Participants of a seminar on “Bioethics & Biosafety issues in Biotechnology Research” have called for establishing ethical review committees to monitor research which involves human or animals.
The seminar was organized by Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology here at female campus of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), in which participants focused on ethics of research in the field of biotechnology.
Muhammad Humayon, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Education and Professional Training who was the chief guest of the seminar noted that biotechnology is an essential field of science which is one of the most advancing fields of future. He added that biotechnology and its advancements would be a significant aspect of improvements in human health, natural balance and cure of disease. He lauded IIUI for holding seminar on biotechnology research ethics and termed it as a useful and constructive activity.
IIUI Rector, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, in his brief lecture on “Ethics in Bio Sciences” stressed that functional ethical review committees must be established in the research centers where prerogative of life of humans and animals must be observed strictly.
“Alternative to animal testing must a top priority of the bio-scientist” said IIUI Rector while urging to minimize the embryonic wastage. Dr. Masoom furthered that it is an hour of advancements as the pace of progress in sciences has doubled and it’s a pre-requisite for development of nations to focus on key fields of science such as biotechnology.
The event was also addressed by the experienced resource persons including Sheikh Saqib, Director Biomedical Services, Aftab Ahmed, President National Academy of Young Scientists.
Dr. Shahee
h 
Shehzad, an Assistant Professor at IIUI and organizer of the event said on the occasion that life science research and biotechnology have offered great benefits globally in public health, agriculture and energy development, while same advances also generate safety and security risks. She added that keeping in view the importance of topic, department of bioinformatics & biotechnology of varsity organized event to raise awareness regarding bio-ethical and biosafety issues among young researchers.
The seminar was also attended by Dean Faculty of Basic and applied sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sher , faculty members and a large number of the students.