The Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences successfully concluded its 5th Annual Biological Sciences Conference, focusing on how research can translate into practical solutions for Pakistan’s most pressing health and development challenges.
Held under the theme “Innovation, Translation, and Impact” the conference convened a diverse group of researchers, faculty, students and partners. The discussions centred on advancements that are vital not just for improving health outcomes, but also for contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those related to good health, quality education and gender equality.
This year’s programme centred on emerging paradigms in drug delivery, gene therapy, and cellular engineering, and advances in metabolic and cancer research. It highlighted the transformative role of science in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Dr Kulsoom Ghias, Chair of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, reflected on the vision of AKU’s Founder His late Highness the Aga Khan IV, noting his belief in research that improves lives. She also paid tribute to Dr Camer Vellani, drawing on the well-known phrase, “standing on the shoulders of giants,” to emphasize the importance of building on the work of visionary leaders in science and education.
“Without a strong foundation in basic sciences, tackling larger challenges in medical sciences would be impossible,” said Dr Karim Damji, Dean of AKU’s Medical College, Pakistan. Addressing students, he added, “Consume, produce, share, and translate knowledge, it is through this cycle that science makes its greatest impact.”
The event launched with a series of practical, skill-building workshops designed to foster academic growth and equip the next generation of scientists. These sessions included mastering health data with tools like SPSS and R, introducing participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for literature mapping, and providing hands-on experience with the revolutionary gene-editing technology, CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing.
Zia Akhtar Abbas, CEO of The Citizens Foundation (TCF), and conference’s chief guest, commended AKU’s commitment to research and its efforts to build future scientific leaders. Both AKU and TCF share a broad vision of expanding access to knowledge, creating opportunities, and fostering societal development through education and innovation.
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