The National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Nibge) is geared to provide trained human resource in the cutting edge technologies such as biotechnology and genetic engineering, said Nibge Director Dr Ahmed Mukhtar Khalid on Monday.
Inaugurating the second training course on 'modern techniques in biotechnology' here on Monday, he underlined the importance of the subject, terming it the technology of the new millennium.
"Application of DNA has revolutionised everyday life", he said, adding that it was underrated at the time of its discovery.
Highlighting its importance, he said today almost all sciences have been condensed in biotechnology, which is trying to bring perfection to almost all aspects of human life, including agriculture, health, livestock, industry, environment, etc.
Dr Khalid said that while 25 biotechnology institutes have been established, but there is a lack of fully trained and skilled human resource, adding: "Nibge has been mandated to provide training in this new and emerging technology, in addition to conducting its research and developmental activities."
He said the curricula of this second training course on the subject organised by Nibge has been designed to equip researchers and other participants with in-depth knowledge of biotechnology to enable them to follow bio-safety guidelines, and face the challenges of the WTO.
He hoped that the participants would maintain lasting links with the institute to remain in touch with further developments in the field of biotechnology.
Course organiser Dr Fauzia Yousaf gave details of procedure for selecting participants for the course.
She said last year only 21 participants had attended the first training course, while this year 26 out of 60 applicants have been selected to participate.
Dr Fauzia Yousaf said two foreign participants from Sudan and Yemen are also attending the course, adding the course faculty include Nibge and BioRed, while new chapters like 'bio-informatics have been also been incorporated in this training programme.