3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology
Theme: Genome Editing Technologies for Agriculture
Venue: North South University (NSU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date: 12th – 14th September 2025
Organized by: COMSTECH, IOFS, and NSU
Flyer: Click Here
Overview
The 3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology is a prestigious tripartite initiative by COMSTECH (OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation), Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), and North South University (NSU), Bangladesh. This event will bring together promising youth, researchers, and innovators from OIC member states to explore the transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas technologies in agriculture.
Genome editing holds the key to solving major challenges in agriculture—enhancing crop yields, boosting resilience against climate change, and ensuring food security. Yet, OIC member states remain underrepresented in biotechnology R&D globally. This forum aims to bridge that gap by empowering the next generation with state-of-the-art knowledge and hands-on exposure.
This prestigious forum will take place from 12th to 14th September 2025 at North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and will bring together youth leaders, early-career researchers, policy advocates, and innovators from across the OIC region.
Theme of the Forum:
“Genome Editing Technologies for Agriculture: Future of Agricultural Innovation in OIC Countries”
This year’s theme reflects our commitment to empowering the youth with cutting-edge knowledge in biotechnology and genome editing, with a strong focus on applications in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
Participants will engage in keynote talks, technical sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on training, guided by leading global and regional experts in CRISPR-Cas technologies and biotechnology policy.
Forum Objectives
- Promote scientific exchange and collaboration in genome editing.
- Develop human capital and research capacity in OIC countries.
- Highlight recent advances and applications of CRISPR in crop and livestock improvement.
- Foster cross-border networking among youth researchers.
Key Topics
- CRISPR-Cas Systems and Emerging Applications
- Gene Editing for Climate-Resilient Crops
- Speed Breeding and Genetic Gain Acceleration
- Genome Selection in Livestock and Crops
- Variants of Cas Proteins: New Frontiers
- Ethical and Regulatory Considerations in Gene Editing
Target Audience
Academicians, researchers, postgraduate students, and early-career scientists from OIC member states.
Note: Participants from all OIC countries are welcome. Limited funding may be available for selected participants from specific countries.
Registration Details
- Deadline for Registration: 10th August 2025
- Registration Fee: None
- Participation Mode: Hybrid (Physical & Virtual)
- Hospitality: COMSTECH, IOFS, & NSU will provide local hospitality for selected physical participants.
Registration Link: Click Here
Zoom Link: Will be shared with virtual participants via email.
Contact Information
Bangladesh
Dr. Hafizur Rahman
Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology
North South University (NSU), Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
& COMSTECH focal person in Bangladesh
OIC – COMSTECH, Pakistan
Ms. Khazima Muazim
Programme Manager, COMSTECH
Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Kazakhstan
Dr. Abdelaziz Hajjaji
Programme Manager, Plant protection, & Climate impact
Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Astana, Kazakhstan