The Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) organized a two-day workshop titled “Cell Culture Techniques in Biomedical Research” at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK) today.
Prof Dr M Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, inaugurated the workshop through an online address. Prof. Dr. Syed Abid Ali, Acting Director of ICCBS, also spoke on the occasion. In his address, Prof. Raza Shah welcomed the participants and said that the workshop would provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in cell culture methodologies while helping build research capacity to translate laboratory techniques into academic, industrial, and clinical applications.
He also briefed the participants on the international stature of ICCBS, highlighting that it is among Pakistan’s leading centers of excellence in chemical, biological, and biochemical sciences and serves as an international hub for training scholars from various countries.
Ali emphasized the importance of acquiring knowledge, stating that the Holy Quran also encourages the pursuit of knowledge. He said that education is an essential human right and a key driver of both personal and societal development, as it equips individuals with critical thinking skills, promotes self-reliance, and enhances opportunities for economic success.
He noted that cell culture is one of the foundational techniques in modern biology, biotechnology, and biomedical research. Whether we study disease mechanisms, test new drugs, or manufacture vaccines and biologics, the ability to grow and maintain cells is essential, he said.
Dr Almas Jabeen, one of the workshop facilitators, informed the participants that the workshop comprised formal lectures and laboratory sessions delivered through an integrated learning approach. The training comprised theoretical concepts, underlying principles, and hands-on instruction in aseptic techniques, media preparation, cell line maintenance, subculturing, cryopreservation, contamination control, and good laboratory practices to ensure laboratory safety and quality standards.
It is pertinent to mention that Prof Dr Asmat Salim of the Stem Cell Research Laboratory and Dr Almas Jabeen of the Immunology Laboratory served as the resource persons for the workshop.
The workshop was attended by around 50 participants from Karachi and other parts of the country, including graduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members from the disciplines of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and related fields.