) phase-1 clinical trial of Sinopharm company in Pakistan. He led the DRAP-approved clinical trial for treating COVID-19 patients with traditional Chinese medicines.

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Medical and dental internship program concluded at ICCBS

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Medical

KARACHI: The medical and dental internship program has been completed at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

As many as 20 students (final year) and recent graduates of M.B.B.S. and B.D.S. have completed their training in various areas of biomedical sciences.

Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, distributed the internship certificates among the participants, belonging to various medical universities of Pakistan, including Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi Medical and Dental College and others.

Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony of the medical and dental internship program 2023, held at the ICCBS, University of Karachi, Prof. Farzana Shaheen congratulated Prof. Dr. Asmat Salim and her team for organizing such a useful and unique internship program. Prof. Dr. Zaheer-Ul-Haq and other faculty members were also present on the occasion.

The Director highlighted the significance of the research training program for medical and dental students and graduates and said that this short exposure to basic and clinical research in a world-class institution was expected to create research interest in the medical students.

This year, the training of 20 medical students and graduates in various disciplines of Molecular Medicine shows the strong commitment of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, to science, research, and academics.

Prof. Asmat Salim, in her speech, said that the Dr. Panjwani Center conducted this internship program for recent medical and dental graduates, and students every year in December.

The objective of the program is to provide them an opportunity to be involved in research activities at the molecular and cellular levels, she said.

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KU offers internships to Turbat University students

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KU
  •   A delegation of University of Turbat visited ICCBS.
  •  They also met KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi.
  • Dr Khalid Iraqi asked students to educate at least one child.

KARACHI:  A delegation of the Department of Chemistry of the University of Turbat, Balochistan, visited the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), and Dr A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) of the University of Karachi.

Three faculty members, 17 male and 15 female students all from the final year of the BS and MSc programs were part of the three-day study tour to Karachi.

They also met the KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi at KIGBE and shared their experiences regarding the visit to two centers of excellence institutes of the University of Karachi.

On this occasion, the KU VC Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi offered on-hand training programs and internships to the students of the University of Turbat. He said that the KU would also provide accommodation, logistics, and transportation facilities to the students visiting the KU from Balochistan.

He also offered that the KU Centralized Science Lab will provide free of cost facilities to the students of Turbat University and shared that the KU would like to start a lecture series for them so that they could learn from the experiences of KU faculty.

The KU VC Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi asked the students to educate at least one child in their respective areas to bring a change in society. He said that providing education to the masses is the way forward for Pakistan and all educational institutions should play their role in this regard.

He termed that Balochistan and some other parts of the country are still underdeveloped so this is our responsibility to help them in every possible way. He also offered that the MPhil and PhD students of the University of Turbat could have co-supervisors from the University of Karachi.

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Aggression failed to stop Palestinian scholar from showing love for science

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Aggression
  • Prof Farzana Shaheen said epilepsy is chronic neurological disease.
  • She said epilepsy requiring life-long use of antiepileptic drugs to control seizures.
  • She also talked about stroke, which is  serious life-threatening medical condition.

KARACHI: Israeli aggression, massive destruction of Gaza City, and escalated death toll could not stop the science-lover Palestinian scholar from delivering his online lecture in the 8th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research at the Prof.

Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, organized by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

Dr. Ramzi Shawahna, Professor at the An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine, in his lecture, presented his sincere apologies for not physically participating in this exciting symposium due to the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.

While elaborating on his research achievements, he mentioned that his research team has successfully identified those proteins that are responsible for limiting the penetration of drugs in the brain, and now they plan to evaluate the same in animal models.

He elucidated the role of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in transporting drugs to the brain. He said, “The blood-brain barrier presents a challenge to the penetration of drugs into the human brain.”

Therefore, the blood-brain barrier plays a key role in limiting the success of drugs designated to treat central nervous system diseases, he said, adding that the challenge of drugs penetrating the brain is mainly due to the complex structure of the blood-brain barrier.

On the third day of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, said that epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease, requiring life-long use of antiepileptic drugs to control the unprovoked seizures.

The recent studies presented in today’s talk were about preclinical drug development of an antiepileptic product Z-Acid which was identified as a potent analog of US patent-protected isoxylitones, she said, adding that the Z-acid is now developed as a nasal formulation and recently been granted US patent.

She said, “This IP on Z-acid is also expanded in Europe, China, and Pakistan. It represents a new drug candidate from Pakistan for the treatment of epilepsy as well as stroke.”

Many antiepileptic drugs, including ones approved by US-FDA, in recent years are linked to significant adverse side effects, lack of efficacy, memory loss, cell apoptosis, etc., she said, adding that there is a strong need for improved medications to control unpredictable seizures which can start at any time. Diazepam (old-class) is the only rescue medicine provided in the form of rectal gel.

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Student’s death in HEJ Boys Hostel was natural 

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Student’s
  • Security recovered lifeless body of deceased student.
  • Ambulance took body of student to KU’s Clinic.
  • The KU’s doctors pronounced student’s death.

KARACHI: The death cause of Mukhtiar Ali, an MPhil student of the HEJ, Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, in the HEJ Boys Hostel was natural.

The spokesman of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, stated this on Tuesday. He said that on October 23 Mukhtiar Ali went to the common bathroom, situated on the first floor of the hostel, from where the ICCBS’s security recovered the lifeless body of the deceased student with the help of some students.

An ambulance took the body of the student to the Karachi University’s Clinic, where doctors pronounced the student’s death. The Director of the ICCBS, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen along with other officials was also present on the occasion.

After getting the news, the family members of the deceased student also reached the clinic. Rangers and police also rushed to the clinic, and the local police swiftly shifted the dead body to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

On the other hand, Vice Chancellor University of Karachi Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, Prof. Atta-ur Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-chief and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the Coordinator General of the COMSTECH and the former ICCBS’s Director, and the Director of the ICCBS, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen condoled over the death of the student.

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German Language Course to begin from Oct 17 at ICCBS

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German
  • ICCBS is organizing course in collaboration with SIREN.
  • Language expert from from Goethe-Institute will conduct course.
  • Successful students will receive certificate at end of course.

KARACHI: The Four-month hybrid course entitled “Basic German Language Course – 2023” will commence on October 17 at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK).

The spokesman of the ICCBS said, “The ICCBS – University of Karachi is organizing the course in collaboration with Sindh Innovation, Research, and Education Network (SIREN), Government of Sindh.

The German language expert from Goethe-Institute, Pakistan, will conduct the course, the spokesman said, adding that the course can either be attended through online or physical attendance. This course will be coordinated through the Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Center (ICCBS), the official maintained.

This course has been designed to help undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students to develop and provide a better knowledge of the German language, he said, adding that candidates with at least an Intermediate certificate or equivalent are eligible to attend the course.

Details of this course can also be seen on the website: http://iccs.edu/page-language-courses. Successful students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

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ICCBS-KU inducts 80 students into its M.Phil. & Ph.D. Programme

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ICCBS
  • The score of candidates seeking admissions appeared in test.
  • All admissions have been given to students purely on merit basis.
  • The international center awarded admission to 80 candidates.

KARACHI – The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK) has inducted 80 students to its internationally known M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programme-2023.

The spokesman for the ICCBS – University of Karachi said that the hundreds of candidates seeking admissions to ICCBS M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programme-2023 had appeared in the admission test.

As per the policy of the international center, all admissions have been given to students purely on a merit basis under the announced higher learning program of the University of Karachi, the spokesman said.

The official said, “The international center awarded admission to 80 candidates, which includes 35 MPhil and 45 PhD.”

As many as 57 candidates (M.Phil.-25, Ph.D.-32) were given admission to the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, he said.

The official maintained that 23 candidates (M.Phil.-10, Ph.D.-13) were given admission to the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, the official maintained.

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Royal College of Physicians elects Prof Raza Shah as honorary fellow

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Royal College
  • He is working in area of Nanomedicine and Supramolecular Chemistry.
  • He authored six books (Elsevier) and also edited four books (Elsevier).
  • Prof Shah led vaccine (COVID-19) phase-1 clinical trial of Sinopharm.

KARACHI: The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (the college) has elected Prof Dr Raza Shah, the senior Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, as an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh.

Prof. Shah received the FRCP diploma from the President of the Royal College of Physicians in recognition of his contribution to medical science, especially in the clinical trials he conducted in a short time.

It is worth mentioning that the Royal College of Physicians was established through the Royal Charter in 1681. It is one of three organizations that sets the specialty training standards for physicians in the United Kingdom.

According to the ICCBS Spokesman, Prof. Shah, working in the area of Nanomedicine and Supramolecular Chemistry, has authored six books (Elsevier) and also edited four books (Elsevier), along with 12 chapters in books and more than 460 research articles in international journals with impact factor more than 1700. He has three US patents to his credit. He has supervised and co-supervised 34 Ph.Ds. and 44 M.S/M.Phil scholars. He was declared the top scientist for the year 2019 by the government of KPK.

He received the Civil Award of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in 2015. He received the Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman gold medal in 2006 and the Dr. Raziuddin gold medal in 2015 from the Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He received the Dr. Abdus Salam (Nobel Laureate) award in chemistry and was selected as a TWAS Young Affiliate in 2010 by The World Academy of Sciences.

One of his authored books was declared the best book of the year 2017 by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. He is a fellow of various national and international academies and organizations.

Prof. Shah remained the Mentor of the Pakistani International Chemistry Olympiad Team since 2008. He led the vaccine (COVID-19) phase-1 clinical trial of Sinopharm company in Pakistan.

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More than 300 saplings planted in ICCBS-Uok

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saplings
  • A variety of saplings of different trees planted.
  • Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rahman also planted saplings.
  • Trees are best technology to reverse global warming.

KARACHI: The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi planted more than 300 saplings on the premises of the international center to create an Urban Forest.

A variety of saplings of different trees were planted including medicinal as well as fruit trees.

In the one-day plantation drive, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-Chief and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General, also planted saplings.

The plantation drive was also attended by a large number of students, research officers, and faculty members.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman said that climate change, caused by global warming, poses a serious threat to life on Earth in the form of extreme weather, while trees were the best-known ‘technology’ to cool our planet. Trees are the best technology to reverse global warming, he maintained.

The creation of an urban forest in the ICCBS is, no doubt, an environment-friendly step, he observed.

Defining the concept of urban forest, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary said, “The urban forest is loosely defined as trees as well as other vegetation growing in close association with people.”

The concept of urban forestry is given by a Japanese botanist Akiro Miyawaki, in which saplings are planted much closer to each other resulting in dense vegetation that grows 10 times faster than normal.

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Famous research journal honors Pakistani scientist 

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journal
  • Prof Iqbal Choudhary was given this honor.
  • Frontiers Pharmacology is 3rd most-cited journal.
  • He was honored in field of Natural Product Chemistry.

KARACHI – The famous research journal, “Frontiers in Pharmacology” has published its recent volume entitled, “Re-emergence of Natural Products for Drug Discovery” in honor of the prominent Pakistani scientist, Prof Dr Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

ICCBS Spokesman said that Prof. Iqbal Choudhary was given this honor in recognition of his pioneering contribution in the field of Bioorganic, Synthetic, and Natural Product Chemistry. It is worth mentioning here that the Frontiers, founded in Switzerland, is the 3rd most-cited and 6th largest research publisher with a mission to accelerate scientific discovery by making science open.

Under the umbrella of the ICCBS, University of Karachi, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary heads the two leading research institutions in the country, namely the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) and the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prof. Choudhary is also serving COMSTECH as the Coordinator-General. It is also worth mentioning here that Prof. Iqbal Choudhary has received the 2021 Mustafa (PBUH) Prize, the most prestigious prize in the Muslim World, for his services in the field of bio-organic chemistry.

He has published 1,175 research papers in the fields of organic and bio-organic chemistry in international journals, 76 books, and 40 chapters in books published by major US and European presses. He has secured 40 US patents so far. He has established several new centers for the support of industries and government organizations.

As many as 100 local and foreign scholars have completed their Ph.D. degrees under his supervision so far.

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DNA training session for Police officials ended at SFDL

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SFDL
  • 50 police officials participated in training session.
  • Officials given hands-on training at mock crime scenes.
  • Forensic DNA is an important modern-age tool.

KARACHI: A two-day DNA training session for police officials was concluded at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the ICCBS, University of Karachi, organized the training session on August 9 to 10, in which 50 police officials, including 25  from Crime Scene Unit and 25 from the Police Investigation Department, participated. The officials were given hands-on training at the mock crime scenes.

Earlier, in the opening session, ICCBS Acting Director Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen welcomed the participants on behalf of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General.

Addressing the session, she discussed the technological advancement in the field of forensic DNA analysis. She said that this session was a part of the training program designed for various stakeholders separately, catering to their official needs.

SFDL In-charge and Project Director Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, in the opening session, said that the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid – more commonly known as DNA – was considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century.

Forensic DNA is an important modern-age tool which had gained much attention recently in most criminal and civil matters, he said, adding that It’s not only been used to solve countless crimes but exonerated people wrongly convicted, as well as solved several cold cases.

Training of the police officials is very important for proper collection of evidence which will help the dispensation of justice in its true spirit, he observed.

He also described the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility for forensic DNA analysis, which is developed according to international standards containing qualified and trained staff and highly advanced technology.

The participants of the training session also paid a visit to Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory.

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Federal Ministry, ICCBS sign MOU to set up health incubator 

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ICCBS
  • The MOU signing ceremony was held in ICCBS, KU.
  • He said said his ministry will continue his support.
  • He emphasized importance of ‘Digital Pakistan Policy’.

KARACHI: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the Health Incubator and Software Technology Park at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, has been signed between the Federal Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan, and ICCBS, University of Karachi.

The MOU signing ceremony was held in Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui of ICCBS, University of Karachi.

Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) Syed Amin UL Haque said that his ministry will continue his support and assistance for the establishment of these institutions. He said the ministry would also make an all-out effort to make the examination department of the country’s largest University of Karachi digitalize.

Responding to the request of Dr. Khalid Iraqi, the minister assured him that that MoITT would make all efforts to declare the examination department of the University digitalized.

He emphasized the importance of the ‘Digital Pakistan Policy’, and said that this policy was paving the way for digital transformation across the Government as well as the private sector.

Tech Startups are an essential building block for innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a knowledge-based economy, he said, adding that MoITT through Ignite has established national incubation centers throughout the country to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Khalid Iraqi said this was a historical occasion that ICCBS, University of Karachi, and MoITT were signing the MOU for the establishment of the Health Incubator and Software Technology Park.

He requested Ms. Nadira Panjwani to come forward and support Karachi University for the establishment of a Medical College in the varsity. Earlier, he also demanded the minister for the digitalization of the University’s examination department.

Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman said that the international center was the only institution in the country where the scientists received 32 civil awards and various other international awards collectively, which showed its excellence.

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OIC states urged to invest 1% of GDP in research and science

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OIC states
  • Experts said Muslim World are required to create technology parks.
  • Prof Iqbal Ch said, science is like a one language.
  • He was speaking in the concluding session of the IAS.

KARACHI: The 24th Conference of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS), has urged the OIC member states to invest at least One Percent of their GDP in research in science, technology and innovation (STI) for socio-economic development.

The expert-participants have called on OIC member states for the inclusion of enquiry-based education to enhance creativity, curiosity and problem solving for building-capacity in STI and enriching human resources.

They were speaking in the concluding session of the 24th Conference of the IAS on “Challenges to Promote Science & Technology for Socio-Economic Development in OIC Countries” held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi on Wednesday.

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the ICCBS, and COMSTECH Coordinator-General, and IAS President Prof. Adnan Badran (Jordan), addressed the concluding session.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary pointed out that there was a dire need to bridge the gap between the academia and industry in the OIC member states for joint R&D leading to socio-economic development.

Countries in the Muslim World are required to create technology parks and incubators to commercialize the delivery of research and innovations into start-up SMEs and enhance diversification of new materials and quality control, he said.

Prof. Iqbal Choudhary said, “Science is like a ‘one language’ which unites the whole humanity”.

Through science and technology nations can bridge the gap, and engage themselves in a productive and useful dialogue for common human values, he said.

He also informed the participants about various programs and initiatives of COMSTECH, which included the largest research fellowships program in the OIC region.

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Sci & Tech can handle all challenges of Muslim World, CM Sindh

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Sci & Tech
  • He was speaking at inaugural ceremony of the 24th Conference of IAS.
  • The eminent scientists especially from the Islamic World participated.
  • VC KU observed that the Muslim world had faced numerous challenges.

KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that through the applications of science and technology the enduring challenges of poverty, climate change, food insecurity, increasing disease burdens, that Muslim World is facing today, can be handled.

During the last three years Sindh Government has made a significant increase in the grant of the University of Karachi, he said, adding that the provincial government is treating all the public universities in Sindh equally as the government of Sindh has kept education sector at its top priority.

He was speaking at inaugural ceremony of the 24th Conference of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) on “Challenges to Promote Science & Technology for Socio-Economic Development in OIC Countries” held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

The inaugural ceremony of the two-day conference (March 7 to 8) was also addressed by the Vice Chancellor University of Karachi Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-Chief and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and others. The message of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi was also recited in the ceremony.

It is pertinent to mention here that the conference is being organized in collaboration with the Islamic World Academy of Sciences, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), and ICCBS, University of Karachi.

Eminent scientists from various countries, especially from the Islamic World, including Jordan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Palestine, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Germany, USA, Singapore and Australia are attending the conference.

Chief Minister said that Sindh Government had placed the ICCBS in the center of the government science and technology-based initiatives. In the enterprise of science and technology, strong research and development institutions play a key role, he said, adding that this center is an excellent example of strong commitment of our private sector, federal and provincial governments, international donors and our scientists and researchers towards the science and technology-based development in Pakistan.

Prof. Khalid Iraqi observed that the Muslim world had faced numerous challenges, including food, energy and water scarcity, overwhelming disease burden, and huge negative impact of climate extremities.

Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman has emphasized the importance of the linkages between academia and industry, and said that the research output of academia greatly contributed towards the socio-economic development of the country.

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ICCBS-UoK to host 24th IAS Conference begin from March 7

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ICCBS-UoK

Chief Minister Sindh will inaugurate IAS conference. The conference was being held in collaboration with IWAS. The eminent scientists from various countries will attend the event. KARACHI: The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, will host 24th Conference of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) on “Challenges to Promote … Read more

Historical launch of Pakistani herbal seeds into outer space praised

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Historical launch
  • The hybrid seeds, prepared at the ICCBS.
  • CMSA had launched Pakistani herbal seeds.
  • China, Pakistan have a long history of traditional medicines.

KARACHI: The Advisory Panel on Traditional Medicine Member and WHO Chief Scientist Prof. Dr. Liu Xinmin on Tuesday emphasized the importance of the “Chinese-Pakistan Cooperation on Medicinal Plants”, and said that the launch of Pakistani herbal seeds into outer space in June 2022 was a historical event.

The hybrid seeds, prepared at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, for short trips to space will help scientists to develop new varieties, he said, adding that these varieties can help feed the world’s growing population, in the changing climate, and also treat incurable diseases.

He was talking to a group of scientists at the ICCBS, University of Karachi, before his departure to China. Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General, thanked the famous Chinese scientists for his visit to ICCBS, University of Karachi.

It is pertinent to mention here that China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) had launched Pakistani herbal seeds into outer space in June 2022 and, after six months flying, returned them safely to the earth in December.

Prof Liu Xinmin pointed out that China and Pakistan have a long history of traditional medicines. Traditional Chinese Medicines (TMC) is practiced in China, while Pakistani owned a long history of Traditional Unani Medicine (TUM) to practice against the common ailments.

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Darkness of ignorance grips Muslim World, Prof Atta-ur-Rahman

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Darkness of
  • Not a single Nobel prize was ever won by Muslim scientist.
  • He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of 24th meeting.
  • Prof Khalid Iraqi welcomed the officials and affiliates of COMSATS.

KARACHI: Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-Chief and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, has lamented that there is the darkness of superstition and ignorance in the Muslim World.

Not a single Nobel prize in science was ever won by any scientist in the Muslim countries in recognition for work done within the Islamic world, he said, adding that both Dr. Abdus Salsm and Zewail Ahmed won Nobel Prizes for researches carried out in the UK and USA respectively. Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman advised the higher officials of the COMSATS to focus on education, science, technology, innovation & commercialization in their policy formulation.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 24th Meeting of COMSATS Coordinating Council held in the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Wednesday. It is pertinent to mention here that the annual meeting of the COMSATS is being hosted by the ICCBS, University of Karachi this year.

Many dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hassan, President the World Academy of Sciences, were present on the occasion.

Showing the grave concerns over the alarming decline in education, science and technology sectors in Muslim world, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman said that, in contrast, 121 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to the affiliates of faculty members of University of Cambridge alone, and 34 Nobel Prizes have been won by faculty members of just one College, Trinity College, of Cambridge University, he said. We need to hang our heads in shame for corrupt and incompetent leadership in the Islamic World, he observed.

Prof. Khalid Iraqi welcomed the officials and affiliates of COMSATS in the varsity, and said that it was really a great honour for the University to host this important meeting in its campus.

He pointed out, “We need to recognize our heroes, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam was a real hero of Pakistan.”

Talking about climate change, he said that global phenomena of climate change had been ignored still in Pakistan, while it was a serious problem for western world even 20 years back. The natural disaster in Sindh and Blochistan was not only a natural disaster, it was also manmade, he maintained.

Prof. Iqbal Choudhary, in his speech, welcomed the participants in the COMSATS meeting, and pointed out that the pandemic had also exposed the gross failure of global cooperation, as countries were left on their own to struggle with a health crisis of unprecedented magnitude.

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