COMSTECH News & Announcements
COMSTECH – Al-Shifa Trust (Capacity Building and Research Collaboration in Ophthalmology)
Online Certificate Course on “Basic Cell Culture Techniques”
Organized by:
COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad in Collaboration with the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) Karachi, Pakistan.December 14-15, 2020
Cell culture is one of the major approaches used in cellular and molecular biology, providing an excellent model system for studying the physiology and biochemistry of living cells.
Cell culture entails to the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their successive growth in a favorable artificial environment. The cells may be removed from the tissue directly, or they may be derived from a cell line and disaggregated by enzymatic or mechanical means before further in vitro cultivation.
The workshop will provide a solid basis for the understanding of the growth of animal/human cells, with formal lectures and laboratory exercises. Through integrated learning methods, utilizing hands-on training to reinforce lecture material, participants will learn the biological basis and relevance of the process of cell culture techniques. The training program will facilitate the trainees to translate these techniques according to their specific research needs.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The workshop is designed to address the interest of scientists and research scholars from different fields of biological sciences including molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and biotechnology.
WORKSHOP CONTENT
The program includes a series of online lectures and hands-on sessions on the following topics:
- Preparation and types of media
- Maintenance of cells in culture
- Cell passaging and seeding in plate
- Cryopreservation
RESOURCE PERSONS
Dr. Sumbla Farooq Sheikh: Dr. Sheikh is currently working at the Institute for Virology und Epidemiology of Viral diseases, University Hospital, Tübingen University, Germany. Her research primarily focuses on the design and development of contrast agents for the early detection of cancer with special focus on; glioblastoma and prostate carcinoma. She has a wide experience in the field of cellular and molecular studies involving cell culture-based assays.
Dr. Alexander Sturzu: Dr Sturzu is working at the Department of Neuroradiolgy, University Hospital, Tübingen University, Germany. His main research interests are design of novel imaging compounds for tissue specific imaging and novel anticancer agents. He is well versed in foundational molecular biology and his expertise is widely based on cell culture and cell culture based assays.
VENUE
Topic: “Basic Cell Culture Techniques”
Time: Dec 14, 2020 12:00 PM Islamabad, Karachi, Tashkent
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82416827002?pwd=bU1rZGMreTkwbzJOZmpwWTZSZUJhQT09
Meeting ID: 824 1682 7002
Passcode: 639480Topic: “Basic Cell Culture Techniques”
Time: Dec 15, 2020 12:00 PM Islamabad, Karachi, Tashkent
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84960181216?pwd=WEhnU3JPNkw4S1RETEpJYThUN2NvUT09
Meeting ID: 849 6018 1216
Passcode: 212055WORKSHOP PROGRAM (Pakistan Standard Time)
Monday, December 14, 2020
12:00-12:05 Inauguration Ceremony
12:05-12:10 Recitation of the Holy Quran
12:10-12:20 Welcome Address by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary
12:20-13:30 Lecture 1 entitled, “Introduction to mammalian cell culture and cell passaging” by Dr. Sumbla Farooq Sheikh, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
13:30-14:30 Practical Session (Cryo-revive, trypsinization and passaging)
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
12:00-13:00 Lecture 2 entitled, “Treatment of cells, management of contamination and troubleshooting” by Dr. Alexander Sturzu, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
13:00-14:30 Practical Session 2 (Cell counting, plating and cryo-preservation)
14:30-14:45 Closing Ceremony
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFuxdQd7OBVVUbOWwkQ2v-cK089NsDcoFNoeuH72grEL3m9A/viewform before December 10, 2020.
Registered participants will receive e-certificates.CONTACT PERSON
Ms. Khazima Muazim
Programme Manager
COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
Fax: +92-51-9205264, +92-51-9220265
Email: khazima@comstech.orgCOMSTECH International Workshop on “Integrating Clinical Pharmacy Education, Practice & Research: Bridging the Gap”
February 22-24, 2016 at COMSTECH, Islamabad-Pakistan
Program Download
SN Resource Person Resource Person’s Affiliation Email Title of Talk 1. Prof. Dr. G.M. Khan (Focal Person of the Workshop) Meritorious Professor & Chairman, Deapartment of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-Pakistan gmkhan@qau.edu.pk Introduction to the workshop contents 2. Prof. Dr. Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang-Malaysia. sazhar@usm.my Clinical Pharmacy in Asia: Problems & Obstacles Proper Approach for Clinical Case-Study & Case Clerking Pharmacy Curriculum 3. Dr. Kutay Demirkan Associate Professor Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Turkey kutay@hacettepe.edu.tr Clinical Pharmacy Education and Practice at Hacettepe University, Turkey 4. Prof.Dr. Ilkay Erdogan Orhan Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy,
Faculty of Pharmacy,
Gazi University, Ankara-Turkeyiorhan@gazi.edu.tr Phytopharmacy Concept in Clinical Pharmacy Training 5. Dr. Azreen Syazril Adnan Consultant Nephrologists & Physician Head: CKD Resource Center & Hemodialysis Center, Hospital University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kota Bharu- Malaysia drazreenadnan@gmail.com Management of Intra-Dialytic Complications 6. Dr. Amer Hayat Khan Senior Lecturer , Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang-Malaysia. dramer@usm.my Clinical Pharmacist: Way & Directions-Problem based learning Clinical Pharmacist as a Researcher 7. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Aziz Associate Director, Pharmaceutical & Ambulatory Services, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Lahore-Pakistan tahir@skm.org.pk Total Parenteral Nutrition – Assessment, Calculation and Monitoring Disease State Management – ESRD COMSTECH-FCC University International Workshop on Genomics and Genome Editing
May 24-27, 2016
Venue: Forman Christian College University, LahoreS.No, Resource Person Resource Person’s Affiliation Email Address Title of Talk 1. Dr. Kauser A. Malik Professor of Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Lahore-Pakistan kausermalik@fccollege.edu.pk Introduction to the Workshop 2. Dr. Michael Jones Professor, WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Murdoch University, Perth-Australia M.Jones@murdoch.edu.au 1). 50 shades of GMO’s 2). Next Generation Sequencing – Applications to plant virology and biosecurity 3). The application of genome editing to improve the dietary quality of potatoes – strategies and improving acceptance 4). New approaches to crop pathogen resistance 3. Dr. Tariq Zaman Neuroscientist, Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London-Canada tzaman3@uwo.ca 1). Ca2.3 Gene Targeting and Brain Function 2). Neuron-specific LMO4 Gene Targeting and Chemogenetic Modulation to Develop Therapeutics 4. Dr. Shahla Mohammad Gangi Faculty member, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran-Iran shahlamg@yahoo.com Investigation of promoter methylation of a panel gene in Iranian patients with CRC and esophagous cancer 5. Dr. Kamran Azim Associate Professor, Jamil ur Rahman Center for Genomic Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi-Pakistan kamran.azim@iccs.edu 1). Next Generation DNA Sequencing-Technologies 2). RNA sequencing using trinity 6. Dr. Bilal Wajid Assistant Professor, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore-Pakistan NA 1). Next Generation Sequencing-Softwares 2). Genome Assembly on Genobunto 3). Genome Wide Association Studies 7. Dr. Aftab Bashir Associate Professor, Department of Biological Science, Forman Christian College University, Lahore-Pakistan aftabbashir@fccollege.edu.pk 1). SRA tool kit installation and raw data handling 2). Variant calling (SNP detection) using CLC bio Genomics 8. Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Assistant Professor, Bahauddin Zakria University, Multan-Pakistan fahmad@bzu.edu.pk Methylated DNA primer designing and analysis of targeted gene methylation 9. Dr. Umar Sohail Assistant Professor, Government College University, Faisalabad-Pakistan umar.sohail@gcuf.edu.pk 1). Use of Qiime for studying Microbiome 2). Use of next generation sequencing for gut microbia 10. Dr. Shahid Mansoor Director/ Deputy Chief Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan shahidmansoor7@gmail.com CRISPR/Cas exploitation for crop improvement 11. Dr. M. Saeed Principal Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan msaeed@nibge.org 1). CRISP/Cas 9 and plant virus resistance 2). Transient assay for delivery of CRISPR/Cas in Plants 12. Dr. Imran Amin Principal Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan imran@nibge.org 1). CRISP/Cas 9 and VIGS for functional genomics 2). Transient assay for delivery of CRISPR/Cas in Plants COMSTECH-FCC University International Workshop on Genomics and Genome Editing
May 24-27, 2016
Venue: Forman Christian College University, LahoreS.No, Resource Person Resource Person’s Affiliation Email Address Title of Talk 1. Dr. Kauser A. Malik Professor of Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Lahore-Pakistan kausermalik@fccollege.edu.pk Introduction to the Workshop 2. Dr. Michael Jones Professor, WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Murdoch University, Perth-Australia M.Jones@murdoch.edu.au 1). 50 shades of GMO’s 2). Next Generation Sequencing – Applications to plant virology and biosecurity 3). The application of genome editing to improve the dietary quality of potatoes – strategies and improving acceptance 4). New approaches to crop pathogen resistance 3. Dr. Tariq Zaman Neuroscientist, Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London-Canada tzaman3@uwo.ca 1). Ca2.3 Gene Targeting and Brain Function 2). Neuron-specific LMO4 Gene Targeting and Chemogenetic Modulation to Develop Therapeutics 4. Dr. Shahla Mohammad Gangi Faculty member, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran-Iran shahlamg@yahoo.com Investigation of promoter methylation of a panel gene in Iranian patients with CRC and esophagous cancer 5. Dr. Kamran Azim Associate Professor, Jamil ur Rahman Center for Genomic Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi-Pakistan kamran.azim@iccs.edu 1). Next Generation DNA Sequencing-Technologies 2). RNA sequencing using trinity 6. Dr. Bilal Wajid Assistant Professor, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore-Pakistan NA 1). Next Generation Sequencing-Softwares 2). Genome Assembly on Genobunto 3). Genome Wide Association Studies 7. Dr. Aftab Bashir Associate Professor, Department of Biological Science, Forman Christian College University, Lahore-Pakistan aftabbashir@fccollege.edu.pk 1). SRA tool kit installation and raw data handling 2). Variant calling (SNP detection) using CLC bio Genomics 8. Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Assistant Professor, Bahauddin Zakria University, Multan-Pakistan fahmad@bzu.edu.pk Methylated DNA primer designing and analysis of targeted gene methylation 9. Dr. Umar Sohail Assistant Professor, Government College University, Faisalabad-Pakistan umar.sohail@gcuf.edu.pk 1). Use of Qiime for studying Microbiome 2). Use of next generation sequencing for gut microbia 10. Dr. Shahid Mansoor Director/ Deputy Chief Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan shahidmansoor7@gmail.com CRISPR/Cas exploitation for crop improvement 11. Dr. M. Saeed Principal Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan msaeed@nibge.org 1). CRISP/Cas 9 and plant virus resistance 2). Transient assay for delivery of CRISPR/Cas in Plants 12. Dr. Imran Amin Principal Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad- Pakistan imran@nibge.org 1). CRISP/Cas 9 and VIGS for functional genomics 2). Transient assay for delivery of CRISPR/Cas in Plants Application of Nuclear Radiation in Agriculture, Medicine, Non-Destructive Testing and Nuclear Regulatory Practices
April 18-23, 2016 at COMSTECH, Islamabad-Pakistan
Organized by COMSTECH in collaboration with Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)S.N. Resource Person Resource Person’s Affiliation Email Address Title of Talk 1. Mr. Rodolfo Nunez Section of Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna Austria R.Nunez-MIller@iaea.org a) Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Programmes at the IAEA b) PET/CT in Oncology c) Therapeutic Aspects of Nuclear Medicine 2. Mr. Abdulghani Shakhashiro Division for Asia and the Pacific, Department of Technical Cooperation, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna Austria a.shakhashiro@iaea.org a) IAEA Platform for Scientists Engineers & Researchers b) Proficiency Testing Plan and DO’s and Dont’s of Proficiency Testing 3. Mr. Harri Tapani Varjonen
Nuclear Power Engineering Section
Division of Nuclear Power
Department of Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna AustriaH.Varjonen@iaea.org a) IAEA Activities on Maintenance and Outage Optimization b) IAEA Activities on NDE/ISI. Optimization in NPPs to Improve NPPS Performance 4. Ms. Kaisa Koskinen Nuclear Nuclear Reactor Regulation Finland NA a) Qualification, Validation and Inspection in Pressure Vessel b) Pre and Post PSI/ISI activities (International Practices) c) Surveillance Program for the Integrity of RPV d) Emerging Technologies and Advance Use of Current Methods 5. Mladen Pajnic Croatian Nuclear Society, Croatia NA a) Code and Standards for NDT Qualification and Inspection in Pressure Vessel b) Data acquisition and analysis of Eddy Current Testing of SG tubes, Thimble tubes and RPV Studs and Nuts c) Data acquisition and analysis of Eddy Current Testing of SG tubes, Thimble tubes and RPV Studs and Nuts d) Inspection of the Buried Pipelines using NDT e) Mechanized Inspection Systems (Data Acquisition and Analysis) of RPV, Vessel Head, RCCA and RPV Studs and Nuts f) Mechanized Inspection Systems (Data Acquisition and Analysis) of RPV, Vessel Head, RCCA and RPV Studs and Nuts 6. Dr. Muhammad Basim Principal Scientist Department of Physics, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Islamabad-Pakistan NA Introduction to Ionizing Radiations & Fundamentals of Radiological Protection 7. Dr. Muhammed Faheem Director, Nuclear Medicine Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Role of PAEC in Health Sector 8.; Dr. Shabana Saeed HoD Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Islamabad-Pakistan shabana@pieas.edu.pk Contribution of PIEAS in Human Resource Development for Nuclear Medicine & Radiation Oncology 9. Dr. Muhammad Sohaib Associate Professor Department of Medical Science, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Uses of Radiation Sources in Medicine Dr. Basit Iqbal Associate Professor, Department of Medical Science, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Nuclear Medicine Imaging – Current Practices & the Future Trends Dr. Nayyer Iqbal Director Medical & Biotechnology, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Islamabad-Pakistan NA Agriculture and Biotechnology Institute of PAEC and their contributions in the Agriculture Sector Dr. Tariq Mehmood Shah Deputy Chief Scientist, National Institute for Agriculture & Biology, Faisalabad-Pakistan NA Development and impact of mutant varieties on agriculture production in Pakistan Dr. Muhammad Arif Principal Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad-Pakistan marif_nibge@yahoo.com Plant breeding in post genomic era Dr. Shahid Mansoor Director, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad-Pakistan shahidmansoor7@gmail.com Biotechnology; perspective and utilizations for socioeconomic development Dr. Qaiser Mahmood Khan Dyputy Chief Scientist, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad-Pakistan NA Animal reproduction and health; nuclear and biotechnological approaches Dr. Nazia Suleman Pr. Scientist, National Institute for Agriculture & Biology, Faisalabad-Pakistan Na Integrated pest management and its practical applications Dr. Ihsan ullah Director, National Institute for Food & Agriculture, Peshawar-Pakistan NA Sanitary and phyto-sanitary treatment of food and agriculture products through irradiation technology Dr. Khalid Mahmood Dyputy Chief Scientist, National Institute for Agriculture & Biology, Faisalabad-Pakistan NA Managing saline soils and brackish water for enhancing productivity and improvement of degraded environment Dr. Muhammad Sadiq Director NISAS, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan dr.sadiq@pnra.org a) Introduction to PNRA b) Capacity building in Nuclear/Radiation safety & security Mr.Mohammad Usman Principal Scientific Officer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan musman@pnra.org a) PNRA Regulatory Framework b) Authorization and Licensing of Radiation Facilities Mr. Nasir Mughal Principal Scientific Officer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan nasir.mughal@pnra.org Authorization and Licensing of Nuclear Installations Mr. Naveed Maqbul nmaqbul@pnra.org Review & Assessment Mr. Shahbaz A. Nasir Bhatti Principal Engineer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan shahbaz.ali@pnra.org Regulatory Inspections of Nuclear Installations Dr. Tariq Majeed Deptartment of Medical Science, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Factors affecting the Image Quality in Nuclear Medicine Dr. Brg. (R) Muhammad Ilyas Senior Radiologist, PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Use of Radiation in Diagnostic Radiology Dr. Hasan Nisar Deptartment of Medical Science, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences Islamabad-Pakistan NA Role of Radiation in Treatment Cancer Mr. Asad Ejaz Principal Scientific Officer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan asad.ejaz@pnra.org Regulatory Inspections of Radiation Facilities Mr. Abdul Shakoor abdul.shakoor@pnra.org PNRA Enforcement Process Mr. Zia Hussain Shah Director General Technical, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan zia.shah@pnra.org Interface and Cooperation with National & International Organizations Mr. Salman Ahmad Senior Scientific Officer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islambad-Pakistan salman.ahmad@pnra.org Coordination in handling Radiological Emergencies Dr. Mohammad Shahid Principal Scientific Officer, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Islamabad-Pakistan m.shahid@pnra.org Auxiliary Function of PNRA Dr. Shahida Waheed Director Coordination, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Role of Nuclear Analytical Techniques in monitoring, Fingerprinting and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Pakistan Mr. Zahid Latif Head of Department, Isotope application Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Application of Isotope Techniques in Hydrology, Industry, Environment and Life Sciences Mr. Ghiyas Ud Din Isotope application Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Radioisotope Technology for the Benefit of Industry Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed/Dr. Muhammad Saleem Director, National Institute of Lasers & Optronics, Islamabad-Pakistan mahmed5555@yahoo.com Role of laser as a diagnostic and treatment tool in Medical & Agriculture Dr. Abida Raza Principal Scientist, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute, Islamabad-Pakistan NA Nanotheranostics: Combining the therapeutic and detection modalities Mr. Aslam Umer NA Manufacturing/Designing parts of Nuclear Power Plants in Pakistan Mr. Zaheer Ahmed NA Introduction to NCNDT Shams Shahid Ayub NA Power Plant Controls and Simulations Dr. Safdar Ali NA Introduction to Nuclear Waste Management International Workshop on “Nanosciences: Education and Industrial Applications”
13-15 December, 2016
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad
S.N. Resource Person Resource Person’s Affiliation Email Address Title of Talk 1. Dr. N. M. Butt Chairman, Preston Institute of NanoScience & Technology (PINSAT), Preston University, Islamabad-Pakistan nmbutt36@yahoo.com Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Education at Graduation Level. 2. Prof. Salim H. Al Harthi Professor, Department of Physics, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat-Oman salim1@squ.edu.om Introduction to Nanoscience & Nanotechnology at School/College level. 3. Prof. Dr. Ali Bbeitollahi Director of International Collaboration and Nanostandardization Committee, Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council (INIC), School of Metallurgy and Materials, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran- Iran beitolla@just.ac.ir Iran’s Strategic Plan Towards Establishing a Nanotechnology Enabled Economy 4. Prof. Dr. Saeed Sarkar Secretary General, Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council, Tehran-Iran sarkar@tums.ac.ir 1) Nanotechnology Education in Iran 2) The Status of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Challenges and the Way Forward for OIC countries 5. Prof. Dr. Feng Qibo Dean of School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing-China qbfeng@bjtu.edu.cn The Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Education and It’s Contemporary Need 6. Dr. Ding Kejian Vice Dean of School of Science, Chair of Department of Physics, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing-China dkjian@btu.edu.cn Graphene based composites & its potential application 7. Dr. Abdullah Ceylan Department of Physics, Hacettepe University, Ankara-Turkey aceylanabd@yahoo.com Synthesis & Characterization of Ge Nanoparticles Embedded ZnO thin Films 8. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Gondal Distinguished Professor, Coordinator Laser Research Group, Physics Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran-Saudi Arabia mogondal@kfupm.edu.sa Industrial Application of Nanomaterial: For Oil Production, Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion of CO2 into Value Added Fuels & Water purification. 9. Dr. Abbas Behjat Faculty Member, Yazd University, Yazd-Iran abehjat@yazd.ac.ir Study of Nanoparticles Plasmonic Effects in New generation Solar Cells Structure 10. Prof. Ibrahim A. Ibrahim Chairman, Central Metallurgical R&D Institute (CMRDI), Cairo-Egypt ibrahimahmed@cmrdi.sci.eg Overview of Nanosciences Research in Egypt. 11. Prof. Dr. S. Khurshid Hasanain Senior Expert, COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad-Pakistan se_hasanain@comstech.org Overview of Nanosciences Research in Pakistan. 12. Dr. Shahzad Alam Chairman, Pakistan Council for Industrial Research (PCSIR), Islamabad-Pakistan chairmanpcsir@gmail.com Frontiers of Nanocomposite coatings and their Industrial Applications 13. Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Acting Vice Chancellor, National Textile University, Faisalabad-Pakistan hussain.tanveer@gmail.com Nanotechnology Applications in Textiles 14. Prof. Dr. Irshad Hussain Chairman, Department of Chemistry, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore- Pakistan ihussain@lums.edu.pk Large Scale Production of Metal/Metal Oxide nanoparticles for Applications in Biomedical Sciences, Catalysis & Renewable Energy Technologies 15. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh Associate Professor, Principal Investigator of Projects, Nano-Chemistry Laboratory, GC University, Lahore-Pakistan akhyar100@gmail.com Synthesis and Application of Nanotechnology in Fertilizer, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industries. 16. Dr. Muhammad Bilal Khan Professor, U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad-Pakistan bilal@casen.nust.edu.pk Nanotechnology Education and the Role of Academia-Industry Liaison 17. Dr. Kekhshan Mazhar Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad-Pakistan kekhshan_mbhatti@yahoo.com Applications in Nanomedicine 18. Dr. Muhammad Raffi Deputy Chief Scientist, National Institute of Laser & Optronics, Islamabad-Pakistan Muhammad_raffi@hotmail.com Electrospinning: A fascinating way to fabricate Nanofibers for Advanced Engineering Applications. 19. Dr. Umbreen Shaheen Assistant Professor, University of Baluchistan, Quetta-Pakistan Umber_nibge@yahoo.com Harnessing Nanomaterials for Biological Applications, there is plenty to do at the bottom. 20. Dr. Abida Raza Senior Scientist, Head Diagnostic Labs, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute, Islamabad-Pakistan Abida_rao@yahoo.com Nanoscience & Nanotechnology: Role in Health Sciences 21. Mr. Inayat A. Khan Analytical/Inorganic Section, Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-Pakistan inayatchemlst86@gmail.com Fabrication of highly stable and efficient PtCu Alloy Nanoparticles on highly porous carbon for direct methanol fuel cells COMSTECH-Technology Times International Workshop on “Science Communication: Enhancing Public Understanding”
January 10-11, 2017
Program of the Workshop
In a world where the gap between science and society continues to widen and where the science communication landscape is changing fast, there is a growing demand for people with professional skills in the effective public communication of science. Realizing the need, a workshop was jointly organized by COMSTECH and Technology Times in January 2017 at COMSTECH, Islamabad.
This two-day workshop exclusively addressed the needs of scientific writing and science communication. It endeavoured to impart required knowledge and expertise so that science could be presented in various media in an informative as well as entertaining manner and to attract and hold the attention of a common person.
The Workshop was designed to provide professional development opportunities for people working in environments where science and research outcomes need to be made accessible to the general public and to science policy audiences. The workshop comprised of the following modules;
Communicating Science to the Public
Communicating Global Challenges: Climate Change, Water, Food & Energy
Communicating Science to Policymakers and Science Diplomacy
Analysis of Media Reporting on Life Sciences
Issues & Risks Associated with Science Communication in Digital Age
Science Communication and Academia
Scientists, science communication officers and media persons benefited from the workshop. Many suggestions came from the participants, such as;
introduction of Science Communication as an exclusive beat in media houses;
curriculum reform to incorporate explicit training on Science Communication
adding strategic value of effective and innovative science communication for S&T organizations
continuing program to promote science popularization through Science Communication
support for existing science and technology media houses
Dr. S. Qasim Mehdi Memorial Symposium-Human Population and Disease Genomics
April 10 – 12, 2017, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstracts of the Talks and Profiles of the Speakers
Prof. Syed Qasim Mehdi, a scientist of exceptional talents and great achievements, breathed his last on 28th September, 2016. To honour Prof. Mehdi’s seminal contributions to human genetics research in Pakistan, COMSTECH with support of Dr. Qasim Ayub (Prof. Mehdi’s long time research associate) organized a symposium in his memory. Many former students, colleagues, and family members of Prof. Mehdi attended the symposium paying a befitting tribute to Prof. Mehdi.
The symposium was spread over two and a half days. It started on 10th April’s afternoon with a tribute to Prof. Mehdi and insights into his life and scientific career presented by his friends and colleagues. This was followed by two days of scientific presentations. The first day was focused on human population genomics and the second on disease genetics. Talks were focused on 1) how genomic data have contributed towards the story of modern humans as they expanded from Africa to all corners of the globe, and 2) understanding the genetic basis of disease.
Young scientists were also provided opportunity to present their work in the field of human population and disease genetics. The total number of registered participants was 93, but many others participated in the sessions of their interest. The registered participants included one each from Senegal and Sudan, two from Azerbaijan, four from Iraq, and 85 from Pakistan.
COMSTECH-CIIT Joint International Workshop on “Rational Design of Materials for Energy Needs: Computation & Experimentation”
May 22 to 26, 2017, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstracts of the talks download
COMSTECH regularly organizes workshops, training courses and conferences to build capability of the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in emerging areas of science and technology. In this perspective a one-week intensive hands-on workshop on “Rational Design of Materials for Energy Needs: Computation & Experimentation” was organized by COMSTECH in collaboration with COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad from May 22 to 26, 2017.
The training workshop was aimed to introduce students, young researchers and young faculty members with modern trends in experimentation and computation with their applications in materials discovery for energy needs.
Foreign experts each delivered a series of lectures on various aspects of this theme besides guiding the hands-on computational activities. The foreign faculty comprised Prof. Talat Rahman, Prof. Laurene Tetard, Prof. Peter Dowben, Prof. Marisol A. Ortigoza and Prof. Ted Einstein from USA. Condensed matter experts from some local institutions also contributed lectures in the workshop. The practical exercises on computation and modelling of materials for energy needs were conducted, In addition to the foreign faculty, by Dr. Altaf Karim (CIIT, Islamabad), Dr. Gul Rahman (QAU, Islamabad), and Mr. Naseem Uddin & Mr. Tao Jiang (Research Assistants at the University of Central Florida).
Besides the local and foreign experts, thirty-five participants attended the workshop. Most of these participants were young faculty members and researchers. Several MPhil and PhD students also attended the workshop.
The workshop focused on the following themes;
A Crash Course on Quantum Mechanical Approach to Materials: Density Functional Theory (DFT) Methods
Crash Courses on Molecular Dynamics and Kinetic Monte Carlo Methods and their Applications to Surfaces.
Multiscale Modeling: Connecting the Scales together
Computational Catalyst Design
Tailoring Properties of 2D materials: Looking Beyond Graphene
Novel Pathways in the Rational Design of Materials: An Application to Clean Energy
Energy Storage and Conversion Materials
Photo Water Splitting
All participants were asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire anonymously to evaluate the training. Participants were asked to rate the overall programme, lectures, relevance of lectures to the course aim and objectives, significance of their learning goals and general comments related to the programme
Participants found the hands-on exercises very useful and many of them found the allocated time insufficient for these exercises. In response to a question “if any topic of participants’ interest was not covered”, few of the participants stated material chemistry and experimental techniques. Many of the participants were in favor of using both computational and experimental analysis side by side. Some of the experimental researchers mentioned that through this workshop they learnt about the problem solving style of theoretical scientists using theoretical calculations. One of the participants was of the view that “the concept of experiments and theory going in parallel should be introduced in universities on larger scale”.
