Karachi: International Conference on the “Responsible Conduct of Science”, was inaugurated under the auspices of ICLS Pakistan and KIBGE on the 14th November 2011 at KIBGE auditorium, Karachi University.
This thematic conference is focused on key issues related to biosafety, ethical considerations and effective commercialization of scientific outcomes.
The conference is being attended by a number of participants from Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and USA besides various teaching and research organizations of Pakistan.
Dr Abid Azhar, DG KIBGE, welcomed the local and foreign delegates. He talked about biology and society, that few decades ago the pursuit of science was an individual effort where initially scientist worked on isolated issues of personal interest.
The findings of these experiments were only discussed in small meetings and limited availability and distribution of published articles. However with technological advancements the scientific outcomes have both beneficial and destructive roles on a global scale therefore the need for biosafety issues must be taken in account.
Dr. Anwar Nasim, President ICLS Pakistan Chapter, in his speech introduced the Pakistan chapter of ICLS, its philosophy and scope. He highlighted the Pakistani perspective and how Pakistan fits in to the global scenario on various issues such as Intellectual property rights and bioethical issues.
As a part of the National core group in life sciences, he has also been involved in similar efforts to harmonize National activity and to link it with the international community.
Mr. Terence Taylor, President ICLS, in his address elaborated the global perspective of responsible conduct of science. He Introduced ICLS as a non-profit organization with the following three main Objectives:
- To examine the full biological risk spectrum,
- Identify advances in the life sciences and assess the implications for public health, safety and security
- Put forth new ideas for developing a common methodology for conducting and communicating biological risk assessments.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui appreciated the initiative taken by ICLS Pakistan Chapter and highlighted the importance of the conference theme which is relevant to developing countries. He stated that this forum will provide researchers and academicians, thinkers and policy makers to have a concrete dialogue in designing a code of conduct for responsible science.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin, Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat appreciated the themes of the conference which hosted a galaxy of interdisciplinary scientists involving basic life sciences and social sciences. He highlighted the importance of social scientists and advocacy groups such as media personnel. He also suggested that industrialists should be invited since profit needs to be made without damage to society. He quoted some examples of the misuse of science and technology but emphasized the need to work on these issues.
During first scientific session Prof. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Prof. Sikandar Mehdi, Dr. Dinesh Raj Bhuju and Ms. Mahaletchumy Arujanan presented their talks revolving around “Science and Society”, which were chaired by Prof. Syed Irtifaq Ali.
According to Dr. Jaffer `Science should be seen through the prism of Society`, while Arujanan emphasized on the importance of communication in science which should reach the general public who are the ultimate beneficiaries. At this occasion Prof. Mehdi said that `science should serve the suffering humanity` and Dr. Dinesh pointed out that all research projects should be in harmony with the ecological environment.
While the theme of the second scientific session was “Biosafety, Biosecurity and Ethical Issues in Science” which was chaired by Prof. Iqbal Choudhary Mr. Muhammad Hussain, Prof. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Prof. Anwar Ali Siddiqui and Prof. Shahana Urooj Kazmi deliberated their lectures.
The technical sessions were followed by a formal meeting of ICLS-Pakistan Chapter to draft resolution of the conference.
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