We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Wasim Sajjad, a distinguished faculty member from the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), has been selected as one of the 50 Next Generation Leaders to participate in "The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology" summit. This landmark event will take place on February 23-26, 2025, at the historic Asilomar Conference Grounds, California, marking the 50th anniversary of the pioneering 1975 Asilomar meeting on recombinant DNA molecules.

Organized by Rice University, Stanford University, and the Science History Institute, the summit will convene a broad group of experts and next-generation leaders to address critical challenges in biotechnology today. These include artificial intelligence, pathogen research and biosecurity, synthetic cells, deployment of biotechnologies beyond conventional containment, and the ethical and societal framings of biotechnology.

This program supports early-career scholars, from undergraduates to assistant professors, across disciplines ranging from the humanities to the natural sciences and engineering. It also includes early-career leaders in government, civil society, and the arts. Fellows are selected based on their potential for extraordinary contributions and leadership, with diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and geographic regions being key considerations.

His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

As a member of this global fellowship, Dr. Sajjad will play a pivotal role in shaping biotechnology governance over the next five decades. His participation reflects NUMS' commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global impact in health sciences and biotechnology while ensuring that emerging biotechnologies address pressing global challenges responsibly and inclusively.

The Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B) at the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), South Korea, organized the 2024 Introductory Course on Standard Practices (GxP), focusing on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). It took place in two segments: a Pre-Online phase from October 7-27, 2024, followed by an in-person segment from October 29 to November 14, 2024, spanning six weeks. This intensive three-week onsite program aimed to enhance the quality management of biomanufacturing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by providing specialized training for human resources.

Following competitive selection by international experts of IVI, the NUMS nominated Dr. Shumaila Naz and Dr. Muhammad Tariq Navid from the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) NUMS to participate in this specialized program.

The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW) and the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B) Support Foundation hosted the annual GxP Course. At the same time, IVI organized the program as part of the GTH-B initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between MoHW and the World Health Organization to empower LMICs to produce vaccines and biologics locally.

One hundred eighty-three participants from 42 countries, including 13 from the homeland of Korea, are trained through the course and focused on addressing global vaccine inequities while bolstering international efforts to combat infectious diseases. Participants included professionals from organizations involved in biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines, therapeutics, and monoclonal antibodies in LMICs, graduate students, and technical personnel from Korean bio-manufacturers. By building LMICs' biomanufacturing capabilities, this initiative played a pivotal role in advancing the global vaccine development agenda.

The opening ceremony featured prominent attendees, including Dr. Manki Song, Deputy Director General of Science; Mr. Dong Hyun Kim from MoHW; and Dr. Hyun Joo Yang, Secretary General of the GTHB Support Foundation, alongside the trainees.

The GxP Course featured a comprehensive curriculum delivered by a faculty team of 27 international experts from nine leading institutions, including Nagasaki University in Japan and Instituto Butantan in Brazil. Key topics included Good Clinical, Manufacturing, Laboratory, and Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCP, GMP, GLP, GCLP—collectively known as GxP) and biosafety protocols essential for safe and effective biomanufacturing.

A mini-convention featured over 20 companies and startups showcasing their experiences with new ventures and highlighting their contributions to the country's economy. Moreover, Dr. Shumaila and Dr. Tariq also explored the operational structure at one of the public-sector vaccine manufacturing facilities in South Korea. The 2024 Introductory Course at IVI provided valuable insights into GxP practices and institutional collaborations. The course will foster significant growth for everyone involved, both organizationally and personally, leading to a steep learning curve based on the knowledge and experiences gained.

The "Revamped Scientific Outlook of the 21st Century" conference, hosted by Rawalpindi Women's University, served as a vibrant platform for global scholars and researchers to explore cutting-edge advancements in science and technology. The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

One of the conference's standout highlights was the poster competition, showcasing diverse and impactful research by young scientists. Munazza Kanwal, representing the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), secured first prize for her groundbreaking study on Yersinia enterocolitica. Her research, supervised by Dr Syed Babar Jamal Bacha, focused on the in-silico production of vaccines, demonstrating the power of computational methods in combating infectious diseases.

Her award-winning poster was celebrated for its originality, scientific rigour, and relevance to addressing global health challenges, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This achievement underscores NUMS' commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable solutions for global health issues, inspiring the next generation of scientists to pursue impactful research.

The Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) hosted the prestigious conference titled "Understanding and Mitigating the Threat of Emerging Pathogens: Opportunities and Challenges" on December 21-22, 2024. The event brought together global experts to discuss innovative solutions to address the growing threats posed by emerging pathogens. The conference provided a platform for researchers from various disciplines to share groundbreaking studies and foster collaborations.

Representing the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Ms Iraj Zahid from Dr Wasim Sajjad's lab and Ms Kainat Bashair from Dr Fazli Subhan's lab secured joint 3rd positions in the highly competitive poster presentation category. Their achievements underscore NUMS' commitment to advancing research in critical areas of health security and microbiology.

Ms Iraj Zahid presented the MicrobialHub Initiative https://microbialhub.com/, an innovative project that introduces the first-of-its-kind microbial culture collection and preservation facility at NUMS. This initiative aims to establish a robust platform for microbial research and resource sharing, addressing a critical gap in the region's scientific infrastructure. By fostering collaboration and enabling access to diverse microbial strains, the MicrobialHub initiative is poised to revolutionize microbiology research and support advancements in biotechnology and healthcare.

Dr Fazli Subhan and Ms Kainat Bashair (MS student) captivated the audience with their pioneering research, "The Battle on the Skin: Boosting Skin Microbiota with Collagen Peptides to Prevent Staphylococcus aureus Infections." Their study explores the potential of fish collagen peptides (FCPs) to enhance skin immunity by improving the protective functions of the skin microbiota. The research highlights how FCPs can stimulate natural defences and inhibit harmful pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.

Adding to NUMS' impactful representation, Dr Wasim Sajjad delivered a compelling presentation on his research titled "Breaking the Biofilm Barrier: Juglone Derivatives as Dual-Action Inhibitors and Anti-Quorum Sensing Agents." His work focuses on tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most pressing challenges in global health. By targeting bacterial communication systems and biofilm formation using juglone derivatives, his research opens new avenues for developing effective antimicrobial therapies.

The conference showcased NUMS' diverse research initiatives addressing pressing global health challenges. Ms Iraj Zahid and Dr Fazli Subhan's accolades are a testament to the quality of NUMS's research and mentorship. Their work aligns with the university's vision of fostering scientific excellence and translating research into impactful solutions.

NUMS congratulates Ms Iraj Zahid and Ms Kainat Bashair for their remarkable achievements. Their success reflects the dedication and ingenuity of NUMS researchers in contributing to global health and scientific advancements. The university remains committed to nurturing talent, supporting innovation, and driving meaningful research to address the world's most pressing health challenges.

Sayed M. Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari, a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is currently engaged in a ground-breaking research project titled “Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Sponges against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria (AMP-MDR).” This project is supervised by Dr. Wasim Sajjad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at NUMS.

Mr. Bukhari was honoured to participate in the inaugural International Training Class on Natural Product Technology, organized by the Standing Committee on Scientific & Technological Cooperation in collaboration with Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (COMSTECH-HUCM). Held from May 6-17, 2024, this prestigious training program included intensive study sessions in Changsha, Tianjin, and Beijing, China.

The training focused on new drug discovery to combat antimicrobial resistance and biofilms, crucial in the ongoing fight against evolving pathogens. The program aimed to deepen participants' understanding of pharmacovigilance principles and regulations, offering a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial peptides, antimicrobial metabolites, and their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and simulation activities, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios to enhance retention and skill development. Mr. Bukhari's participation in this training significantly enriched his understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape, particularly in new drug discovery and natural products technology.

During the training, Mr. Bukhari visited the Department of Pharmacy at Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) and various other university laboratories. He actively participated in discussions, demonstrating his keen interest and commitment to the field. He also gained hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and LCMS, and attended several seminars organized by the university.

Mr. Bukhari had the opportunity to visit different pharmaceutical industries, where he observed their processes and techniques. He also received membership from the university and established valuable collaborations with various researchers. He acknowledged Dr. Wasim Sajjad's dedication to exploring long-term opportunities for his research group, which has been instrumental in training graduates in the latest trends in science and technology, continually inspiring the team toward new heights of academic excellence and innovation.

This experience holds great promise for NUMS students, who can benefit from similar visits, collaborations, and training sessions in the future.

The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) recently set the stage for a groundbreaking journey into the world of cutting-edge science! Partnering with Global Marketing Services and Illumina, they rolled out a power-packed, one-day Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workshop that was revolutionary. This event aimed to equip students and young researchers with essential NGS data handling and analysis skills, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030—specifically targeting SDG3, SDG4, and SDG17.

Dr. Amreen Zahra from Illumina provided a comprehensive overview, covering the differences between Sanger Sequencing and NGS, library preparation, SNP analysis, and in-silico methods. Subsequently, Mr. Tehseen facilitated practical lab sessions on panel sequencing, offering hands-on experience to participants.

Dr. Zain Ali, Team Lead at Illumina, expanded on primer designing, bioinformatics, sequence analysis, and the applications of NGS in various sequencing approaches. Dr. Riaz Ullah, a Research Associate at NUMS, shed light on the significance of web tools in analyzing bacterial metagenomics.

The workshop attracted undergraduate and graduate students, reflecting a keen interest and full-house participation. Professor Muhammad Jawad Hassan, Head of the Department, praised the NUMS Bio-Cluster Team and acknowledged Ms. Khadija, President of NUMS Bio-Cluster, for her active role in organizing such impactful scientific events.

In the end, Professor Muhammad Jawad Hassan thanked Global Marketing Services and Illumina for their support, distributing certificates to the enthusiastic participants. This workshop provided invaluable knowledge and empowered young scientists, fostering a promising future in the realm of biological sciences at NUMS.

NUMS, recognized as a hub for professional development and growth, particularly for its dedicated employees, fosters an environment that encourages both personal and professional advancement. Dr. Wasim Sajjad, as an Assistant Professor at NUMS, is one such individual who has benefited from the institution's commitment to providing opportunities.

He has been chosen as a distinguished member of the Governing Board of Directors at the Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT) Governing Board. In this capacity, Dr. Sajjad will play a crucial role in assisting FIRAT in making strategic decisions, setting priorities, and ensuring the organization's effective and efficient operation.

As a member of the Governing Board, he will collaborate with other distinguished experts, providing guidance and strategic direction for research and development initiatives. This role will also enable him to engage with other thought leaders in his field.

Beyond his responsibilities at FIRAT, he was also invited by the EAC Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VHSCM) in Rwanda. His task involves finalizing the Master in Vaccinology curriculum, supported by the German Development Corporation (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW). This initiative, comprising seventeen modules, includes industrial attachment and a research project. The collaborative efforts with the EAC RCE-VHSCM underscore the global impact of NUMS faculty, strengthening the university's role in shaping international healthcare practices.

The university takes pride in the anticipated positive impact of Dr. Sajjad's active engagement and valued contributions to research and innovation in Nigeria, Rwanda, and other African nations. This collective effort aligns with NUMS's ambitious vision to significantly contribute to advancing medical sciences globally.

The NUMS Scientific Society's (BioCluster), in collaboration with the American Society for Microbiology, organized the Agar Art Contest 2023 with the theme "Microbiology in Space." The contest encouraged students to use their creativity to connect microbes with outer space. Held on October 23, 2023, at the undergraduate laboratory facilities at NUMS, the event saw active participation from undergraduate students of NUMS and AFPGMI.

The theme, "Microbiology in Space," urged students to think creatively and blend microbiological concepts with the wonders of outer space.

The Agar Art Contest aimed to push the boundaries of traditional microbiology by merging science and art. Participants used a variety of agar media, including Nutrient, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB), MacConkey, and Cysteine Lactose-Electrolyte-Deficient (CLED), along with microbial strains like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp.

Miss Fizza Maryam, a student of BS Microbiology (semester: 08) from the Department of Biological Sciences at NUMS, received a $150 grant from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The judging of the agar art contest was done by Dean MDS Dr. Aisha Mohyuddin, who faced the challenging task of selecting the winning entries.

Winners:

After careful evaluation, the following students were declared winners:

1. Laiba Arshad (BS Microbiology, Semester: 06) - First Position
2. Noor Fatima (BS Biotechnology, Semester: 04) - Second Position
3. Minahil Binte-Amir (BS Genetics, Semester: 04) - Third Position

The students demonstrated exceptional creativity and scientific innovation in their agar art creations.

The Agar Art Contest 2023 showcased the incredible talent and innovative spirit of undergraduate students at NUMS. It not only enhanced their understanding of microbiology but also provided a platform for artistic expression, blending science with imagination. The event was a testament to the students' skills and the supportive academic environment at NUMS.

Introductory course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing - 2023 was held at International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea from 19^th to 30^th June 2023, under the auspices of Global Training Hub for Bio-manufacturing (GTH-B) - which focuses on workforce development, supports ongoing initiatives in local bio-production, and fosters knowledge sharing among manufacturers. The course which was also supported by WHO attracted 235 trainees from 47 Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Dr. Liaqat Ali, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Navid and Dr. Wasim Sajjad Assistant Professors from the Department of Biological Sciences National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) were invited to participate in the event.

The course was formally inaugurated by Director General International Vaccine Institute Dr. Jerome H. Kim.  The main objective of the course was to address the significant inequity in access to vaccines and biologics in LMICs. Many of these countries are making efforts to establish their own biological manufacturing capabilities through bilateral technology transfer or local R&D efforts. The course covered the full cycle of vaccine research and development, production & use, including immunology, vaccine technology, product development, preclinical and clinical development, quality control, intellectual property, product licensing, and vaccination, post marketing vaccine analysis and features special lectures and case studies. The course was enlightened by a faculty team of more than 40 experts from over 15 organizations around the world, including IVI, WHO, CEPI, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and the Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom. This unique initiative provided training in manufacturing of high-quality vaccines and biologics within an industrial setting.

Through this training, the NUMS-DBS faculty have acquired essential knowledge and skills required to operate in a bio-manufacturing facility. The NUMS faculty was actively engaged in the course and presented several case studies, participated in posters and oral presentations. They also visited Prestige Biologics, CKD Pharmaceuticals where they were briefed about vaccine manufacturing, seed culture development up-stream and downstream processing. The faculty was equipped with latest updates on the industrial profession and to provide knowledge of new modern techniques used in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Dr. Liaqat Ali, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Navid and Dr. Wasim Sajjad also attended the mini convention where more than 20 companies and startups were invited to share their experiences on new start-ups and their contributions to the country’s economy. Moreover, all the three members had an interactive session with the IVI leadership, representatives of donor organizations like Right Foundation and Wellcome Trust for future fundings and research collaborations in the field of mutual interest. This collaboration will not only foster international scientific co-operation but also contribute to the development of essential health technologies as global public goods, benefiting both Pakistan and South Korea. The experiences gained during this course will obviously result in a very steep learning curves and will be beneficial for the organization and personal growth. 

A three-day training workshop “Train the trainers: From Research to Publication” was conducted at College of Nursing from 12 - 14 July 2023 under the auspices of Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute (AFPGMI). Dr. Shumaila Naz, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences from National University of Medical Sciences and Ms. Saba Khurshid, Research Officer, AFPGMI were the resource persons for the workshop. The workshop had three main modules i.e. Designing project/research, Conducting research and Results dissemination through Publication. The resource persons delivered informative and engaging sessions, enabling participants to gain valuable insights into project design, research methodology, data analysis, and publication strategies. The three Day Program successfully provided faculty members of College of Nursing with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the research process from start to finish. The positive feedback received from the attendees is a testament to the effectiveness of the workshop in enhancing the participants' research capabilities and promoting scholarly dissemination.

NUMS Department of Biological Sciences(DBS) has organized a lecture at its Campus on February 16,2023 on sustainable Nano-structural Bioengineering for Biomedical Applications, as part of its lecture series to encourage upcoming young scientists and showcase their achievements. 

Dr. Sunniya Iftikhar with expertise on nanotechnology and serving as lecturer in the Higher Education Department, Govt. of Punjab, spoke on the subject and shared her thoughts on harnessing green approaches to prepare unique nano-molecular assemblies which have promising applications in biology and biomedical sciences.

These lectures are organized with the aim to recognize the research achievements of young scientists and provide them with the opportunity to share their knowledge and ideas with faculty and students.

Dr. Sunniya research involved the concept of the famous click reaction to design nanoparticles for light harvesting activity enhancement in cyanobacteria. She further discussed her research on small molecules like chalcone derivatives and their anti-cancer properties by disrupting the support system (microtubules) of cancer cells. She holds MS and PhD in Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry from LUMS and has remained Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholar and Graduate Fellow at Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge, UK.

It is interesting to note that Dr. Sunniya uses biorthogonal chemistry in her research, a green methodology that enables scientists to perform chemical reactions inside living cells without interfering with biochemical processes.

The session was chaired by Prof. Muhammad Jawad, HoD DBS and it was moderated by Dr. Aman Karim, Assoc. Professor in the department. It was attended by DBS faculty and postgraduate students.

Prof. Jawad presented NUMS souvenir to the Speaker on the occasion and appreciated her research work, and thanked her for visiting the university.

The Department of Biological Sciences regularly invites a Guest speaker to enrich graduate and postgraduate students for effective knowledge sharing and meaningful collaborations to sustain its scientific endeavors at NUMS. The Section of Phytochemistry and Natural Product Research, Department of Biological Sciences, NUMS, invited Dr. Hammad Ullah, on February 6, 2023 who is a research scientist and doctoral candidate at the Nutraceutical Product Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Fredrico-II, Italy.

Dr. Hammad presented his research on nutraceutical development, challenges and future prospects. His experience in product formulation and conducting clinical trials of herbal products was informative for the faculty and students.

Dr. Nosheen Akhtar, Assistant Professor DBS moderated the event which was attended by the faculty and post graduate students. During Q&A Session, various aspects relating to efficacy, safety evaluation and preclinical studies were discussed. 

Dr. Aman Karim, Associate Professor, and Head of Section, Phytochemistry and Natural Products, presented NUMS souvenir to the Guest Speaker after his lecture and thanked him for sharing his research and ideas. He hoped that Dr. Hammad will continue to remain engaged with NUMS and will help in advancing natural product research at the university.