PU VC Stresses Need for Collaborative Research at Launch of Recombinant Vaccine Lab

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has emphasized that no single institution can overcome scientific and societal challenges alone, urging universities and research bodies to expand collaborative efforts. He made these remarks while inaugurating the Recombinant Vaccine and Protein Production Lab at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS).

The inauguration ceremony also featured the signing of a landmark agreement transferring poultry vaccine technology to the Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH) Karachi. The event was attended by PU Pro-VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, SIAH Director General Dr Nazeer Hussain Kolhoro, SIAH Director Research Dr Benazir Kanwal, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences Prof Dr Kauser Abdullah Malik, DG Punjab Agriculture Drug & Food Authority Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, CEMB Director Prof Dr Moazur Rahman, Acting DG SBS Prof Dr Sadaf Naz, and senior faculty members.

Dr Muhammad Ali praised Prof Moazur Rahman for developing the recombinant poultry vaccine technology, calling it an innovation with strong economic value. He thanked Dr Talat Pasha, Prof Dr Shahida Hussain, Dr Benazir Kanwal, Dr Nazeer Hussain Kolhoro and Prof Kauser Abdullah Malik for their contributions, noting that the collaboration represents “excellent scientists working together on a truly promising project.”

He added that successful vaccine development followed by technology transfer is a major achievement, expressing hope for significant outcomes once the technology is implemented at SIAH. The VC also distributed certificates to participants of a hands-on training program on recombinant vaccine production held at CEMB and SBS.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Kolhoro said that the scientific community must work together to bring research from laboratories to public benefit. He explained that while work initially began in isolation, collaboration ultimately paved the way for progress. He noted that SIAH is the first institute legally authorized to produce vaccines and one of the country’s early “One Health” institutions working across environmental, animal and human health.

Prof Dr Moazur Rahman, the developer of the vaccine technology, provided an overview of recombinant vaccine production and its potential impact on Pakistan’s economy. He said the new lab facilities would support both in-house researchers and scientists from across Pakistan. He also thanked colleagues including Dr Naeem, Dr Sadaf and supporting staff, and announced that a research consortium involving CEMB and SBS experts would be formed.

Prof Dr Sadaf Naz thanked the distinguished guests and participants. Certificates were presented to Prof Moazur Rahman, Dr Kolhoro and Prof Sadaf Naz, followed by tokens of appreciation for Dr Kolhoro and Dr Benazir Kanwal.