UOL Hosts Global Life Sciences Summit 2026 with Leading Scientists from Round the World
Summit Examined How Life Sciences Research Can Address Health, Food Security and Climate Challenges
Syed Atif Nadeem-Editor Pakistan: The University of Lahore’s (UOL) Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Faculty of Sciences, hosts the two-day Global Life Sciences Summit 2026 under the theme "Advancing Knowledge, Transforming Lives”. The conference’s inaugural day hosted multiple national and international speakers including Prof. Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Columbia University, New York; Prof. Rae Kwon Chung (IPCC Nobel Peace Prize 2007); Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary (HI, SI, TI) Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik (HI, SI, TI); Prof. Dr. Elchin Khalilov, President of Asian Academy of Sciences; Prof. Dr. Waheed Akhtar (TI), University of the Punjab; Prof. Dr. Shahida Hasnain (Pride of Performance (POP), University of the Punjab; Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf Shakoori (TI, FAS, FTWAS, FIAs) University of the Punjab; Prof. Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, Member HEC; and was presided by Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, The University of Lahore. The summit examined how research in molecular biology, biotechnology, public health and environmental science can be translated into practical solutions for health, food security, climate and sustainable development.
The inaugural session began with the welcome note by Rector UOL, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf who maintained that Life sciences comprise of multiple disciplines and branches, however, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made vast contributions in life sciences and is continuously expanding its spectrum, as compared to other disciplines, through the advent of AI tools a new revolution is expected soon in the field of forensic sciences and other natural science subjects.
Talking to the conference, Prof. Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, FRS, President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), observed that science has the greatest impact when it reaches the communities that need it most. Gatherings like this one help turn research into better health for all, she said. Her lead lecture spanned around spread of HIV with case study of African countries and the prevention module adopted by the research.
Prof. Dr. Elchin Khalilov, President of the Asian Academy of Sciences, described the summit as a welcome opportunity for researchers from different countries to meet. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, said collaboration among scientists across countries is key to meeting shared challenges in health and sustainable development.
Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik, President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, who addressed the session as Chief Guest, said advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering are vital for strengthening food security in Pakistan.
Other guests included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Malakand; Prof. Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, Member, Higher Education Commission; Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, Health Services Academy; and Prof. Dr. Anwar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Aga Khan University. Lead and keynote lectures were delivered by scientists from Pakistan and abroad.
The summit reflects UOL’s commitment to advancing scientific inquiry, fostering international academic partnerships and nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators. Souvenirs and shield were also distributed to the distinguished guests.
