‘Scientific culture and research vital for economy’

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A scientific culture and world class 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 the economy which obviously promotes prosperity in 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 a scientific culture. In order to make our economy grow, we need a new wave of people equipped with modern scientific and technological skills” said the minister.
The conference was organised by the Biochemists Association of Quaid-e-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, says a press release issued by QAU.
QAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that education in our country deserves more attention to compete with the modern world. The developed world has understood the importance of a knowledge economy. He emphasized that at least 4 per cent 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 universities has changed. Universities must assume the role of innovation promoting knowledge hubs with an ultimate aim of promotion of indigenous development” said the Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Masoom Yasinzai congratulated the organisers of the conference and university administration for conducting such an event which has provided an ideal opportunity to researchers, academicians and students to discuss research and developmental activities relevant to our settings.
Earlier Prof. Dr. Salman A. Malik 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 and aims to provide a stimulating and diverse research and training environment of international standing. More than 400 participants including the students, academia and scientists, across the country attended the conference.