RAWALPINDI, May 21: The Planning and Development Division on Monday approved Rs358.619 million for upgradation of the existing department of biochemistry in the University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi (UAAR) to the level of University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (UIBB).

Main objective of the project is human resource development in terms of education and research at graduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology and bioinformatics, the university sources said here on Monday. The UIBB will have three sections: biochemistry with two sub sections on biochemistry and agriculture biochemistry; biotechnology with three subsections on animal/ health biotechnology, plant biotechnology and environmental biotechnology and bioinformatics.

The project would help improve the quality of teaching and research in the field of biochemistry. It is also envisaged that these research facilities will attract more postgraduate students at the university, the sources said. The Rs358.619 million project is being sponsored by Higher Education Commission (HEC). The project included provision of laboratory equipment, human resources development, faculty and supporting staff, chemical and glassware, furniture and fixture, books and journals, transport/vehicles, civil works, networking and teaching aids.—APP