LAHORE, Apr 14 – Professor Dr. Fahrul Zaman Huyop was honored with an invitation to deliver a plenary lecture at the 15th Pakistan Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) Scientific Meeting, held at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. His lecture, titled “Metagenomic Studies of Microbial Dehalogenases and Protein Structure and Functions from High-Salt Conditions of Lake Tuz,” aligned closely with this year’s conference theme, Trends in Molecular Sciences.
This research was co-supervised with Dr. Yilmaz Kaya from Ondokuz Mayis University, Türkiye, and explored enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms found in hypersaline environments. The work was supported by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye), the country’s leading agency for the management, funding, and conduct of research. Established in 1963, TÜBİTAK’s mission is to advance science and technology. The findings of the study have significant implications for environmental bioremediation and industrial biotechnology.
The four-day scientific meeting, held from April 14 to 17, attracted over 150 participants from Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. Jointly organized by the University of the Punjab and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, the conference aimed to promote knowledge exchange, foster scientific collaboration, and highlight current research trends in biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab. Also present were several distinguished scientists and academicians, including Prof. Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Convener of the Organizing Committee, who welcomed guests and underscored the importance of international research partnerships.
Professor Fahrul had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with several esteemed plenary speakers, including Prof. Ray Owen and Prof. William James from the University of Oxford, Dr. Mark William Corbett from the University of York, Prof. Keith Lindsey from Durham University, Dr. Laura Lehtovirta-Morley from the University of East Anglia, and Prof. Safwan Akram from Teesside University. He also held discussions with Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khan, President of PSBMB, and Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, on the importance of strengthening research networks between Malaysia and Pakistan.
During his visit, Professor Fahrul also toured the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at the University of the Punjab. CEMB is a premier research institution, affiliated with the university and recognized for its contributions to cutting-edge research in health, agriculture, and biotechnology. The visit allowed him to learn about Pakistan’s growing infrastructure for molecular research and identify potential areas for future academic exchange and collaboration.
The scientific meeting featured seven plenary sessions, 31 invited talks, 81 oral presentations, and 124 poster presentations, showcasing a broad spectrum of innovative research. The event concluded with renewed energy to pursue scientific excellence and transnational cooperation.
