Events

INVITATION
It gives me an immense pleasure to invite you to “2^nd COMSTECH Innovation Lab on Classical Protein Chemistry”, to be held at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, in collaboration with COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabadand Sindh Innovation Research and Education Network (SIREN), during May 17-19,2022. This event will be in hybrid mode.

Proteins are the functional macromolecules responsible for catalyzing the biochemical reactions that sustain life. Therefore, protein chemistry is an area of major importance in modern biochemistry. Due to the proven significance of protein science in medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, and other bio-sciences, it is necessary to initiate comprehensive programs to develop expertise and to train human resources in this field.

This innovation lab on protein science and technology will include a series of lectures on different aspects of protein purification and structural analysis. Hands-on training on different techniques in protein chemistry will also be provided. Lectures and practical training will be focused on the latest approaches for the protein functional, and structural analyses.

The participants of the innovation lab event will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of key protein chemistry techniques, including High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Protein Sequencing, Protein Mass Spectroscopy, etc.

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, _{H.I., S.I., T.I.}
Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Laureate
Director,
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan Coordinator General COMSTECH

AIMS AND SCOPE

• Understanding the structures and functions of proteins is fundamental in biological and biomedical sciences as they have the central role in all cellular activities.

• Protein chemistry deals with the participation of proteins, investigating protein structure-function relationship, and engineering proteins.

• Protein chemistry contributes in many areas of biotechnology, involving recombinant DNA technology, analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and protein therapeutics.

This hybrid event will provide an introduction to the methods and tools used in modern protein chemistry. It is designed for attendees who have fundamental knowledge of biology. Topics include the isolation and estimation of protein, protein purification techniques, including gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and classical and modern sequencing techniques. Hands-on exercises on these techniques will be provided during the event.

TARGETED PARTICIPANTS
This hybrid innovation lab is designed for attendees of life sciences background, with fundamental knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. Participation is open for researchers from academia, R&D institutions, OIC members, and industries.

Detail program attached: Program

REGISTRATION LINK:
https://forms.gle/4LKjFeoFQqkDR4th6

RESOURCE PERSONS
Dr. Aftab Ahmed
Research Associate Professor
Chapman University School of Pharmacy,
Irvine, California,
USA Email: aahmed@chapman.edu

COORDINATORS

UNDERSTANDING THE EXECUTIONERS OF LIFE
May 09-16, 2022, KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Hybrid Event
Lecture Time: 02:00 – 05:00 PM (3 hours)

Organized by:
HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry,
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi,Karachi-75270, Pakistan in Collaboration with the
COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad
Website: www.iccs.edu   
comstech.org

Course Instructor:
Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed
Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Champan University
School of Pharmacy Irvine,
California, CA 92618, USA

Course Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Atia-tul-Wahab
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research,
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences,
University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.

Ms. Khazima Muazim
Programme Manager
OIC- COMSTECH , Pakistan

Maham Yamin
Program Officer
OIC COMSTECH, Pakistan

Course Description

This course in hybrid mode focus on biotechnology-derived protein Biopharmaceuticals and the economic impact of biotechnology products in pharmacy, including protein production, downstream processing, biochemical and biophysical analysis methods, monoclonal antibodies, bio-similar, vaccines, regulatory agencies, and financing biologics drug development. On-line participants will recive certificate of attendance.

Learning Objectives

With successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of protein biopharmaceuticals (Biologics).
2. Explain how biologics are manufactured and analyzed using biochemical and biophysical techniques
3. Understand therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars
4. Explain classical and modern approaches in vaccine production
5. Explain drug and biologics approvals by FDA/EMA/ and other regulatory agencies and Financing of biologics drug development

Detail program attached: Program

Learning

Resources
Rodney J. Y. Ho, Milo Gibaldi: Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals: Transforming
Proteins and Genes into Drugs. 2nd Edition, Wiley 2013.

Course Schedule with Description
Days: Monday to Friday
Lecture Time: 02:00 – 05:00 PM (3 hours)

Registration link:
https://forms.gle/n3TPjNjd2AVe8LQx5

Date: April 18, 2022
Time: 10:00-12:00 GMT (15:00-17:00 Pakistan Standard Time)

Profile of Speaker

Target Audience:

The webinar is open to students, researchers, young scientists, policy makers, energy experts, engineers, and academicians  from the OIC member states and other countries.

For Registration please visit: https://forms.gle/s1SBbXzxDB5gn4FY9

Procedure to Join:  Zoom link will be shared with selected participants.

Please note that E-certificates will be issued to those participants that attend the webinar and log in with their complete name and email address.

Webinar Coordinators:
Mr. Haris Akram
Programme Manager
Email: haris@comstech.org
Haseeb Ahmad
Programme Officer
Email: haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

Jointly organized by

Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, Royan Institute, COMSTECH, and Sindh Innovation, Research, and Education Network (SIREN)

Introduction:

Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, in collaboration with Sindh Innovation, Research, and Education Network (SIREN) regularly organizes popular lectures on the topics of general interest and need.

PCMD-Royan Institute Webinar Series (Hybrid) is being jointly organized by Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, Royan Institute, Iran and SIREN. The webinar series is based on the current topics of Biomedical Sciences. The series will provide basic as well as advanced knowledge, skills and academic connections and expert opinions from renowned researchers of both institutes.

PCMD:

The Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) is a constituent center of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS). The main objective of the Center is to is to develop an understanding regarding common diseases in Pakistan in order to develop effective diagnostic tools and affordable treatments by using molecular medicinal, chemical and computational methods and to train highly qualified manpower in the emerging new fields of molecular medicine and drug development.

Royan Institute:

The Royan Institute is an Iranian clinical, research and educational institute dedicated to biomedical, translational and clinical researches, stem cell research and infertility treatment. It is a public non-profitable organization affiliated to Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research. It was established in 1991 by the late Dr. Saeid Kazemi Ashtiani as a research institute for Reproductive Biomedicine and infertility treatments. In 1998 this institute was approved by Ministry of Health as Cell Based Research Center with over 46 scientific members and 186 lab technicians.

First Webinar:

The first webinar of series is entitled:

“Perinatal Stem Cell Derivatives for the Regeneration of Spinal Cord Injury”

This webinar aims to discuss how perinatal stem cells could impact the future of regenerative medicine, provide basic insight of perinatal stem cell and its role in the management of spinal cord injuries. This webinar will give insight about the therapeutic potentials of stem cells and their derivatives for regeneration of the damaged spinal cord.

Who Should Attend?

All undergraduate and graduate students as well as scientists and researchers working in the fields of molecular biomedicine, stem cells and regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and other biomedical disciplines.

Speaker’s Profile:

Dr. Irfan Khan: Dr. Khan’s research interest includes the isolation, propagation, and characterization of stem cells from perinatal sources and their therapeutic application in the repair of intervertebral disc and spinal cord injuries. his research activities focus on mapping intervertebral disc degeneration related pain and inflammation, differentiating stem cells into induced notochordal cells, their translation in the degenerated IVD using c-arm fluoroscopy, and evaluating the disc for tracking of implanted cells, and determining their fate. Investigating the harvested IVD for biochemical analysis, molecular markers analysis, and histological scoring.  He is involved in regenerating cardiovascular injuries, their characterization and repair with stem cells, and their derivatives in form of cardiac progenitors. His focus area is to establish GMP for clinical grade stem cells in Pakistan and to transform current basic stem cell research into translational medicine.  Future interests include direct differentiation and trans-differentiation of stem cells with help of chemicals, genetic and epigenetic modification to neurons, cardiomyocytes, insulin secreting beta cells, and skin fibroblasts.

Program Schedule: 20^th April, 2022

Day and Time:  Wednesday 10.00 am PST

Registration Deadline:  17^th April, 2022

For Registration (free):   https://bit.ly/3vWSH

Venue: Seminar room, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi-75270, Pakistan.

Online: Link will be provided to the online registered participants.

For more information: siren.lej@gmail.com;    Call :  021-111-222-292 Ext: 267, 275.

Room No. 202, 2^nd floor, L.E.J. National Science Information Center, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270.

Date: March 30^th, 2022

Time: 02:30 – 04:00 PM Pak Time

COMSTECH has launched a special program offering scholarships, research fellowships, technicians training & workshop participation grants for Palestinian nationals. To raise awareness for this huge opportunity, a virtual orientation session will commence on 30^th March 2022 which can be attended by Palestinian nationals only.

This program is a collaborative effort of the member institutions of COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE), Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUS) and COMSTECH. These scholarships and fellowships can be availed in the fields of Natural Sciences/ Applied Sciences/ Engineering and Technology, Computer Sciences, Software Engineering and Health sciences. Selected candidates will study at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan, and OIC member states.

The duration of fellowship program between 6-12 months and full-length degree program wherever applicable. Duration can be extended with mutual agreement of host institution and COMSTECH secretariat. These scholarships and research fellowships will support (undergraduate studentship, graduate studentship, research fellowships and workshop participation for the students, Scientists, Engineers and technicians of the State of Palestine.

Detail program attached: Program

Target Audience: This webinar is open to Palestinian Nationals only.

Register with us to attend this meeting: https://forms.gle/PQhtEdzjcPdKx2KZA

Contact us for further details:
khazima@comstech.org;  maham.yamin@comstech.org

Registration Closed

Registration Closed

Date: 21, 22, and 24 March 2022

Time: 14:00 pm – 17:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time

Background:

A 3-day Workshop on Cancer Genetics is going to be jointly organized by COMSTECH, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), and Sindh Innovation Research and Education Network (SIREN) during March 21, 22, 24, 2022 at Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Center (International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences) University of Karachi, Karachi-Pakistan.

The workshop will consist of lectures by renowned expert Prof. Dr. Rafat Ali Siddiqui (Senior Investigator at the Methodist Research Institute, Indiana University Health and Professor of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA), followed by extensive exercises, tutorials, and discussion sessions.

Target Audience:

Early career students, experienced investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members from the OIC member states.

Profile of the Speaker: Detailed profile is attached.

Prof. Dr. Rafat Ali Siddiqui: Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.

Register at: https://forms.gle/vR2G28M3JzmLFXVE8

Zoom link for participation will be shared with selected participants.

Address: COMSTECH secretariat, G-5/2, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Email: Khazima@comstech.org

Date: 17-19^th March 2022

Time: 13:30 pm – 17:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time

Background:

A 3-day Online Workshop on Scientific Writing is going to be jointly organized by COMSTECH, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), and Sindh Innovation Research and Education Network (SIREN) during March 16-18, 2022 at Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Center (International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences) University of Karachi, Karachi-Pakistan.

The workshop will consist of lectures by renowned expert Prof. Dr. Rafat Ali Siddiqui (Senior Investigator at the Methodist Research Institute, Indiana University Health and Professor of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA), followed by extensive exercises, tutorials, and discussion sessions.

Target Audience:

Early career students, experienced investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members from the OIC member states and other countries who wish to develop their writing skills, are invited to participate

Profile of the Speaker: Detailed profile is attached.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/gQUakn8w5ttJsMsj6

Prof. Dr. Rafat Ali Siddiqui: Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.

Register at:

Zoom link for participation will be shared with selected participants.

Address: COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad

Phone No. : 92 51 9220681-3
Email: Khazima@comstech.org

Prof. Dr. Carlos Robello
Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República (Uruguay) and Principal Investigator at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo

Date: March 22, 2022

Time:  4:00 PM Pak time (8 AM Uruguay time)

Speaker Profile Click Here

Flyer Click Here

NTDs (neglected tropical diseases) are a major health and economic burden in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states. The control and elimination of NTDs requires both a scale-up and integration of global mass treatment programs, along with new tools and technologies to tackle these diseases.  COMSTECH, in collaboration with A Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (known as the NTD Network ( https://ntd-network.org/), is launching a virtual lecture series for researchers across the Moslem world and beyond. 

Abstract:

Recent technological developments in long-read sequencing allowed us to determine the structure complex genomes with a high number of repetitive sequences as is the case for Trypanosoma cruzi that in addition to presenting a high number of tandem repeats and retro-elements, is composed of multigene families. We were able to describe the genome architecture of T. cruzi, allowing us to accurately estimate gene copy numbers, abundance and distribution of repetitive sequences (including satellites, retroelements and tandems of protein coding genes.

In particular, the finding that the genome is composed of a “core compartment” and a “disruptive compartment”, the latter containing the most relevant genes implied in the interaction with their hosts (surface multigene families) allowed us to delve into this organization, finding that epigenetic regulation is highly relevant in these parasites. In addition, comparative studies done both in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes leads us to the conclusion that these parasites constitute a complex of species, formed by four main lineages (A to D) and a hybrid lineage (BC), and three types of maxicircles (a, b and c).

Target Audience:

This webinar is open to academics, scientists and the general public from all OIC member states.  The content is most relevant to scientists interested in NTDs research, and specialized in Microbiology, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, and Pathology. 

Register with us to attend this meeting:
Register at https://forms.gle/2fkoDivH8rhF8qER8

Contact us for further details:
khazima@comstech.org; maham.yamin@comstech.org

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