Past Events

Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop
15-16 March 2023
University of Jordan Hallaiqa Hall / Chemistry Department

Introduction of the Speaker : Click Here

Program Details: Click Here

For Registration: Click Here

The Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop is a two-day event that will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of two key areas of cancer research.

Day-1-Morning: The first day of the workshop will focus on Cancer Genetics, and the morning session will begin with a three-hour session covering an introduction to the topic. This will include an overview of the basic principles of cancer genetics, including the classification of cancers, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, epigenetics, and miRNA. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the genetic basis of cancer and the mechanisms that lead to the development of the disease.

Day-1 Afternoon: The afternoon session of the first day will be a two-hour session dedicated to the relationship between diet and cancer gene regulation. This session will explore the impact of nutrition on gene expression and how dietary factors can influence cancer development. The session will be interactive, with attendees invited to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Day-2 Morning: The second day of the workshop will be dedicated to Signal Transduction, a key area of cancer research that focuses on the processes by which signals are transmitted within cells. Attendees will learn about the different types of receptors, including G-protein receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, and non-tyrosine kinase receptors. The session will also cover second messengers, such as cAMP, G=GMP, Ca2+, IP3, and DAG, and transducers, including kinases, STAT, JAK pathways, and transcriptional factors. This comprehensive overview of signal transduction will provide attendees with the knowledge needed to understand the complex cellular signaling pathways that contribute to cancer development.

Day -2 Afternoon: The afternoon session of the second day will be dedicated to tissue culture. Attendees will learn about primary cell lines, cancer cell lines, adherent cancer cells, and non-adherence cells. The session will cover the basics of cell culture, including the techniques and tools used to maintain cell lines in the laboratory. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and learn from experienced researchers in the field.
The Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop is an ideal opportunity for researchers, clinicians, and students to gain a comprehensive understanding of two key areas of cancer research. Attendees will learn from experienced researchers, participate in interactive discussions. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of cancer biology.

KEY OBJECTIVES:
➢ To provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of cancer genetics, including the classification of cancers, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, epigenetics, and miRNA.
➢ To help attendees understand the relationship between diet and cancer gene regulation, including how dietary factors can influence cancer development.
➢ To provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of signal transduction, including the different types of receptors, second messengers, and transducers.
➢ To provide attendees with hands-on experience in tissue culture techniques, including the maintenance of primary cell lines, cancer cell lines, adherent cancer cells, and non-adherence cells.
➢ To encourage discussions and interactive sessions among attendees, where they can ask questions and share their insights.
➢ To help attendees gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of cancer biology and the latest research trends in the field.
➢ To enable attendees to develop new skills and knowledge that they can apply to their research, clinical work, or studies in the field of cancer biology.
Overall, the objectives of the Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop are to provide attendees with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of cancer biology.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
The Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop is designed for a range of professionals, researchers, and students in the field of cancer biology, including:
➢ Researchers: The workshop will provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of cancer genetics and signal transduction.
➢ Clinicians: Clinicians who specialize in cancer treatment will benefit from a deeper understanding of cancer genetics and signal transduction, which can help inform their treatment decisions.
➢ Graduate Students: Graduate students who are studying cancer biology or related fields will benefit from the comprehensive overview of cancer genetics and signal transduction. The workshop will also provide them with hands-on experience in tissue culture techniques, which can be useful for their research projects.
Overall, the target audience for the Cancer Genetics and Signal Transduction Workshop includes anyone who is interested in learning about the latest research trends and techniques in the field of cancer biology, including researchers, clinicians, and students.

Date:- Monday 6, March 2023 09:00 am (PKT)
Venue:- COMSTECH Secretariat Islamabad

Introduction of the Speaker : Click Here

Course Introduction: Click Here

Program Details: Click Here

For Registration:

https://forms.gle/CP5Gz7KFVFEXsePu5

1- Physical Registration (RWP/ISB Only: No Accommodation/ Transport will be provided): (Closed)

2- Online Participants Registration (Open)

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.

Mr. Muhammad Ameen Kalroo
Executive Secretary
COMSTECH, Islamabad.
ameen@comstech.org

Muhammad Jamil
Personal Secretary
COMSTECH, Islamabad.
mjamil@comstech.org

Date: March 09, 2023 Time: 2:00 PM (PKT)
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad. (Hybrid Event)

Abstract of the talk : Click Here

For Registration:

1- Virtual Registration: https://forms.gle/89fupCRf6Xsp4Mhd8

2- Physical Registration (RWP/ISB Only: No Accommodation will be provided): https://forms.gle/fxocaK81iCqhfDfc6

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.

For Any Queries:

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

Organized by University of Sargodha in Collaboration with COMSTECH
and International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi

15-16 March 2023
Venue: MFKNBS-Hall, University of Sargodha
Deadline for Applications: March 01, 2023

Program Flyer: Click Here

Introduction

The Islamic world is very diverse, comprising of many developing countries, which are still in need of awareness and knowledge regarding the latest scientific research techniques. The current scientific research topics touch many fields of expertise requiring interdisciplinary expertise. In this scenario, researchers, scientists working in all fields of natural sciences have to indulge themselves in research techniques from other disciplines to produce authentic and reliable research.

The work carried out in laboratories around the globe continues to enable important advances in science and engineering. The laboratories have become the center for acquiring knowledge and developing new materials for future use, as well as for monitoring and controlling those chemicals currently used routinely in thousands of commercial processes. The chemicals and equipment used today are beneficial, but simultaneously have the potential to damage human health, the environment, equipment, and the property.

A new culture of safety and security consciousness, accountability, has developed in organizations, and educational institutions around the world. Particularly, the laboratories of the chemical industry, government, and academia have developed special procedures and equipment for handling and managing chemicals and equipment safely and securely.Realizing the importance of Laboratory Safety & Security Management, a one-day program has been planned focusing on the subject.

Objective

The program focuses on lectures being delivered by expert, eminent scholars/researchers in the area of Laboratory Safety & Security Management, aimed at building concepts, enhancing critical thinking, and developing understanding of the subject at undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels.

Laboratory Safety & Security Management has critical role for staff, faculty, researchers and students working in a Chemical Laboratory. The program is designed aimed to get understanding on how to protect their health including laboratory assess and environment, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Target Audience:
Scientists, Researchers, Lab supervisors, from the OIC countries.

Key Contents:
The workshop will cover the following topics:

• Behavior Based Safety
• Role of Communication in Safety
• Good Lab. Practices (GLP)
• Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Importance and Understanding Safety Data Sheets Importance
• Lab. Waste Management& Safe disposal
• Emergency Response Planning
• Emergency Response Planning
• Laboratory Security
• Training of Trainers program

About the Speaker

Mr. Khalid Latif is a dynamic executive with over 35 years of experience in multi-national companies. He earned Master’s Degree in In-organic Chemistry from University of Karachi.

Participated in various professional training courses and medium-term assignments/ project from manufacturing facilities of parent companies in Europe and Asia Pacific countries.

During his professional career, he achieved success in following

• Lowering cost and improving delivery of products to the customer using moderns supply chain concepts
• Vendor development and evaluation on the basis of their cost and efficiency
• Quality. Safety and Manufacturing Excellence projects.

Under Academia-Industry interaction seminar series, he delivers lectures on various Technical, HSE, and Soft Skills Development in various Universities in Pakistan.

Currently Mr. Khalid Latif is working an Entrepreneur and Associate Consultant with:

• Fonder & Director at KL- Technical | HSE Consultants (Self-Employee)
• Senior Trainer & Consultant at OSHES Pakistan (Associate Partner)
• Technical Consultant at Optimum Advisory (Associate Partner)
• HSE Consultant at Right End Consulting (Associate Partner)

Registration Process:

Step 1: For Virtual registration: https://forms.gle/AWdu2Yj1ut2VoGQ26

Step 2: Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit

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

Venue:

The workshop will be held at the University of Sargodha. Sargodha is the 12^th largest city of Pakistan and known for largest kinnow-producing district of the world. It produces oranges that are considered high-quality, and supplies them to the different parts of the country. These oranges are also exported to other countries.

Technical Focal Persons

Professor Dr. Zaheer Ul-Haq
In charge Safety and Security
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences
University of Karachi

Workshop Coordinators

• Dr Yasir Nawaz Manj
  Associate Professor/Focal Person
  International Collaboration/Global Engagement

• Muhammad Haris Akram
  Programme Manager
  COMSTECH

Date: 20^th February 2023

Time:
9:00-10:30 (Cairo Local Time),
12:00-13:30 (Karachi Local Time),
16:00-17:30 (Tokyo Local Time)

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a technique that detects the chemical environment of atomic nuclei by the absorption of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation when in the presence of a high magnetic field. NMR is used in chemistry and related fields for high-resolution molecular structure determination and the study of molecular dynamics. Apart from determining the molecular structure, NMR spectroscopy can also determine phase changes, conformational and configurational alterations, solubility, and diffusion potential

NMR spectroscopy has undergone a remarkable development in the past few decades, and has several important applications. Medical practitioners, for example, employ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a multidimensional NMR imaging technique, for diagnostic purposes. Similarly, NMR is useful in drug discovery due to its ability to directly observe chemical compounds and target biomolecules, and can be used for ligand-based and protein-based approaches.

With this background, COMSTECH in collaboration with the NAPRECA is organizing a one-day webinar on “Recent Advances in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy”

Target Audience: Professionals/Early stage researchers with relevant background,NMR scientists especially those working in natural product chemistry.

Webinar Program: Click here

Registration Link: Click Here

Speakers Biography: Click Here

Mode of lecture: Online only (through Zoom link)

Registration outcome will be shared through email, therefore, please give your valid email address. Participants will receive E-certificates.

Contact persons:

Ms. Khazima Muazim, Programme Manager, khazima@comstech.org
Ms. Maham Yamin, Programme Officer, maham.yamin@gmail.com
Dr Sameh AbouZid, Professor of Pharmacognosy, Heliopolis University, sameh.fekry@hu.edu.eg

Jointly organized by
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research
Royan Institute
COMSTECH
Mustafa(pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation
Sindh Innovation, Research, and Education Network (SIREN)

Program Schedule: February 15, 2023
Day and Time:  Wednesday 11:30 am Pakistan time: 10:00 am Tehran time
For registration: (free):https://forms.gle/BJtaPN62XLfLU4c48
Register by: February 13, 2023

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) and COMSTECH 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, COMSTECH, MSTF, 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.

9th Webinar:

The 9th webinar of the series is entitled:

“Natural Compounds to Target Chemotherapy-induced Cardiac Toxicity”

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. Mudassar Azhar received his B. Pharm. from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi in 2006, and Ph. D. in Pharmacology from the Faculty of Pharmacy, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS in 2014 with focus on toxicology. Dr. Mudassar joined PCMD in 2015 as a Research Fellow. He also did his post-doctoral training in Behavioral Pharmacology from Animal Research Center, Hunan, China during 2016.  He joined PCMD as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in 2017. He is also the in-charge of Animal House Facility at the ICCBS.

His efforts resulted in the establishment of the National Facility of Laboratory Animal Research and Care (NFLARC) at PCMD, and he is currently leading the facility. His research group is focusing on preventing chemotherapy induced toxicities, and completed projects related to chemotherapy induced cardiac toxicity. Currently, his research group is working to explore the role of steroids in neuronal performances with focus on the role of serotonin and leptin. His group has successfully established a pre-clinical model of doxorubicin induced cardiac toxicity at PCMD. He is also planning to work on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. His future ventures include the establishment of in vivo cancer models using luminescent cancer cell lines to extend the role of cardiac protective agents on anti-cancer efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents.

Dr. Mudassar has published several papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals and has given invited talks at various international congresses. He received Science and Technology Talent Award from the Liuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changsha, China in 2016-2017. He is also a member of editorial boards of several journals, board of studies, and institutional review board of both universities and hospitals.

Venue for physical participation: L.E.J. National Science Information Center,International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270.

For more information: Email: 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.

DATES: February 2-4, 2023
DAYS: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30^thJanuary 2023
VENUE: Lecture Hall A, Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Center (LEJNSIC), International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi-75270, Pakistan
FOR REGISTRATION USE THE GIVEN LINK:https://forms.gle/dN9v33yw6iB3DuSZ7

Date:- Monday, January 23, 2023 14:00 (PKT)
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad. (Hybrid Event)

Abstract of the talk : Click Here
Profile of the Speaker: Click Here

For Registration:

1- Virtual Registration: https://forms.gle/5vhZga9xqxRXYzS38

2- Physical Registration (RWP/ISB Only): https://forms.gle/KivNfrZYc7rA9WA36

For Any Queries:

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

Jointly organized by
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research
Royan Institute
COMSTECH
Mustafa(pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation
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) and COMSTECH 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, COMSTECH, MSTF, 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.

8th Webinar:

The 8th webinar of the series is entitled:

“Immune cell therapy to target cancer stem cells”

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:

Prof. Marzieh Ebrahimi received her B.Sc. in the field of Cell and Molecular Biology from Department of Biology at Tehran University in 1996, Master’s degree and PhD in Medical Immunology from Faculty of Medicine at Tarbiat Modares University in 2000 and 2007, with focus on tumor therapy by herbal component (as Master thesis) and differentiation and activation of DCs from hematopoietic stem cells (as PhD thesis). Dr. Ebrahimi joined the Department of Stem Cells at Royan Institute in 2003 as a Research Fellow. She served as group leader of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) with the main focus on isolation, preservation, expansion and differentiation of HSCs into different lineages. She was also Scientific Manager of a private Royan Cord Blood Bank from 2006 – 2009. She worked in Oncology Surgery, ZLF, Unihospitale of Basel, Switzerland as postdoctoral fellow during 2009 – 2010, and evaluated the effect of bone marrow stromal cells on melanoma stem cells. After coming back to Royan Institute, she established a cancer stem cells research group.

Her efforts resulted in the establishment of the Royan cord blood bank and Royan peripheral blood stem cell bank in 2011, which cryopreserved the cord blood stem cells and immobilized stem cells of cancer patients before chemotherapy. Moreover, her group successfully established the Royan Amniotic Membrane Bank in 2012 to provide a different product of amniotic membrane for use in clinic and dressing of skin wounds. Currently, she is a group leader of Hematopoietic and Cancer Stem Cells in Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology and responsible for flow cytometry core facility.

Prof. Ebrahimi has published more than 70 papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals and has given numerous tutorials and invited talks in national and international congresses. She received awards from the Iranian Presidential Office, Center for Women and Family Affairs as a Woman Elite in Research.

Program Schedule: January 25, 2023

Day and Time:  Wednesday 11.30 am Pakistan time: 10.00 am Tehran time

For registration: (free): bit.ly/3ICTC-SIREN

Register by: January 22, 2023

Venue for physical participation: L.E.J. National Science Information Center,International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270.

For more information: Email: 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.

Jointly Organized by COMSTECH and National University of Science and Technology (NUST), in collaboration with Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)

27 February – 03 March, 2023
Venue: Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala

Introduction

The new paradigm of higher education places universities in the pivotal role within a knowledge-based economy, connecting all aspects of the society. Sustaining leadership for the next decades and beyond requires futuristic thinking, adequate planning, and staying relevant in a fast-changing world.

Research excellence often requires collaborative, interdisciplinary working across the University, within the region and beyond; extending to other HE institutions and businesses, nationally and internationally. To attain excellence in research and innovation, new knowledge and indigenous solutions could be developed to address the great global challenges.

Universities are an ideal conduit for innovation, taking research towards commercialization and impacting the communities. Studies show, the top academic institutes have closely worked with industry, public organizations extensively to increase their research productivity.

Workshop Objectives

Given the above perspective, workshop is aimed to identify the following key priorities that universities should consider while defining its Research and Innovation strategy, which could be the roadmap for the following years:

1. Identifying core competencies and focus areas within Research and Innovation framework, that aligns university research and innovation portfolio with national needs and global challenges;
2. Promoting entrepreneurial activities by leveraging upon the university research base, to find innovative, low-cost, indigenous solutions to diverse societal challenges;
3. Transfer of technologies and innovations through prolific collaborations with public and private enterprises – technology diffusion;

Resource Persons

Resource persons from National University of Science and Technology, (NUST) will deliver lectures and share experience on how to improve the quality of research by investing in its human resources, creating an environment conducive to research, and fostering applied research and innovation in academic institutes. NUST has become an example to follow for evolving its education, research, and innovation ecosystem.

NUST worked diligently in developing contemporary facilities, academic curricula, international linkages, competent faculty, and nurturing talents for the nation. NUST has formulated its Research and Innovation Excellence Strategy (RISE) 2025 as its five-year strategic initiative that will build upon the momentum gained during the last three decades and is chalked out by horizontal-vertical partitioning of different components of the ecosystem – education, research, and innovation. NUST Research & Innovation Strategies for Excellence – NUST RISE 2025, will help in building its achievements and propel NUST to reach new heights in service to the nation, global community, and meeting diverse challenges for humanity.

Who Should Attend?

The workshop will be designed to address the interest of university management, research scholars, officials & policymakers, enforcement officers, in universities of Least Developed Countries of the OIC.

For Registration:

1. Physical Participation (Limited only to Africa): https://forms.gle/zsoZDsoiTezVLe37A
2. Virtual Participation:https://forms.gle/1zF9fNQBTmWa5vFL9

Note: There is no registration fee for this training. Furthermore, all Physical Participants are expected to fund their own travel and local hospitality.

Workshop Coordinator:
Muhammad Haris Akram
Program Manager, COMSTECH
Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
Email: haris@comstech.org