KARACHI, June 23: The scientific and technological research (STR) division of the federal ministry of science and technology has approved eight more projects worth Rs149 millions for strengthening biotechnology, bringing the total number of projects so far approved to 15.

“A recent meeting of the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) in Islamabad accorded approval to projects of Rs149.3982 millions, submitted by researchers and scientists from across the country,” chairman of the National Commission on Biotechnology Dr Anwar Nasim told this news agency here on Sunday.

“More than 17 research and departmental development projects, submitted by researchers and scientists, were discussed at the meeting, for which the ministry had invited renowned scientists and experts to attend and assist the DDWP,” he added.

Dr Nasim added that the science and technology ministry had subsequently released Rs100 millions to various research and educational institutions, whose projects were approved during the meeting as it was bound to release the allocated funds before June 30.

“About seven projects were approved at the first DDWP meeting in March, for which the ministry has released funds to be provided for projects of first year,” he pointed out.

Dr Nasim disclosed that the Centre for Molecular Genetics of the University of Karachi was awarded the highest grant of Rs25 millions for its project “Biological Filter’s Pilot Project for Industrial Effluent Treatment”, and the first instalment of Rs15 millions has been released for it.

Projects of two researchers from Karachi University — Dr Nuzhat Ahmed, chairman, Centre for Molecular Genetics and Dr Beena Shaheen, co-director HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry — were on agenda of the meeting for discussion and approval for release of funds, he added.

In addition, projects forwarded by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi; NWFP Agriculture University, Peshawar; PCSIR, Lahore; National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad; and the Govt College, Lahore, were also accorded approval.

The STR had approached about ten leading scientists and heads of scientific institutions all over the country to attend DDWP meeting for seeking their opinions on the projects selected for approval.

Hundreds of scientists and researchers had approached the ministry under their latest programme for enhancement of scientific research and improvement in infrastructure of various scientific and research institutions.—PPI