Past Events

  • COMSTECH – ICGEB Events 2024

    Nigeria

    Course title:         Phyto-biotechnology applications in Climate Change Mitigation

    Date:                      25–28 February 2024

    Location:               Abuja

    Organiser:            Kenneth Yongabi (Claretian University of Nigeria, Owerri, Imo State)

    CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION AND FURTHER DETAILS

    Malaysia

    Course title:         Pathway Construction and Network Analysis Towards New Knowledge Discovery

    Date:                      20–22 August 2024

    Location:               Bandar Baru Bangi

    Organiser:            Sarahani Harun (Institute of Systems Biology – INBIOSIS, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor)

    CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION AND FURTHER DETAILS

  • COMSTECH/SAU Training Workshop on Science Communication and Diplomacy in Agriculture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam

    Date: 22-23 January, 2024

    Science communication plays a pivotal role in fostering public understanding, engagement, and collaboration in the realm of science and technology. In OIC Member States, nations are aspiring to establish their self as a knowledge-based economies and regional leaders in science, technology, and innovation, Science Communication is an evolving field with immense potential. Various institutions and organizations are actively contributing to the development of science communication in the country, yet challenges such as low public awareness, scientific literacy, and critical thinking persist.

    This two–day joint training workshop aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate scientific concepts in agriculture and apply science diplomacy principles for international collaboration in the field. The schedule incorporates a mix of theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and interactive activities to enhance participant engagement and learning.

    Outcomes

    • The participants and students will comprehend how scientific knowledge is organized, used and disseminated in relation to historical science communication practices.
    • Participants will learn specifics- on how to prepare a manuscript, communicate, with media platforms and editorial staff
    • Part,icipant will learn how to convey expert knowledge to the audience and non- experts
    • The role of science and scientists in local, national and international communities will be analyzed and critically evaluated.
    • During oral presentation, discussion participants will apply the knowledge they learned to think clearly and effectively.

    Who should Attend:

    Scientists and students conducting research in agriculture. The journalists, media (electronic, print and social), and public relations experts working at universities, NGOs, NPOs and are interested in knowing more how to communicate decision makers and public about the technology to encourage science-based policies

    Patron in Chief:

    Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhry, Mustafa(PBUH)prize Laureate, HI, SI, TI, Coordinator General of OIC COMSTECH

    Patron

    Dr. Fatah Marri, VC Sindh Agriculture University

    Focal Persons:

    Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid, Consultant Science Communication & Diplomacy OIC COMSTECH

    Dr. Ismail Kumbhar, Director University Advancement, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. 

    For Participation/Registration

    mikumbhar2000@yahoo.com

    sjavaidk@comstech.org


    Day 1: Science Communication in Agriculture

    9:40-9:45Registration Guest to be seated
    10:00 -11:00 Inaugural SessionModerator Dr. Ismail Kumbhar, Director Activities, SAUIntroduction to the Training workshop by Prof. Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid Consultant, OIC COMSTECH. Welcome Address by Dr. Fatah Marri, VC Sindh Agriculture University Address by the Chief Guest, Coordinator General, OIC COMSTEC, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhry, HI, SI, T Mustafa(PBUH)prize Laureate Group Photo
    11:00 AM – 11:30 Inaugral Tea Break (30 minutes)
     CHAIR-Dr. Fateh  Marri, VC, SAU Understanding the Landscape
    10:30 AM–11:15Importance of science communication in agriculture By Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid
    11:15 AM–12:00Introduction to Science Communication in Agriculture By Mr. Aleem Ahmed
    12:00 – 12:45Digital Diplomacy in Scientific Research: Leveraging Technology for Global Impact By Sayyad Paras Ali (online)
    1:00PM –2:00 PMLunch/Prayer Break (60 minutes)
    2:00 PM – 2:45 Extended Interactive Session – Role Play, Feedback, and Discussion By Dr. Najam Abbas, Sayyed Paras Ali &, Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid
    2:45 – 3:30Afternoon Session: Chair:  Dr.Syed Javaid Khurshid Tools and Techniques for Effective Communication Communicating Complex Ideas By Dr. Najam Abbas
    3:30 – 4:00Visual Communication in Agriculture By Dr. Ismail Kumbhar
    4:00-4:30Group Activity: Developing Communication Strategies By Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid, Dr. Najam Abbas, & Mr. Aleem Ahmed  

     

    Day 2: Science Diplomacy in Agriculture

     Chair Dr. Ismail Khambar
    9:00 AM – 9:45Science Diplomacy in Agriculture – Concepts and Context By Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid
    9:45 AM – 10:30Collaborative Research and International Partnerships An online lecture by an expert By Sayyed Paras Ali (online)  
    10:30 AM – 11:00Tea Break (30 minutes)  
     Chair: Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi
    11:00 AM – 11:45 AM:Science Diplomacy in the Age of Climate Change Challenges: Communicating Facts about Climate Change By Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid  
    11:45 AM – 12:30 PM:Digital Diplomacy in Scientific Research: Leveraging Technology for Global Impact By Sayed Paras Ali (Online)  
    12:30 PM– 1:30 PMLunch/Prayer Break (60 minutes)  
    1:30 PM – 2:15 PM:Afternoon Session: Practical Applications of Science Diplomacy Effective Cross-Cultural Collaboration By Dr. Najam Abbas
    2:15 PM – 3:00Case Studies in Agricultural Diplomacy By Sayed Paras Ali (online)
    3:00 PM – 3:45Reflection and Re-cap-By Participants Participants share insights and reflections from the workshop.      Closing Remarks by Dr. javaid Khurshid /Dr. Fatah Marri, VC SAU Distribution of certificatesAddress by the chief guest
  • COMSTECH Distinguished Scholars Program: Workshop on Skills-based Training and Multidisciplinary Research in the Age of Computing & AI

    Prof. Dr. Zahid Halim,
    COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar
    Dean and Professor
    Faculty of Computer Sciences and Engineering,
    Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI),
    Topi, Pakistan

    Venue: Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)

    Date: January 15-18, 2024

    Time: 9:30-3:30 Uganda Time

    Profile of Speaker: Click Here

    Registration:

    For Physical Participation Please Email: Dr. Umar Yahya (umar.yahya@iuiu.ac.ug)

    Note: Physical Participation is open for participants from Uganda. The participants will need to arrange their own travel and local hospitality.

    For virtual Participation: Click here

    Workshop Coordinators:

    1. Dr. Umar Yahya, Senior Lecturer of Computer Science & Head of MARL, IUIU (umar.yahya@iuiu.ac.ug)
    2. Mr. Haseeb Ahmad, Program Officer, COMSTECH (haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org)
  • OIC-COMSTECH Training Course in Histopathology

    Organized under

     the COMSTECH Distinguished Scholars Program

    Date:  January 31 – 4 February, 2024

    Venue: Benadir University Campus, Mogadishu, Somalia.  

    Tentative Program: Click Here

    Introduction:

    Histopathology is a branch of pathology that involves the microscopic examination of tissues to study the structural changes caused by diseases. In this field, trained pathologists analyze thin sections of tissue samples, typically obtained through biopsy or surgical procedures, using a microscope. The goal is to identify abnormalities, such as tumors, inflammation, or infections, and to understand how these changes relate to the patient’s clinical condition. Histopathology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and providing essential information for prognosis.

    In Africa, histopathology assumes particular significance due to the high prevalence of infectious diseases, tropical illnesses, and other emerging health challenges. The accurate diagnosis of conditions, ranging from infectious diseases to cancers, is essential for effective healthcare management. However, the availability of trained histopathologists in African regions is rather limited. There is a pressing need for investment in training programs for histopathologists to build local expertise.

    By fostering the development of histopathology expertise in Africa, the healthcare system can better address the unique health challenges prevalent in the area. This includes the early detection of infectious diseases and tumors, understanding the epidemiology of specific conditions, and tailoring treatment strategies to the local context. In essence, investing in histopathology training is a crucial step toward enhancing healthcare capabilities in Africa, with potential benefits for both individual patients and the broader public health landscape.

    Topics/Areas to be covered:

    Day-1:   Breast Pathology, including Utility of Predictive markers

    Day-2:   Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology

    Day-3:   Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue Pathology

    Day-4:   Gastrointestinal Tract & Liver Pathology

    Day-5:   Miscellaneous Pathology (Male and Female Genital Pathology, and Thyroid Pathology)

    Target Audience:

    Pathologists, postgraduate pathology students, researchers, surgeons, gynecologists, orthopedic specialists, and other relevant fields.

    Tentative List of Leading Experts/Resource Persons: 

    1. Prof. Dr. Shahid Pervez, MBBS, DCP (London), PhD (Histopath, London), FCPS (Histopathology, PK), FRCPath (Histo, UK) – Team Leader (General Histopathology, Neoplastic Haematopathology, Predictive Histopatholo
    2. gy, Cancer Registry), COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar, Professor & Consultant Histopathology, Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
    3. Dr. Nasiruddin, MBBS, FCPS (Histo, PK), FRCPath (Histo, UK) (General Histopathology, Bone and Soft Tissue, Head & Neck), The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
    4. Dr. Zeeshan Uddin, Assistant Professor and Consultant Histopathologist, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

    Registration Process:

    1.            For physical participation register at the following link: Click Here
    (Physical Participation is open for participants from Somalia and Africa. The participants will need to arrange their own travel and local hospitality)

    2.            For virtual participation register at the following link:  Click Here

    3.            Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form.

    4.            Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

    Technical Focal Person:

    Prof. Dr. Shahid Pervez

    M.B., B.S., D.C.P. (London), Ph.D. (Histopath. London),

    FCPS (Histopath. Pakistan), FRCPath (UK)

    COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar

    Professor & Consultant Histopathology, Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine,

    Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University,

    Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan.

    Training Coordinators:

    1. Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
      Program Officer
      COMSTECH, Islamabad.
      Email: Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org
    2. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Ali “Fuje”
      MBBS, MSc Clinical Tropical Medicine (London), DTM&H, DCP (London UK).
      Dean, Benadir University Postgraduate school,
      Mogadishu Somalia.
      Email: mmfuje@gmail.com
  • COMSTECH-ANRSI-HSS-ASRT joint Training Course on “Applications of AI in Precision Agriculture for Food Security”

    Jointly Organized by OIC – COMSTECH, National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (Mauritania), Hanns Sidel Stiftung (Maghreb), the Academy of Science Research & Technology (Egypt) and National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA)

    Date: 13-15 February 2024
    Venue: Nouakchott, Mauritania

    Flyer: Click Here

    Introduction:

    Precision agriculture is an innovative approach that leverages technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize agricultural practices. With the global population on the rise, ensuring food security has become a significant challenge. However, AI has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of precision agriculture, offering advanced solutions to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in food production.

    In this context, OIC-COMSTECH in collaboration with National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, Mauritania and partners, are organizing a training course on the applications of AI in Precision Agriculture to address the challenges and propose solutions regarding food security in the OIC Member States.

    Target Audience:

    Scientists, researchers, policy maker/government officials, consultants, and academicians from the OIC countries are encouraged to participate.

    Key Contents:

    The training workshop will cover the following topics:

    1. Data collections
    2. Digital Agriculture
    3. Mapping, land use and Imageries
    4. Pest diagnostic, identification, management and control
    5. Farming treatments and practices
    6. Soil fertility management and Fertilization
    7. Water management and irrigation
    8. e-marketing
    9. E-weed index and weed control
    10. Developing smart extension tools
    11. Networking research, training and extension staff

    Tentative List of Speakers:

    1. H.E Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, FRS, (N.I., H.I., S.I., T.I,) President, Network of Academies of Science in Countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (NASIC).
    2. H.E. Prof Dr. Mohamed Ahmedna, Dean at College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University
    3. Prof. Dr. Shoab, Chancellor, CASE University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    4. Dr. Semiani Mohamed, researcher at the Bioclimatology and Agricultural Hydraulics Research Division, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), Algiers, Algeria (Precision Irrigation and fertilization)
    5. Dr. Bachir Hakim, researcher at the Bioclimatology and Agricultural Hydraulics Research Division, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), Algiers, Algeria (Water management and irrigation)
    6. M. Zebar Ahmed, Researcher and Director of the seed potatoes improvement laboratory, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), Tiaret, Algeria (Networking research, training and extension staff)
    7. Dr. Djaout Amal, researcher at the Agrosystems East division; National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), Setif, Algeria (Artificial intelligence and the genomic study of domestic animals)

    Language of the workshop:

    Presenters will present in the language of their choice out of Arabic, English and French. However, workshop material should be made available in English.

    Travel & Local Hospitality:

    The organizers will arrange local hospitality and air travel for limited selected participants from OIC member states.

    Registration Process:

    Step 1: For Physical Participation please register at: https://forms.gle/mkij2hnQBUZ7GRW99

    Step 2: For Virtual participation please register at:https://forms.gle/NYr8LtPz7c6RCmD36

    Step 2: Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form along with your CV. Foreign participants must submit a scanned copy of passport.

    Step 3: Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails.

    Workshop Coordinators  

    COMSTECHANRSIHSSASRTINRAA
    Muhammad Haris Akram Program Manager, COMSTECH                               Tel: +92-51-220681-3      
    Fax: +92-51-9205264,
    +92-51-9220265          Email: haris@comstech.org
    Prof. Dr. Ahmed Elmouna
    DG ANRSI Tel/WhatsApp:
    +222 43128510   a.elmouna@anrsi.mr  
    Dr. Miloud Isafiani     Tel/WhatsApp: +212 661-187790   isafiani@hssma.org  Prof. Dr. Ahmed Gabr       Tel/WhatsApp: +20 122 457 3422   ahmedgabr01@gmail.com   Dr. Rachid El Bouyahiaoui Deputy Director Tel/WhatsApp:
    +213 540225293     rachid.elbouyahiaoui@inraa.dz

  • International Seminar on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in OIC Member States: Status and Future

    Jointly organized by OIC- COMSTECH and Pakistan Academy of Sciences.

    Date: January 24, 2024

    Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad

    The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is instrumental in the production of medications and healthcare products, serving a pivotal role in global health. With a primary objective to create pharmaceutical drugs and healthcare products that are safe, effective, and of high quality, the industry engages in a diverse range of activities, including research and development, drug formulation, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.

    While some nations have well-established pharmaceutical industries, others grapple with challenges in fostering robust manufacturing capabilities. Import dependency, a historical trend in several OIC countries, renders them vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain. Acknowledging the importance of pharmaceutical self-reliance, some OIC member countries have embarked on initiatives involving significant investments in research and development, technology transfer, and capacity building. Collaborative efforts, knowledge-sharing, and regional cooperation are underway to strengthen pharmaceutical industries collectively.

    This seminar will analyze the status of indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing in OIC Member States and the way forward to achieve self-sustenance.

    Topics to be covered:

    1. Policy and Regulatory Landscape
    2. Technological Innovations and Research
    3. Capacity Building and Skill Development
    4. Sustainability in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
    5. Public-Private Partnerships
    6. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange
    7. Incorporating Traditional Medicine
    8. Pandemic Preparedness and Response
    9. Case Studies and Success Stories
    10. Intellectual Property and Innovation

    Speakers: 

    The speakers for this seminar will be from Academia, Drug Regulation Authority Pakistan (DRAP), Industry, Economists, Chamber of Commerce, and Technical Experts.

    Registration Process:

    • For physical participation register at the following link: Click Here
      Physical Participation is open for participants from Islamabad/Rawalpindi.   
    • For virtual participation register at the following link: Click Here 
    • Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form.
    • Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

    Venue:

    The workshop will be held at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan. The city with the backdrop of Margalla Hills and National Park was purpose-built as the capital of sixth largest globally and second most populous (in OIC) country Pakistan in the year 1966. Pakistan, according to the Forbes magazine, is a hidden treasure for tourists with rich cultural diversity, ancient history, diverse landscape, cuisines, modern cities, and locally produced items.

    Technical Focal Person:
    Prof. Dr. Mohammad Wasay
    Professor
    Section of Neurology, The Agha Khan University, Pakistan
    Past Secretary, Sind Chapter, Pakistan Academy of Sciences

    Workshop Coordinators:

    Muhammad Haris Akram
    Program Manager
    COMSTECH, Islamabad.
    Email: haris@comstech.org
    Phone: +92 51 9220681

    Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
    Program Officer
    COMSTECH, Islamabad.
    Email: Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

  • International Training Workshop on “INNOVATIVE PRACTICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE AGRI BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE”

    Date:  19-23 February 2024.
    Venue: Songhai Center, Benin

    Organized by COMSTECH and ICESCO in collaboration with Songhai Center

    Convened by: COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER)

    1. Objectives

    Integrated workshop to build broad-based and sustainable solutions to the challenges of our present Food and Agricultural systems.

    Make participants discover and appropriate a holistic vision of the world that is foundational to the SDGs and the other integrated and sustainable development programs. They will discover how Songhai was able to appropriate this vision through an innovative organizational structure and a value system to operationalize this vision to build a regenerative agriculture and agro-ecological development system.

    2. AREAS OF INTERESTS

    1. Biomimicry and Eco-literacy:

    Understanding and aligning ourselves with the fundamental principles of the workings of our planet to sustainably unlock the power of our environmental capital to build a sustainable agro-food system.

    1. A transition to a connected and sustainable agricultural and food system: Principles and Practices

    Principles and Designs of integrated production system that organically creates and intensifies dynamic links and synergies between primary production units (Plant, Animal, Aquaculture, and other living things in the environment), between agriculture, industry, and services. And how this can build a sustainable and regenerative Eco-system that can reverse the present trend in Africa.

    1. Practical Implementation and contextualization of a sustainable integrated Agricultural system:

    Rebuilding the Soil and keeping it Regenerative as key to climate smart agriculture with innovative technologies revisiting Cop22

    1. Soil management of the future:
    • Effective Microorganisms as primary producers and in rebuilding the basic food system of our planet.
    • Soil aggradation with organic fertilization practices- Bio-fertilizers production practices.
    1. Water Resource Management: Food Grows where water flows on a healthy soil.
    • How to mobilize, preserve and channel the immense water resources of our lands, for the Food and agricultural system of tomorrow?
    • Practical irrigations systems
    • Sizing in water resource management for effective all year-round agricultural production
    1. Energy in Agriculture: The transition for the energy of tomorrow, clean energy

    Intelligent platform for the production and management of renewable energies for sustainable growth with:

    • Agri photo voltaic (Agri-PV): an innovative approach combining agricultural production and the production of renewable energy on the same surface for a rational use of land.
    • The production and use of biogas.
    • Wind energy.

    About the Resource Persons

    The resources persons will be from various fields related to climate smart agriculture, soil management, water resource management etc. The list of tentative speakers is attached.

    Travel & Local Hospitality:

    The organizers will arrange local hospitality for selected participants from OIC member states. The organizers will also provide air travel support to the selected participants. Selected participants from Togo, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Chad will be eligible for air travel support for the training.

    Registration Process:

    Step 1: For Physical Participation please register at: Click Here

    Step 2: For Virtual participation please register at: Click Here

    Step 2: Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form along with your CV. Foreign participants must submit a scanned copy of passport.

    Step 3: Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails.

    Selection Criteria for Songhai Training:

    Songhai training aims to provide African communities with young men and women capable of:

    • Adopt agriculture as a worthy profession
    • Promote local resources available to create wealth
    • Becoming leaders capable of creating entrepreneurial dynamics
    • Develop attitudes and skills that put them into a culture of success
    • Produce useful goods and services for the socio-economic well-being of their community
    • Consider the environment as a “partner”, a heritage to be safeguarded
    • Transform the comparative advantages of their environment into competitive advantages in an increasingly globalizing world
    • Profile of applicants to be eligible for the training

    Men and women who felt the need for their transformation, for their preparation to be in charge of their own destiny and contribute to the development of their basic community. The candidate for this training must have the following attitudes and skills

    • Adherence to the vision of Songhai development based on the reconversion of mentalities for the revaluation of social work
    • ambition for one’s own life and for the development of one’s community
    • openness to the assimilation of new values and skills
    • the manifestation of a desire for innovation and curiosity
    • ability to live and thrive in a rural environment
    1. Terms

    Applicants must meet the following conditions and criteria:

    • be a national of one of the COMSTECH/ICESCO member countries,
    • be aged 18 to 35,
    • have experiences in agricultural and para-agricultural activities,
    • have a passion for living in a rural environment,
    • be able to follow the training and ready to set up on your own account or to continue your activities at the end of the training, or to work in the logic of results-based management
    • hold a diploma in agriculture and/or technical and general education (Biology, Microbiology, Economics, Project Management, Energy, Environment, Animal and Plant Health, etc.) or in Agribusiness
    • good organizational skills and determination to achieve a goal
    • female applications are very encouraged

    Eligible Countries: Togo, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Chad

    Venue:

    Songhai Center

    Porto-Novo

    Republic of Benin

    Technical Focal Person

    Ambassador Shahid Kamal
    Advisor Climate Change
    OIC – COMSTECH

    Workshop Coordinators

    1. Mr. Muhammad Haris Akram

    Program Manager, COMSTECH
    Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
    Email: haris@comstech.org

    1. Mr. Luc

    Songhai Center
    Benin
    Tel:+229 97017940
    Email: houemaluc@gmail.com

  • International Workshop on Ethical Research in Clinical Trials

    Introduction:

    Globally the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge enjoys a place of distinction, and the public expects to reap considerable benefit from the creative and innovative contributions of scientists. As science becomes increasingly tangled with major social, philosophical, economic, and political issues, scientists become more accountable to the larger society of which they are a part. Therefore, it is more important than ever that those individual scientists and their institutions periodically reassess the values, and professional practices that guide their research as well as their efforts to perform their research work with integrity.

    Behind every medicine and intervention that people have ever taken, are thousands of patients who have volunteered to participate in clinical trials, which have led to many breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment in the last few decades. Without the willingness of these individuals, many would have suffered. The value of clinical trials depends on the quality of information produced and the relevance of the data to address public health needs. Nevertheless, there are many less-developed countries that do not have well-prepared medical infrastructure and little or no experience in conducting trials. Moreover, there is considerable heterogeneity across countries and even within each country, when it comes to health care systems. This may result in some differences in many aspects starting from the review process itself to all the other steps of conducting trials such as data monitoring and patient safety.

    To overcome these challenges, UEARS invited COMSTECH to engage the OIC researchers (as part of the audience) in training and development in the area of research integrity in clinical trials. Hence, a 2-day international workshop is being jointly organized by UEARS and COMSTECH to address the challenges of research integrity in clinical trials in low-middle income countries and propose the best suitable guidelines to improve the quality of research in this domain.

    Workshop Objectives

    • The meeting and its workshop will help devise solutions for the challenges faced in clinical trials by low-middle income country
    • To impart knowledge and training about research integrity
    • To create a network of professionals working in the field for continuous learning and exchanges

    Expected outcomes:

    • A draft of recommendations concerning research integrity in clinical trials will be documented
    • Certification given to participants concerning research integrity training in clinical trials
    • Distribution of statement to relevant institutions

    Content of the course (Topics/Lectures to be covered):

    Provisional Program. More detailed one will be available shortly.
    Day 1
    Introduction to the Workshop: Prof. Dr. Khalid Khan, COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar
    Session 1Critical appraisal of clinical trials
    Session 2Ethical issues in multicenter clinical trials
    Session 3Design and statistical analysis of clinical trials
    Day 2
    Session 1Regulation and oversight of clinical trials
    Session 2Publication of clinical trials  
    Session 3Presentation of recommendations for feedback and finalization

    Target Audience:

    Students, scientists, researchers, experts, healthcare managers, government officials, think tanks, health NGO’s, policy makers from the domain of multicenter clinical trials research from across the world and global south countries.

    Provisional List of Speakers

    Professor Dr. Khalid Saeed KhanCOMSTECH Distinguished Scholar, University of Granada
    Professor Dr. Yacoub KhalafLondon College, UK and UEARS Distinguished Scholar
    Dr. Mohamed FawzyUEARS Cofounder

    Registration Process

    Step 1: Registration for Physical Participation: Click Here

    Step 2: Registration for Virtual Participation: Click Here

    Step 3: Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form.

    Step 4: Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

    Travel & Local Hospitality

    For accommodation, organizers will recommend different nearby hotels to international participants to suit their needs and seniority. No travel grants will be provided to participants travelling for the workshop. Participants are expected to get their travel funding from their parent organizations/country of origin.

    Scientific Coordinator and Technical Focal Person

    Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Abdel-Aleem

    UEARS representative

    Cairo, Egypt

    Workshop Conveners:

    1. Professor Dr. Khalid Saeed Khan, COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar
    2. Professor Dr. Yacoub Khalaf, UEARS President

    Workshop Coordinators

    1. Muhammad Haris Akram, Program Manager, COMSTECH
  • NBTI 2023 TECHNO-EXPO

    Click here to download the flyer…

  • INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ‘Outbreak Investigation and Control of Infectious Diseases’

    Tentative Program: Link

    Event Flyer: Link


    Date: 26th -28th Dec 2023 (Venue; COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad)

    About the workshop:

    The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the attention of the global community and rekindled the debate about our ability to prevent and manage outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. To control infectious diseases, human, animal, and environmental factors need to be considered together, based on the One Health perspective. Keeping in mind the immense importance of the subject, COMSTECH, in collaboration with Pasteur Institute of Iran has organized an International workshop with several internationally renowned speakers and conveners. This workshop will cover several important topics such as  Environmental investigation, Laboratory investigation, Data management in outbreaks, Outbreak control measures, Agency roles and responsibilities for outbreak management, case studies etc.

    Workshop Outcomes:

    After completing this course, trainees should be able to define the most important topics and apply the skills mentioned bellow:

    •          Outbreaks and related concepts

    •          The general framework of outbreak investigation

    •          Evaluation and confirmation of the outbreak

    •          Outbreak description

    •          Types of studies in the outbreaks

    •          Use of Microsoft excel in outbreak investigation

    •          Environmental and clinical surveys and measurements

    •          Collection, labelling, and transfer of samples

    •          Preparing the report for the outbreaks

    •          Critical thinking at different stages; before and during sampling, analysis, reporting, writing, and providing feedback

    •          Ethical and cultural issues during the outbreak investigations

    •          Risk communications

    •          Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic

    Onsite Speakers:

    Dr. Kayhan Azadmanesh, Ph.D.

    Professor of Medical Biotechnology at the Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran

    Dr. Arash Arashkia, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor of Medical Biotechnology at the Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran

    Dr. Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran

    Dr. Sana Eybpoosh, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran

    Dr. Mahdi Rouhani, Ph.D.

    Head of Bacteriology Department of Pasteur Institute of Iran.

    Dr Atia tul Wahab, Ph.D.

    Professor, National Institute of Virology, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi.

    Dr Saba Farooq, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, National Institute of Virology, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi.

    Who Should Attend?

    Healthcare professionals engaged in disease surveillance and control at peripheral levels, including general practitioners, as well as individuals holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields.

    You may attend the course in the city of your residence (ISB or KHI).

    Important!

    The course will include both a pre-test and a post-test. Three outstanding participants will be selected based on their active engagement in workshop activities and their performance in the post-test and will be duly recognized with a certificate or letter of appreciation.

    Registration Form: Click Here

    For more information please contact:

    Ms. Khazima Muazim
    Program Manager COMSTECH
    khazima@comstech.org

    Ms. Maham Yamin
    Program Officer COMSTECH
    maham.yamin@comstech.org

Back to top button