ISLAMABAD, July 23: The Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen the departments of microbiology and biochemistry at the Hazara University.

The ministry has launched a project to provide quality education to the youth of Hazara and to conduct basic and applied research in the fields of microbiology and biochemistry. The project will be completed in a period of 24 months at a cost of Rs37 million.

Under the project, cooperation will be made with organizations within and outside Pakistan to equip the country’s scientists with knowledge, skills and technology.Expertise in the field of animal and human microbiology will also be developed under the project.

Microbiology and biochemistry are the two main disciplines necessary for improvement in any biological science. Microbiology deals with physiologic, genetics and biochemical processes that are basis of life and almost all biological principles can be demonstrated through exploitation of microbiology.

The study is not only important for eradicating and controlling the microbial infections but the whole building of biotechnology is erected on principles of microbiology.

Despite its importance there are very few such departments of microbiology and biochemistry throughout the country and none in the NWFP. The study of microbiology and biochemistry has the potential to broaden the base of industrial structure in developing countries and impart new directions to agriculture, health, industry and energy.

There are proven evidences that these departments have a pivotal role in the economic growth of developed countries.

The project will be executed in two stages. Initially, the project director with the consultation of faculty will assign important research topics to the faculty members to initiate research work in microbiology and biochemistry.

A four-year B.Sc Hons (equivalent to M.Sc), and research programmes will also be initiated during the first stage. The educational programmes initiated during the first phase will continue while research work will be initiated during the second stage.