The 186th birthday of Gregor Mendel, a German scientist known as the father of genetics, was celebrated at the University of Karachi (KU) on Friday.
According to a press release, the event was marked with a certificate distribution and concluding ceremony on the occasion of a three-day workshop organised by Dr AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), KU, titled ‘Cytogenetics, Karyotyping and Chromosomal Aberrations’.
A team of 25 students and young scientists participated from various universities, medical colleges and institutes.
The chief guest was KU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi.
She appreciated the efforts made by organisers n designing and executing such a critical human-resource enhancement event. “In this era, cytogenetics is offering insights into evolution,” she said.
The focal person of the workshop, IBGE-KRL Islamabad Director Dr Muhammad Ismail, said on the occasion that prenatal diagnosis of various congenital disorders is possible by cytogenetics techniques.
He further said that if detected at the prenatal stage, it can help the parents to make a conscientious decision on the fetus.
In the welcome address, KIBGE Director General Prof Dr Syed Irtifaq Ali said that even being the youngest institute, KIBGE has registered 50 students in the MS programme leading to the PhD research programme in the areas of biomedical, industrial and plant biotechnology.
He said we are regularly organising workshops, conferences and series of lectures titled ‘Investment in Future’.
“These events provide a unique opportunity for interaction between young researchers and experts of biotechnology and genetic engineering,” he added.
KIBGE co-director general and organiser of the workshop, Dr Abid Azhar said that the workshop revolves around the need of implementing latest and modern cytogenetic techniques for quick, accurate and cost effective diagnosis of chromosomal disorders such as infertility, Down’s syndrome and Edward’s syndrome.
He thanked Dr Muhammad Ismail for sharing his expertise and knowledge with the participants.
He further added that this is the 10th event in the last few years and three are in the pipeline as follow up programmes.
