Karachi (Cliff News)“Biotechnology is a game changer for the economy of Pakistan. Recent developments in the field of Biotechnology have transformed various countries worldwide” says Prof. Masood Hameed Khan, Founding Vice Chancellor, Dow University of Health Sciences while addressing an Orientation Session of new batch of students of BS Biotechnology and Pharm D today at Ojha Campus. The session was attended by students and their parents besides faculty members at Dow College of Biotechnology. Prof. Masood Hameed Khan further informed the students about the establishment of large number of high standards educational and research institutes at the university to produce human resource in the field of healthcare. He also briefed the students the establishment of Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences (DRIBBS) and recent developments in the field of biotechnology and how the field has transformed various countries worldwide. Quoting various examples he emphasized that Biotechnology has a key role to play in the economic development of Pakistan. Professor Khan stressed students to also inculcate patriotism, human and religious values in their lives. Dr. Talat Mirza, Director, Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences (DRIBBS) in her welcome address gave a brief overview of DRIBBS. She informed that DRIBBS was established with a great vision to generate knowledge in basic and applied research. Furthermore, she also informed the students about Biotechnology Department of DUHS and about its latest state-of-art laboratory setup.Director of Dow College of Biotechnology, Dr Shaukat Ali gave an introduction and brief overview of the Biotechnology graduation program, faculty members, curriculum and teaching methodology to the new entrants. He stressed students to develop their professional skills during their degree and become entrepreneurs rather than just jobseekers.Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Prof. Dr Rana Masood in her address appreciated biotechnology students’ decision of choosing a modern field of study for their academic and professional careers. Later on, an Orientation Session of Pharmacy undergraduate was also held. Dr. Sumbul Shamim, Dean Dow College of Pharmacy gave a brief introduction of faculty, curriculum and rules and regulations to the new entrants.
INAUGURATION OF ADVANCED ANIMAL HOUSE FACILITY AND RESEARCH LABORATORY
After the Orientation Sessions, Advanced Animal House Facility and Research Laboratory established by Dow University at Ojha Campus was inaugurated by Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Masood Hameed Khan. The highly equipped facility is dedicated to scientific research focusing on genetically modified animals and various animal-based diseased models. The set-up will help biomedical scientist to carry out sophisticated research activities related to drug discovery, diagnostic strategies and pre-clincal studies. This facility will be properly maintained and controlled under the administration of DUHS, Internal Review Board of Animal Research and Ethics Committee and as per international guidelines. Provision of such facility would mean that our local scientist will not have to travel abroad for their complex experiments.