Global conference on science completed at ICCBS-Karachi University

KARACHI: The 4-day 15th International Symposium on Natural Product Chemistry (ISNPC-15) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), concluded on Thursday with some important recommendations to scientists working on Natural Product Chemistry. 

Keeping in view the contemporary trends in the field of natural product chemistry, the symposium in its concluding session recommended various measures, including the development of new drugs based on medicinal plants and natural products to fight against major diseases like malaria, cancer, and AIDS. 

The global science gathering was organized by the ICCBS - University of Karachi. Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General chaired the concluding session. 

 As many as 60 scholars from more than 20 countries, including Germany, USA, UK, China, Sweden, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameron, Burkina Faso, participated in the conference while 400 scholars were only from Pakistan.  

A number of brainstorming sessions, plenary lectures, invited presentations, and session lectures were held in the four days of the global science gathering. Along with this, around 130 posters were also presented by the young scholars. During the symposium, many foreign scientists agreed as adjunct faculty to serve ICCBS-University of Karachi. 

 Speaking on occasion, Prof Iqbal Choudhary pointed out that there was a dire need to have more research on medicinal plants as various fatal diseases could be avoided by developing effective drugs by plants. Muslim World lacks a tradition of scientific thinking; he observed and said that this science culture needed to be promoted in Muslim countries. He noted that natural product chemistry required more attention and growth in third world countries, as natural products were the massive source for new medicines to battle major diseases. 

 Prof Iqbal Choudhary declared science ‘one language’ which united the whole of humanity. Through science and technology, nations can bridge the gap and engage themselves in a productive and useful dialogue for common human values, he said. 

 In the end, Prof Iqbal Choudhary distributed the certificates among the participants and position holders of the poster competition.