KARACHI, March 4: A workshop on information handling in biological research began at the Karachi University campus on Monday.

The three-day moot is being organized by the Department of Bio-technology, University of Karachi, in collaboration with the Pakistan Science and technology Information Centre, Islamabad.

Dean of Karachi University’s Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Raunaq Raza Naqvi, who inaugurated the workshop, shed light on the role of information technology in setting new dimensions in biological research.

He also spoke of the human genome project, modernisation of equipment and their utilisation in the fields of agriculture and pharmaceuticals, etc.

Prof. Naqvi further stated that the information technology had paved the way for new inventions.

The Director-General of PASTIC, Dr. Mohammad Azfal, said the disciplines, such as the biological sciences as well as the information technology, have contributed a lot towards the economic progress.

He said the linkages of the education and industries have opened up new avenues that lead to rapid progress.

Dr. Afzal was of the view that in order to benefit from the progress, it is essential to set up a virtual data centre at the national level.

This, he added, would not only contribute towards the process of development, but would also help in improving the standard of living of the people.

The Chairman of the Department of Biotechnology, University of Karachi, Dr. M. A. Haleem, spoke about the aims and objectives of the work-shop.

He also praised the efforts of PASTIC Islamabad and other departments and hoped that the holding of this workshop would lead to more collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Abid Azhar presented the key-note address on this very occasion.—APP