International Workshop on
Applications of Modern Biotechnology in Muslim Countries - Specific Issues and Challenges
Organized by OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Islamabad in collaboration with Pakistan Biotechnology Information Center (PABIC), Karachi
February 27-29, 2012
Introduction
Modern Biotechnology has brought many benefits to human race. This is rightly regarded as the most important technological development relevant to human needs, and is considered as the technology of the 21st century due to its contributions to economical, clean and pollutant-free production processes. Unfortunately, many nations in the OIC region have not explored sufficiently the benefits of biotechnological innovations. Teachings of Islam encourage the scientific endeavour, including modern biotechnology, in order to fulfil medicine, feed and fibre needs of growing population. This is the reason that applications of biotechnology in Muslim countries have not faced major opposition. However, there are some issues and challenges which OIC countries need to discuss. The greatest challenge of the time is to develop an educated workforce, required infrastructure, conducive and enabling environment, and right national policies to take advantages of modern biotechnology.
There is need to engage, biotechnologists, and all other stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue to promote objective understanding of GMOs, agro biotechnology, health biotechnology, and other biotechnological innovation to prepare OIC region for future applications in biotechnology related social changes.
Scope and Objectives
This international event will provide a platform for the biotechnology professionals of the OIC member states to share their findings with other stakeholders and policy makers, in order to develop convergence of opinion and greater understanding about the tremendous benefits of biotechnology for the well-being of masses.
Targeted Participants
Senior biotechnologists, researchers, regulators, policy makers, academicians, and media representatives.
Workshop Contents
The program will include a series of lectures and brain storming sessions on:
§ Global status of modern biotechnology, with emphasis on agricultural biotechnology
§ GM crops
§ Biotechnology as a science to serve humanity
§ Specific problems/issues relevant to biotechnology in OIC countries
Local Hospitality and Travel
COMSTECH will provide local hospitality including accommodation and meals (US$120.00 per day single occupancy and US$ 70.00 per day double occupancy) from its own resources to a limited number of selected participants in its Guest House. Travel grants are not available. Pick and drop service on arrival and departure will be provided to only those who are travelling by air.
How to register for the workshop?
§ Step 1: Download application form here
§ Step 2: Submit properly filled application form along with recommendation letter/No Objection Certificate (NOC) to hanifa@comstech.org or comstech@comstech.org or by fax to +92-51-9205264 by the deadline.
§ Step 3: You will receive an acceptance email soon after the deadline if you are selected for the workshop.
§ Step 4: Local participants will be required to deposit registration fee of PKR 2,000 through demand draft in favour of COMSTECH a week before the commencement of the workshop. Foreign participants will have to deposit their registration fee of US$ 50 at the time of registration on the first day of the workshop.
Focal Person of the Workshop
Dr. Sammer Yousuf
Assistant Professor
Pakistan Biotechnology Information Center
International Center for Chemical and
Biological Sciences, University of Karachi
Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99261701, 99261702
Fax: +92-21-99261713, 34819018
E-mail: dr.sammer.yousuf@gmail.com
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Last Date for Applications
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27 January, 2012
for foreign candidates
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5 February, 2012
for candidates from Pakistan
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Enquiries
For further information, please contact:
Hanifa Beg
Programme Manager
Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
Fax: +92-51-9205264, +92-51-9220265
Email: hanifa@comstech.org; comstech@comstech.org