Department of Biotechnology

News

International Seminar on “The World of Vaccines, Viruses and Pandemics

Department of Biotechnology and DFDI has organized an International Seminar on 16th July, 2021 keeping in view the United Nation Sustainable Goals “Good Health and Wellbeing” SDG 3 entitled “The World of Vaccines, Viruses and Pandemics”

Speaker : Prof. Dr. Gul Sadiq Afshan, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in Milwaukee, WI. USA.

Prof. Dr. Gul Sadiq Afshan is a professor for the BioMolecular Engineering program at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  She developed the concept and created the proposal for this unique stand-alone 4-year undergraduate degree program.
She brought 19 years of university-level teaching experience in the areas of biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, Nutrition, genomics, synthetic biology, biomolecular engineering, metabolic engineering and biochemistry. She is skilled with animal and human cell lines like HeLa, L-, Cos-7, keratenocytes and T-cells, molecular cloning, radiation and animal safety, handling of uninfected and SIV-infected blood.

In the current Covid situation Dr. Gull very briefly explained the cause of pandemic and the benefits of following the Covid-19 SOPs and getting vaccinated. She met with the staff and research students of Biotechnology Department, LCWU and shared her valuable research and teaching experiences. She also visited the labs of Biotechnology Department, LCWU and showed interest to help in upgrading them further. 

Virtual Poster competition on Insights into Biotechnology Research

In commemoration of LCWU centennial celebrations Department of Biotechnology has organized a one day virtual poster competition, in which BS students of last semester presented their research in digital poster mode in different fields of Biotechnology focusing on but not limited to United Nation Sustainable Development Goals i.e. SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG3 (Good health and Well Being), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action). Biotechnology has always made a significant contribution in the welfare of human beings like providing food security, better health care, availability of potable water, waste management for a clean environment and an efficient industrial development.  Posters were evaluated by two distinguish judges Dr. Asma Chudhary from The University of Education, Lahore and Dr. Asma Waheed Qureshi from Government College for Women University Sialkot. 

National Symposium on Biotechnology Entrepreneurship

A national symposium on “Biotechnology Entrepreneurship” was organized by the Department of Biotechnology, LCWU on 5th March, 2020. Different ideas were presented by students, the most fleshing ideas were Biocosmetics and Micropropagation of medicinal and ornamental plants as well as students also prepared Lie Detector device in forensic lab. All ideas were appreciated by Prof. Dr. FarkhandaManzoor (Director ORIC) and Prof. Dr. ShaguftaNaz (HoD), Biotechnology Department). ORIC team participated and attended this event.

Pride of Biotechnology Department and Lahore college for Women University

Scientists from Department of Biotechnology Dr.Neelma Munir, Assistant Professor along with Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, Dean of Natural Sciences and Chairperson of the Department, LCWU, have been granted patent from IPO, Pakistan. This patent was filed through the relentless efforts of ORIC team in April, 2015. 

International Conference on “New Trends in Natural Sciences-III: “Emerging Infectious Diseases, Communicable Diseases: Insights, Zoonoses, Challenges & Strategies

Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with department of Zoology organized a 3 day International Conference on “New Trends in Natural Sciences-III: “Emerging Infectious Diseases, Communicable Diseases: Insights, Zoonoses, Challenges & Strategies” 8th-10th December, 2020. To focus of the workshop was to create public awareness on infectious diseases like COVID-19, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and epidemic zoonoses of infectious diseases appearing in a population with temporal and spatial distribution and rapidly increasing in incidence globally.

International Symposium On “Dissociating inflammation from fibrosis in systemic sclerosis”.

Prof. Carlo Chizzolini visited from University of Geneva. His area of research interest is immunology and biotechnology. He was the resource person in a one day seminar on 5th Nov., 2019 in Department of Biotechnology, where he presented his work entitled “International Symposium On “Dissociating inflammation from fibrosis in systemic sclerosis”. 

A national symposium on Awareness, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis and free screening camp of Hepatitis B  and C and vaccination of hepatitis B

A national symposium on Awareness, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis and free screening camp of Hepatitis B  and C and vaccination of hepatitis B is jointly organized by SPST and Department of Biotechnology, LCWU, Lahore General Hospital and Hepatitis Control programme, Primary and secondary healthcare Department on 27th November 2019. A lecture on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis A, D, E is given by Prof. Dr. Ghias-un-Nabi- Tayyab. A lecture on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis B and C is given by Dr. Akif Dilshad and a lecture on safe use of laboratory practices is given by Dr. Farheen Aslam.  This fits United Nation sustainable Goals for development (SDG3 Good health and wellbeing). 

NEW TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES: PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD NUTRITION AND SAFETY

Three days international conference “NEW TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES: PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD NUTRITION AND SAFETY’ .

The department of Biotechnology and Zoology, LCWU organized three days International Conference “NEW TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES: PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD NUTRITION AND SAFETYNTNS-II, 2018 FROM 24th – 26th October, 2018.  The main objective of the conference was to provide a platform to provide information about public health strategies and basic food practices both Nationally and Internationally and to motivate the participants to make positive changes that influence our common food related practices .

Delegates from USA, UK, Canada, Turkey, China, Iran, UAE attended the conference and presented their work. The event was attended by a large number of Participants from different institutes/universities from all over Pakistan as well as abroad. The main organizers Prof. Dr. Farkhana Manzoor and Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz in their concluding Remarks thanked HEC and PHEC for giving funding to organize this mega event. The guests as well as participants appreciated the efforts of the organizers and congratulated the whole team in making this even a success.
Biotechnology News

It is my pleasure to share that Ms. Benazir Laiqat a student of BS-Biotechnology Semester VI. She has been selected as a primal candidate for participation in the Global undergraduate exchange programme for Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) to pursue her fall 2018 semester (6 months) in USA fully funded by United States Government.

It is worth mentioning that she has been selected out of 12000 students all over Pakistan. She is the only student from LCWU as well as tribal girl from Khuram Agency (FATA) who got this opportunity.

A Diabetic Prevention Camp

On 2nd March, 2018 a Diabetic prevention camp was held in Department of Biotechnology, LCWU in collaboration with Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore (SIMS). Around 20 medical specialist and dietitians came under the leadership of Dr. Sara (SIMS). All faculty and staff of LCWU were invited to attend for complete check-up. The test performed were sugar test, blood pressure, height, weight and BMI. Furthermore, dietary advice was given by qualified dieticians. More than 150 faculty and staff benefitted from the camp. All faculty members appreciated this activity and suggested that in near future related awareness camps and seminars should be held.

Journal of Innovative Sciences

“Journal of Innovative Sciences” ISSN: 2411-2240 of LCWU has been recognized by HEC in Z Category vide letter No. CON (QAD)/HEC/NSJ/2018/136 Dated 23rd February, 2018

Honor of Biotechnology Department

tudents from Department of Biotechnology, LCWU participated in “1st National Conference on Recent Trends of Microbiology “at Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST). Total 29 renowned Universities of Pakistan participated in the conference and students of Biotechnology Department Ms. Asma Shehzaad and Ms. Rohina Ijaz (Ph.D Scholars) and Ms. Sadia Iftikhar (MS student) secured top positions in oral presentations in different sessions. Head of Biotechnology Department Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz has appreciated the students on their achievements and wished them good luck for future

International workshop on cancer and proteomics


An event entitled “International workshop on cancer and proteomics” was organized in the Department of Biotechnology from 8th - 10th Nov, 2016. The workshop was about the role of proteomics in cancer, and Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli (University of Geneva, Switzerland) was the resource person. The worthy Vice Chancellor welcomed and acknowledged Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli and emphasized the importance of new scientific collaborations. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli is a well renowned researcher in the field of proteomics and cancer and currently working on a HEC funded project on the role of post-translational modifications in insulin sensitive cancer cells in collaboration with Dr. Afshan Kaleem, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli delivered lectures on Cancer cells, sugars and energy, and gave a hands on training on proteomic techniques (including SDS-PAGE and western-blotting) in cancer. The Head of Biotechnology Department Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz valued the presence of Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli and also encouraged further international partnership. All the Biotechnology faculty members, PhD scholars and students attended and appreciated the workshop.
Launching of Commercial Products

Plant Biotech Group of Department of Biotechnology launched the products of Biotechnology on 94th founders day of LCWU on 5th May,2016. The event was inaugurated by Higher Education Minister, Madam Zakia Shahnawaz along with Vice Chancellor Prof.Dr Uzma Qureshi.

Alumni of LCWU particularly, Former Vice Chancellor-Prof Dr.Bushra Mateen, Vice Chancellor Sialkot-Prof Dr. Farhat Saleemi and MPA, MS. Parveen Gil visited all the products of Plant Tissue culture i.e Lilium, Pine Apple, Carnation, Sanachio and medicinal plants-Stevia.

Prof, Dr. Shagufta Naz, Chairperson/ Team Leader, Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Biotechnology emphasized that the plant biotechnology group has always aimed its research on converting the ideas into products. A number of stalls including kitchen gardening, hydroponics and ornamentals were displayed. The visitors appreciated the efforts of Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz and her team for organizing such a great exhibition.  

Professors of University of Geneva, Switzerland visited Department of Biotechnology, LCWU

Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli and Dr. Ursula Kara (senior distinguished professors, University of Geneva, Switzerland) visited Department of Biotechnology, LCWU, on 7th of March, 2016. Dr. Daniel is an eminent researcher in the field of proteomics, and is currently working in collaboration with Dr. Afshan Kaleem, Assistant Professor, on a HEC funded project entitled “Concerted bioinformatic and proteomic approaches to define the role of post-translational modifications in signaling proteins of the insulin pathway” of 2.9 mill Rupees.

 Dr. Ursula is a renowned researcher and has an immense experience in the field of biochemistry and immunology. Both professors appreciated the effort of the head of department of Biotechnology, Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz on the current running projects of the department. Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz and all the faculty were highly honored by the visit of these esteemed professors and future collaborations were discussed.

Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz Visited University of California

Under the Pak-US Science &Technology Cooperation Program, Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, Visited the Foundation Plant Services in the Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, as a visiting Professor and project collaborator for training and research in the project entitled “Application of Molecular methods for the development of a pathogen-free certification program for grapevine” in Nov.-Dec.2015.The project was funded by HEC and USAID and the funding amount is 41.7 Million Rs.
The projects was involved training in the areas of modern molecular technologies used for the detection of viruses in grapes (like PCR and qPCR) and technologies used for molecular characterization of viruses (e.g., Next Generation Sequencing Technology). This is the first ever project in the field of grapes. So far no comprehensive research on this area is being conducted. Pakistan does not have the highly technical tools that could vastly improve the national harvest of perennial crops -- from vineyards and orchards. Microbial diseases greatly decrease the yields and quality of those harvests. This project proposes to bring that expertise in plant disease detection and management from the U. S. to Pakistan. The first step, during the three years of this proposal, will be the establishment of a pilot program in the disease-free certification of grapevines for commercial production. The next step will be the expansion of that program across the nation. Final steps will involve the inclusion of other orchard crops in certification programs. The result will be improvement in crop productivity. A more productive vineyard and orchard industry would provide lower cost, non-imported, healthy food to the people, as well as economic benefit to the growers and to the commercial agricultural sector.Department of Biotechnology won research grants

The Department of Biotechnology won 3 research grants from 2 International and 1 National funding agency
 
i.   Prof Dr Shagufta Naz, Chairperson of Department of Biotechnology  won the competitive research grant under    Pak-US Science & Technology Cooperation Program. Only 13 projects were selected from all over the Pakistan. These   Projects were funded under this solicitation should contribute to building research capacity in Pakistan while strengthening U.S.-Pakistan cooperative relationships.   The title of the  project is  “Application of Molecular methods for the development of a pathogen-free certification program for grapevine” Prof Dr Shagufta Naz is the Principle Investigator from Pakistani side while Dr. Adib Rowhani, from University of California, Davis, USA is the US partner. The project was granted a funding amount worth Rs 41.7 Million.

ii.  Prof Dr Shagufta Naz also won    a project entitled “High throughput citrus diagnostics and screening of pathogens of Canker, Greening, Scab and Viruses from Nurseries and orchards of Sargodha” The funding agency is USAID under the Agriculture Innovation Program(AIP) for Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan  Agriculture research Board.  Prof Dr Shagufta Naz is the PI of this project, while Dr. Faiza Saleem is the Co PI. The project was granted a funding amount worth Rs 5.0 Million.

iii.  The Department also won a National grant from high ranked funding agency i.e HEC under National Research Program for Universities. The title of project is “Concerted Bioinformatics and proteomic approaches to define the role of posttranslational modifications in signaling proteins of the insulin pathway.  Dr Afshan Kaleem is the PI of this project, while Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli and Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq are the Co PI. The project was granted a funding amount worth Rs 2.8 Million.

iv. Establishments of Department:

a.      Plant Tissue Laboratory" in Bagh-e-Jinnah
 Lahore College for Women University, in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture Department established a "Plant Tissue Laboratory" in Bagh-e-Jinnah The lab was inaugurated by LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mateen and Punjab Floriculture Director Dr. Mohammad Tariq Iqtidar on 8th April, 2009.

The laboratory is an implementation of the MOU signed in 26th July 2007 between the LCWU and Agriculture Department. The tenure for the agreement is 25 years. The Agriculture Department has established the laboratory and Green houses while the LCWU has equipped it with all necessary equipment. All the management, production and over all control of tissue culture lab. and green houses will be operated solely by LCWU due to security purpose of students and female faculty members.
 
The utility of this venture is to provide students an opportunity to produce disease free, healthy, vigorous and high yielding plant material of different ornamentals and crops by using different in vitro techniques. The lab will also cater the production of utility fruits like bananas, medicinal plants and expensive flowers like Lilulium,Carnation,Gerbera, and Orchids

Significance of this venture:                          
 By establishing Plant Tissue Culture Lab. with existing well built Green houses and along with a garden having large biodiversity of different species of plants will boom the research and development. This facility will give the opportunity of research at BS, MS and PhD students. These students will get training in different disciplines of plant tissue culture techniques, hardening and acclimatization methods, technology of green house management and off season vegetable production. These well trained human resources can act as a good scientist in this society.

b.   Kitchen gardening Centre (The Potagers):  has been established for production of off season and seasonal vegetables like Cherry tomatoes, hot & sweet pepper, Ice burg salads and different other local and exotic varieties.  Training for production of these plants will be offered to students at all levels.  
 
Research Activities
•         The Department of Biotechnology has the credit to submit 16 patents since January 2015. One patent of Dr. Faiza Saleem is in Gazette of Pakistan now and the others are in process.
•          A Biannual Research Journal entitled " Journal of Innovative Sciences (JIS)” e. ISSN 2411-2240 and p ISSN 2412-3846 has published its first issue. (http://www.jis-spst.com)
•         The Department has published 14 research papers in Impact factor journals from Jan. to June,2015.

LCWU WOMEN EDITORS ATTENDED ACSE WORKSHOP

Prof. Dr. Shugufta Naz and Prof Dr. Farkhanda Manzoor, Editors of the Journal of the “INNOVATIVE SCIENCES” the first LCWU Science journal became members of the Asian Council of Scientific Editors (ACSE) and attended their meeting at Dubai on 13-14th August. The theme of the Annual meeting was "Trends in academic and scholarly publishing in Asia" At this Annual Meeting 2015, they also attended different short courses along with the keynote and plenary sessions, led by consultants and trainers including Dr. Elizabeth Wager, Pippa Smart and Rachel Maund.

“Clean Community: A symbol of civilized nation”

Student of Biotechnology for completion of their Social Action Project organized a sumposium on Clean Community: A symbol of civilized nation in collaboration with Lahore Waste management corporation” . Dr. Neelma Munir and Ms. Rukhama Haq (ACP facilitators, Dept. of Biotechnology) highlighted the importance of the selected Social action project and the student’s efforts in successful execution.

Resource persons from LWMC Mr. M. Umair Khan, Assistant Manager, LWMC and Ms Irum, Operational Manager, LWMC explained in detail the methods of waste disposal and working of LWMC in achieving their target of clean Lahore.

At the end the students actively participated in cleaning the university. They also distributed the Brouchers and stickers among the university students and persuaded them to do all the possible efforts to make their community clean which reflects the civilization of a nation.

Awareness of the Emerging Issues of Cancers in Pakistan


Department of Biotechnology
organized an HEC funded workshop on “Awareness of the Emerging Issues of Cancers in Pakistan” on Tuesday 6th May 2014. Many renowned doctors and scientists shared their knowledge and made the students aware of the current issues of the cancers in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, Prof. Dr. Shaharyar (Founder of Cancer care hospital, Lahore & Ex-Chairman Oncology department King Edward Medical University), Dr. Riaz-ur-Rehman (Head of Pediatric Oncology department Jinnah Hospital Lahore), Dr. Areesha Zaman (Chief Scientist, Medical  Radiation Physicist, INMOL Cancer Hospital, Lahore), Dr Imran Altaf (Assistant Professor QOL University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore) and Dr Rasheeda Bashir (Assistant professor LCWU, Lahore) shared their knowledge of the subject and also provide very helpful information about prevention, detection, cure, genetic and mutagenic factors affecting the cancer growth in the body.
The workshop ended with vote of thanks to the resource persons and audience by Dr. Rasheeda Bashir, Chief organizer of the workshop.

“Revolution of Biotechnology”

Biotechnology Department of LCWU organized 2nd women inter collegiate and university science symposium and model competition on the theme “Revolution of Biotechnology” on 18th April 2014, Friday. Students of different universities of Lahore presented their models as well as poster in the competition.

Dr. Mohsin Javed (Associate professor) Institute of Industrial Biotechnology GC University Lahore., Dr Hamid Mukhtar (Associate professor) Institute of Industrial Biotechnology GC University Lahore and Dr Seemal Ejaz (Associate professor and Head of department) Govt. Postgraduate College for Women Samanabad evaluated the posters.

The Judges appreciated the efforts and talent of the students. The emphasized that events like this are necessary for intellectual nourishment of the students. Certificates and shields were given to the students at the end of the event.

The Awareness of Emerging Issues of Cancers in Pakistan

A Seminar on “The Awareness of Emerging Issues of Cancers in Pakistan” was held on November 21, 2013. The event was organized by Biotechnology Department in collaboration with Oncology Department of King Edward Medical University. Aim of Seminar was to create awareness about different types of cancer in Pakistan and their preventive measures.

Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, Vice Chancellor of Lahore College for Women University, Lahore was invited as chief guest in seminar. Key speakers were Dr. Shaharyar, a renowned Oncologist and chairman of oncology department of King Edward Medical University Lahore and Dr. Riaz-ur-Rehman, Palliative Physician, Oncologist and Senior Consultant in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Shaharyar and Dr. Riaz-ur-Rehman highlighted the need of more cancer hospitals in Pakistan keeping in view a great number of cancer patients in the country. They also explained the concept of palliative care center and its importance. Both the speakers emphasized that healthy life style is very crucial to prevent cancer especially in young persons. Vote of thanks was given by Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz on behalf of Biotechnology Department for providing this excellent opportunity to students as well as faculty members no only to learn about cancer but play their role as volunteers in this noble task.

Students of Biotechnology department, LCWU actively run a fund raising campaign for two days and collected 3 lacs for Cancer care hospital and research center. Dr. Sabiha Mansoor presented a prestigious donation of 50 thousands rupees by Student Council LCWU,Lahore. Shields, trophies and certificates were awarded to students and faculty members for their active participation in making this event a success.

Department of Biotechnology Signed MOU with Citrus Research Centre

A memorandum of understanding is signed between The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Lahore, Pakistan and Citrus Research Centre, Sargodha. The MOU was signed with the idea of collaboration in research in the field of Agriculture Biotechnology to initiate mutually beneficial collaboration in the area of Research between public partnership by incorporating their relevant strengths in specific areas of teaching and research.

The Orange Research Station, Sargodha will provide facility for undertaking research in different disciplines of Biotechnology to LCWU. Both parties will do collaborative research /developmental projects in the different areas of citrus germplasm conservation and improvement.

Honor of Biotechnology Department

Idra-frogh-e-Taleem has awarded Gold Medal and shield to Head of Biotechnology Department Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz  for her valuable services in the field of  education.

Certificate of merit were awarded  to  Dr. Faiza  SaleemDr. Mehwish Iqtedar, Dr. Neelma Munir, Dr. Roheena Abdullah, Dr.Rasheed Bashir, Dr. Farheen Aslam, Ms. Rukhama Haq  and Ms.Mahwish Aftab for  their best  performance in the field of education in the Gold medal  award ceremony held in Al-Hamrah on 17th June 2013.


Prof Dr. Khaliq-ur- Rehaman  and  Zakia Shah Nawaz  were chief guest of the ceremony.
STRAP research Grants awarded to Biotechnology Department
Dr. Faiza Saleem, Dr. Mehwish Iqtedar, Dr. Neelma Munir and Dr. Roheena Abdullah Department of Biotechnology has been awrded STRAP research grant by LCWU for their submitted projects

HEC Research Grant Awarded

HEC awarded research grant of 0.5 million to Dr. Farheen Aslamu/Dr. Neelma Mnir for the project “Stydying the effect on expression  of a recombinant protein by changing the nucleotides at the promotor and start of the gene” on june 4th , 2013.

MoU between LCWU and The Children’s Hospital

A memorandum of understanding is signed between The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Lahore, Pakistan and The Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health Ferozepur Road Lahore, Pakistan at the conference room of Children Hospital on 4th June 2013. The memorandum is signed by the Dean of Children Hospital, Prof. Dr. Tahir Masood Ahmad and Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz (Head of Biotechnology Department, LCWU) on the behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sabiha Mansoor.  Prof. Dr. Farkhanda Manzoor of Zoology Department of LCWU signed as witness.  Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore and Dr. Muhammad Ashiq Hussain of Children Hospital, signed as witnesses. This agreement is for collaboration and participation in the process of scientific research and provision of clinical material for research purpose to nominated scientists/students/internees in various departments of LCWU, by CH & ICH, Lahore. It is further agreed to set out the broad framework for Parties’ intended collaboration in the field of scientific research.

IPFP Research Grant awarded

Dr. Rasheeda Bashir/ Dr. Faiza Saleem of Biotechnology department has been awarded research grant of Rs. 0.5 million for the project entitled “Genetic analysis of Glucoma in Pakistan”

Productive Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, HOD, Biotechnology and Microbiology, has been awarded “Productive Scientist Award” on 4th April 2013, from Ministry of Science & Technology for her tremendous achievements in the field of Plant Biotechnology.

Seminar by eminent scientist Prof. Dr. M Akhtar (FRS)

A seminar was organized on "How favourable and fast are the enzymic reaction?" by Prof. Dr. M Akhtar (FRS), Director general, School of Biological Sciences.

Lecture on Forensic DNA Typing

Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, LCWU; organized a lecture on “Forensic DNA Typing” by distinguished Forensic Scientist Dr. Zahoor Ahmed on 7th March, 2013. Pioneer of CEMB, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed is currently Associate Professor in Forensic Science Laboratories of School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab. Distinguished Forensic Scientist delivered a very informative lecture regarding different areas of Genetics, Cytogenetics and Forensic science. He enlightened the importance of Science in Forensics and the responsibility of Forensic Scientist to Develop Association of Crime Scene and Suspect, especially among the students of Biotechnology and Forensic studies.

Model and Poster Exhibition

1st Women Inter Collegiate and University Science Model and Poster Exhibition

Department of Biotechnology has organized 1st Women Inter collegiate and University Science Model and Poster Exhibition on 12th of March, 2013. The event was organized by Prof. Dr.Shagufta Naz, Dr.Mehwish Iqtedar and Dr.Roheena Abdullah. Total 400 participants participated from University of the Punjab, Government College University, Forman Christian College, Kinnard College, Queen Mary College, Government Post Graduate College for Women Samnabad and Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology including home University. Overall 60 posters and 25 models were presented.The competition consisted of three categories

1. Model presentation
2. Research posters
3. General posters

The competition was judged by eminent Professor Dr.Javed Iqbal Qazi(Biotechnologist) from Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab and Dr.Athar Hussain Shah (Biotechnologist) from Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore. Chief guest for Prize distribution ceremony was Dean of life Sciences Professor Dr.Kausar Jamal Cheema. At the end souvenir were presented to chief guest, organizers and judges. Diverse topics related to biotechnology were presented in the form of posters and models. In students such event creates innovative ideas to face the challenges of the present day world. These brain storming activities enhance the learning and team work abilities among students and therefore provides a platform for expression of hidden abilities and build confidence. Therefore well- planned events must be incorporated in our education system for innovative ideas in education and research.

Seminar on Endnote: A tool in effective scientific writing

Keeping in view the importance of using endnote for researchers, A seminar was organized on “ Endnote: A tool in effective scientific writing” by Mr. Mohsin Raza on Thursday March 21, 2013.

Colors of Biotechnology

Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, LCWU; organized a one day symposium on “Colors of Biotechnology” including poster competition and a lecture by distinguished National Professor Dr. Abdul Rauf Shakoori on 20th December, 2012. Prof. Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, Vice Chancellor, LCWU and Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf Shakoori, Director, School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, were the chief guests on this occasion. Worthy Vice chancellor inaugurated the event. Posters were evaluated by Prof. Dr. A. R. Shakoori, Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, and Prof. Dr Farkhanda Manzoor.

Prof. Dr. A. R. Shakoori, Distinguished National Professor, delivered a very informative lecture regarding different areas of molecular biology and biotechnology. He enlightened the importance of basic understanding about our functional unit of life, i.e. a cell and the wonders associated with it, especially among the students of biotechnology and microbiology.

The evaluation committee appreciated the students’ presentation and creativity in the form of posters and models. Prizes and certificates were delivered by Dr. Shakoori at the end of lecture. The ceremony ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Shagufta Naz.

Lecture by dr. M. Sohail akram

Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, LCWU; organized a lecture on “Plants Transgene Expression: Tools and Methodology.  by Dr. M. Sohail Akram on 22nd January, 2013. Dr. M. Sohail Akram has expertise in and plant tissue culture and Agrobacterium mediated Plant Transformation. He discussed the tools and methodology of Agrobacterium mediated transformation of model plants, crop plants and construction of vectors for transgene expression in plants as well as expression analysis using molecular techniques.  The lecture ended with the vote of thanks by worthy Dr. Shagufta Naz (HOD Biotechnology Department).

Seminar by Dr. Muhammad Awais

One day seminar on “Imaging Cellular Events in Real-time using Genetically Encoded Optical Probes” by Dr. Muhammad Awais, Liverpool NIHR Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Translational Medicine, The University of Liverpool, UK in Biotechnology Department, LCWU. His explained designing of genetically encoded fluorescent and bioluminescent probes and their applications to understand cellular processes in real-time in the physiological environment of live cells and small animals. He also discuss briefly drug discovery and development programme at the Liverpool NIHR Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit for pancreatitis for which there is currently no specific therapy available.

Educational Visit

Educational Visit of students of MS to Shakargang sugar Mills, Jhang.

Productive Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, HOD, Biotechnology and Microbiology, has been awarded “Productive Scientist Award” from Ministry of Science & Technology for her tremendous achievements in the field of Plant Biotechnology.