Scientific Culture and research is Vital for Economy

National Conference on Trends in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Scientific culture having dynamic, world class relevant research is crucial for socio economic uplift of the country. This was stated by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Changez Khan Jamali while addressing the concluding session of National Conference on Trends in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Quaid-I-Azam University (QAU).

The Federal Minister said that no one can deny the significance of science in this age of technology. Now it has become more evident than ever that technology is directly linked to economy which obviously promotes prosperity to the society.

“Unfortunately we do not have many achievements to our credit in the field of science. Let us learn from our past and make use of our full potentials to create scientific culture. In order to make our economy grow, we need a new wave of people equipped with modern scientific and technological skills” said Minister.

The Conference was organized by The Biochemists Association Quaid-i- Azam University, (BAQI) in collaboration with Department of Biochemistry, QAU with an aim to disseminate and discuss information about exponential growth and development in different domains of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

QAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that education in our country deserves more attention to compete rest of the world. The developed world has understood the importance of knowledge economy. He emphasized that at least 4% of the budget must be allocated for education. He said Education, innovation, development of science and technology and political will of visionary leadership are the four pillars of prosperity.

“Today the role of the universities has changed. Universities must assume the role of innovation promoting knowledge hubs with an ultimate aim of promotion of indigenous development” said Vice-Chancellor.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai congratulated the organizers of the conference and university administration for conducting such event which has provided an ideal opportunity to researchers, academicians and students to discuss research and developmental activities.

Earlier Prof. Dr. Slman A. Malik, Chairman, Department of Biochemistry briefed the audience about the primary goal of the conference. He also highlighted the performance, achievements, and future plans of the Department of Biochemistry, (QAU). He said Since 2006, Department of Biochemistry, QAU is contributing towards the education and research training of M.Sc, M.Phil and PhD graduates with an aim to provide a stimulating and diverse research and training environment of international standing.

The chairman said that to-date the Department has produced 267 MSc and 286 MPhil students while 51 scholars have completed their PhD. He said Increase in rate of publications by the Department is also worth mention. These have increased from only 8 papers in 2006 to more than 70 in 2011. The Department in total has more than 222 publications to its credit.

“I am convinced that dedication to purpose and collaboration with scientific community has contributed significantly in enabling the Department to make the mentioned success. This conference thus is an opportunity for all participates for further fostering of links and accelerating scientific progress” said Dr. Malik. More than 400 participants including the students, academia and scientists, across the country attended the conference.