Email
oric@iiu.edu.pk
Call
Call Us: +92-51-9019697, +92-51-9019647
The Department of Biological Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organized a National Symposium on “Future Trends and Innovation in Biotechnology for Economic Development.”
The symposium urged for dialogue and collaboration among academia, industry, and students, highlighting IIUI’s commitment to advancing biotechnological innovation for sustainable economic development.
The event took place at the Auditorium of Faisal Masjid Campus, marking a significant step towards fostering dialogue and collaboration in the realm of biotechnology.
The symposium aimed to explore the transformative potential of Biotechnology in driving economic development, with a particular focus on green innovation. Distinguished speakers from academia and industry shared their groundbreaking research and insights, shedding light on emerging trends and opportunities in the field.
The chief organizers of the events were Prof. Dr. Asif Mir, Dr. Bushra Uzair and Dr. Bashir Ahmed who extended sincere appreciation to the President of IIUI for invaluable guidance and support throughout this event.
Professor Dr. Asif Mir, Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences, laid the groundwork for the symposium by elaborating on the significance of Green Innovation in Biotechnology. His introductory remarks offered a compelling framework for understanding the pivotal role of biotechnology in shaping a sustainable future. The Speakers included Professor Dr. Aamer Mehmood, Dr. Shahid Mehmood Baig and Dr. Barkat Ali Khan.
Professor Dr. Aamer Mehmood captivated the audience with his presentation on “Algal-based CO2 capture and biotransformation of biomass to bioproducts in a circular bioeconomy paradigm.” His research findings underscored the potential of algal-based solutions in mitigating carbon emissions and driving the transition towards a circular bioeconomy.
Professor Dr. Shahid Mehmood Baig delved into the current challenges and future research opportunities in Biotechnology within the Pakistani context. His analysis offered insights into the evolving landscape of biotechnological innovation, highlighting avenues for collaboration and growth.
Dr. Barkat Ali Khan’s discussion on “Advancement in drug delivery via Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” provided a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments shaping the pharmaceutical industry. His presentation underscored the critical role of Biotechnology in enhancing drug delivery mechanisms, thus revolutionizing healthcare outcomes.
In addition to the speaker sessions, a poster competition was organized, providing a platform for students from the Department of Biological Sciences to showcase their research endeavors. The posters reflected the diversity and ingenuity of ongoing research initiatives within the department, reaffirming IIUI’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in Biotechnology.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Bushra Uzair, Chief Organizer of the event, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers for their invaluable contributions.
The Department of Teacher Education in collaboration with Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized a panel discussion to mark the Labour Day in which panelists and participants discussed the critical themes surrounding the rights of children to education and the urgent need to address the issue of child labor.
Dr. Shamsa Aziz, Chairperson Department of Teacher Education briefed about the main idea behind arranging the panel discussion. The Panelists included Dr. Tabassum Naz Director Schools Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad, Ms. Nazneen Zehra Deputy Director (Planning) Basic Education Community Schools, Islamabad, Ms. Shumaila Aslam Principal Ghori Career School, Islamabad, Ms. Tabassum Shairwani Khan PhD Education Scholar, IIUI and Ms. Sana Naseer BECS School. The panel was moderated by Dr. Fouzia Ajmal.
Under the theme “Empowering Futures: Right to Education vs. Child Labour,” the discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, each shedding light on different dimensions of the issue. The panel unanimously agreed on the significance of education as a fundamental right for every child. They emphasized that access to education not only empowers individuals but also plays a vital role in shaping a prosperous society. Addressing the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to child labor was another focal point of the discussion, the panelists stressed the need for holistic approaches that tackle poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities, which often force children into labor.
Panelists highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in eradicating child labor and promoting education. They emphasized the role of educators in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that encourage children to stay in school and pursue their dreams. The main takeaways of the discourse included community involvement as a crucial factor in combating child labor. The panelists highlighted the importance of community partnerships and grassroots initiatives in identifying at-risk children and providing them with educational opportunities.
According to the organizing departments, the panel discussion served as a platform for stakeholders from academia, government, and civil society to exchange ideas, share best practices, and chart a course of action towards ensuring every child’s right to education.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dean of the Faculty of Education, IIUI, commended the efforts of the Department of Teacher Education, Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Focal Person of the activity and students’ organizers (and reiterated the university’s commitment for promoting education as a tool for social transformation.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and determination to address the complex challenges of child labor and educational inequality. Participants expressed their commitment to working collaboratively towards building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. This event was held in auditorium Fatima tuz Zahra block (Female Campus) IIUI which was attended by female students and faculty members of the department.
A certificate awarding ceremony for 21 faculty members and teachers of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) who have been selected for Mevlana Exchange Programme of Turkey was held at council hall of the university.
The exchange is part of an already signed MoU between IIUI and USAK University. The university approved members included 15 faculty members and 6 students.
Programme was pursued and executed by ORICS, IIUI for exchange, it aims the exchange of students and academic staff between the Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. The program includes all higher education institutions throughout the world without discriminating between the geographical borders.
Certificate award ceremony for selected IIUI faculty members and students was organized by the ORIC office was addressed by Dr. Tahir Khalily, Vice President (Academics). He appreciated the efforts of ORIC Office to execute the subject programme and emphasized upon the participants to remain dedicated for the positive image of the country and institution abroad.
Dr. Naveed Aqdas Malik, Vice President HS&R also addressed the ceremony and distributed certificates to awardees. Sharing his views, he emphasized upon the importance of international collaborations stating that successful execution of this program is a great achievement by the ORIC office. He added that such achievements shall be highlighted to show practical steps taken by the university in promoting international exposure to Pakistani students and faculty. The ceremony was also attended by the Deans of various Faculties.
International Islamic University (IIU) and Cumhuriyet University of Turkey have joined hands on Thursday by signing an MoU of bilateral cooperation here at new campus.
Both universities will take steps for exchange of faculty and students program and joint ventures for promoting academic excellence will be perused.
Vice Rector of the Cumhuriyet University Prof. Dr. Unal Kilic and President of the International Islamic University Prof. Dr. Ahmed Yousif A. Al-Draiweesh signed the agreement of mutual cooperation.
Both universities will be keen to work together for improving the academic excellence and arranging seminars, conferences and dialogues to solve the contemporary issues being faced by Muslim societies. It was also vowed on the occasion that IIUI’s 9 faculties will be in touch with the 18 faculties of Cumhuriyet University for exchange of experiences.
The ceremony was also joined by Head of International Relations Office, Cumhuriyet University Prof. Dr. Ali Aksu, IIUI Vice Presidents Dr. Muhammad Munir and Dr. Aqdas Naveed Malik, Director Administration Khalid Mehmood Raja and other relevant officers of the university.
Both delegates of the Turkish university also called on Prof Dr. Masoom Yasinzai at his office. Issues of mutual interest and mutual cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
Dr. Masoom apprised the delegation about IIUI’ achievements, vision and future objectives. He said that it was commendable news that both IIUI and Cumhuriyet would be working for the exchange of experiences through bilateral cooperation. He called for a systematic, well researched roadmap for the higher education with a linkage of all the universities of Islamic world.
Cumhuriyet university Vice Rector told on the occasion that his university was having 18 faculties and more than 60 thousand students had been studying at campus who were keen to explore Pakistani universities. IIUI Rector also told about a large number of Turkish Alumni of IIUI.
The Turkish delegation also met Vice Presidents and higher officials of the university where both sides introduced the universities in detail and discussed technicalities and future endeavors.
The delegation also visited centre for Advanced Electronics & Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE), Salman Aba Akhail Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and central library of the university.
A meeting of the first International Islamic University (IIU) Advisory and Steering Committee of ORIC and Business Incubation Centre (ASCOB) was held here at new campus on Monday.
The meeting discussed innovations, utilization of the BIC centers and human resource. The committee recommended that there must be a financial manager present in the higher bodies of the university. The participants opined that gap between industry and academia must be diminished through practical steps.
While discussing the commercialization of projects, they agreed that analysis of the market and industry must be made before launch of incubation at universities. The committee also stressed upon interaction between practical market gurus/ mentors with the graduates.
Mr. Ali Jafri and other members from Islamabad Chamber of commerce attended the meeting , while it was also attended by the internal and external members which include 17 experts of academia, sciences, technology administration and innovation.
IIUI Rector Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that entrepreneurial attitude of the faculty can lead students to doing wonders. He emphasized that Pakistani academia and industry must look for substitutes of the imports as it will lead to best commercialization and cheap solution to the problems with an added effect of improved economy.
IIUI President Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh called for collaboration between chamber of commerce and industry, while he also said that linkage between academia and industry will made a top priority to have constructive results. The President also highlighted role of patents and importance of BIC in future.
The committee also discussed various ideas of the innovation which included inclusion of IIUI in digitil science parks, active participation of IIUI faculty in the chambers’ exposure visits and programs.
Earlier, Director ORIC Dr. Abdul Hameed and Director BIC Dr. Ahsan Mirza gave presentations about the both ORIC and BIC, while it was also joined by Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, advisor tp Rector and President IIUI and other relevant officials.
The committee has been formed as per recommendations of BoG and it will serve for 3 years and will meet 4 times in a year to bring suggestion and recommendations to the Board of Governors of university.
