Past Events

In collaboration with Health Services Academy, Pakistan

Date: 21^st-23^rd June, 2022
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad.
Deadline for Applications: 5^th June, 2022

Introduction

The public sector healthcare facilities of the underdeveloped and developing countries mostly face the problems of underutilization and under functioning, along with the technical and allocative inefficiency. Furthermore, the management of private sector is also reported to be inefficient, and service-centered. Specific Management tools and techniques, such as strategic management, management by objectives, quality assurance methods, monitoring and evaluation of the health systems outputs and outcomes, and economic appraisal are not practiced in both public and the private sectors.

One of the primary reasons for all these issues is that most health managers lack formal training in health management. Insufficient management knowledge, and lack of skills and expertise in management further undermine their capability to contribute to improve the health system. The way forward is the continuous education and training leading to the capacity building of the mid-level health managers and encouraging them to apply their knowledge in their respective settings.  Keeping this in mind, COMSTECH in collaboration with Health Services Academy, Pakistan, has organized a training course in Health and Hospital Management, catering to the needs of the OIC countries.

Objective

• To develop management skills that encompasses the main aspects of problem-solving typically faced by health managers.
• To apply certain techniques in the resolution of selected management issues.
• To learn about basic methods of quantitative analysis being used by health managers.
• To demonstrate change management, communication, and leadership skills.
• To define what quality means from the standpoint of diverse stakeholders.
• To explain the relationship of effectiveness, efficiency, cost and quality.

Target Audience:

The training course is open to healthcare managers, students, researchers, scientists, academicians, policy makers, paramedics, nurses, and anyone relevant to the field of health and hospital management.

Key Contents:

The workshop will cover the following topics:

• Principles of Hospital Management
• Hospital Financial Management
• Managing Human Resource in Health
• Introduction to Performance Management
• Effective Communication in Hospitals
• Behaviors Change Communication
• Principles of Hospital Planning and Designs
• Medical Records and Hospital Inventory Management

Travel & Local Hospitality:

COMSTECH will arrange local hospitality for (limited number) selected participants. Travel support will be provided to the speaker/resource persons only. Participants are expected to get their travel funding from their parent organizations/country of origin.

Registration Process:

1. For physical participation register at the following link: Registration closed
2. For virtual participation register at the following link: https://forms.gle/W6HPQbsadBmS4kia6
3. 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.
4.  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.

Tentative List of Speakers:

1. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan
   Vice Chancellor
   Health Services Academy (HSA),  Islamabad.
2. Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali
    Associate Professor
    Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad.
3. Dr. Ahmad Hussen Tareq
   Technical Lead HPTT/ Associate ProfessorHealth Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad.
4. Lt Gen Dr. Asif Mumtaz Sukhera (Retired) HI(M)
   Vice Chancellor
   Mohi-ud-Din Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Mirpur AJ&K
5. Major General Muhammad Salahuddin Qasim (Retired), HI (M) 
   Chair Policy Board
   MTI, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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
Phone: +92 51 9220681

Theme: Agricultural Biotechnology
Deadline for Registration: 31^st July 2022

Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat 33-Constitution Avenue Islamabad. Pakistan.
Date: 13-09-2022 to 15-09-2022
Sponsors: COMSTECH, IOFS, ICYF

Flyer of the event: Attached

Note: This youth forum is planned to be a hybrid event (Physical and virtual). Candidates are required to give their preference in the form.

The global biotechnology market is anticipated to reach a market value of US$ 775 billion by 2024 with an annual growth rate of 7.7%. Increased spending in biotechnology research and development, favorable initiatives by governments, global food security and the increasing need for emerging technologies are some of the factors influencing this growth. Unfortunately, the share of Muslim countries in this global market of biotechnology is very little. There is a need to increase this share.

To promote excellence and competence in the field of agricultural biotechnology among Muslim countries a tripartite youth forum (Pakistan-Turkey-Kazakhstan) is proposed. The theme “Agriculture Biotechnology” aims at providing the best knowledge and resources to young participants to advance their research goals. The youth forum will stimulate the desire to collaborate and change the world of agricultural biotechnology and innovation by promoting state-of-the-art practices in biotechnology research and promoting evidence-based practices. The event will include informative talks from young as well as the experienced scientists of these three countries. The event will also include keynote lectures, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, discussions and other educational and social events that stimulate several networking opportunities among the young participants of Pakistan, Turkey and Kazakhstan. The forum aims to facilitate interactions within the young research community to discuss the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field and find ways to respond to the increasing demands of professionals and communities across the world.

Target Audience
Academics, students and researchers from the OIC countries are encouraged to apply.

Only participants from Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Turkey are eligible for limited funding available for travel and local hospitality.

Participants from all the member OIC states who can bear their travel expenses are encouraged to apply.  Participants may get ticket funding from their parent organizations.

 Topic covered

• Genome editing and new breeding technologies 
• Large scale genomics and genomic selection in crop and livestock breeding
• Speed breeding for rapid genetic gain
• Variants of Cas proteins and their potential applications
• High throughput phenomics

Registration Fee
There is no registration fee for participation.

Travel & Local Hospitality:
COMSTECH will arrange complete local hospitality, airport pick/drop, and sightseeing visits for selected participants.

Registration Process:

Step 1: Fill the online application form. Click Here  https://forms.gle/3tanqjhiWvzc4X497

Step 2: Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

Zoom Links: Virtual participants will receive zoom link through email.

Contact Person:
Pakistan
Dr. Imran Amin
Principal Scientist, Agricultural Biotechnology Division
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE). Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: imranamin1@yahoo.com

Turkey
Dr. Seckin Eroglu
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Middle East Technical University
Cankaya, 06800 Ankara – Turkey
Email: erogluseckin@gmail.com

Dr. Emre Aksoy
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences,Middle East Technical University, Ankara – Turkey
E-mail: emreaks@metu.edu.tr    

Mrs. Amel Ouchenane
Expert @ Department of International Projects
Istanbul World Trade Center, A3 Block, 7th floor
34149, Yeşilköy, Istanbul/Turkey.
 +90 212-465-39-39 /ext 19
E-Mail: amel.o@icyforum.org

Mrs. Makpal Bulatova
Programme Manager
Islamic Organisation for Food Security
Republic of Kazakhstan

Ms. Khazima Muazim
Programme Manager, COMSTECH
Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
Email: khazima@comstech.org

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