Supported by COMSATS, the International Symposium on Natural Product Chemistry (ISNPC-16) concluded in Karachi, on 20th February 2025. The Symposium, 16th of the series in the field of natural product sciences, was organized by International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at its campus that enriched the learning of over 400 scientists, including 60 researchers from 29 countries. Commenced on 17th February 2025, the event was one of the largest scientific gatherings in the field of natural product sciences.
ISNPC-16 was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, who emphasized the role of science in serving humanity and highlighted HEC’s initiatives to equip higher education institutions with cutting-edge technologies. Participants benefited from the technical sessions of the Symposium, including plenary lectures, keynote addresses, invited presentations, and poster exhibitions by young researchers showcasing their work on natural product chemistry.
COMSATS, as partner organization for the event, played its due role in fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The objectives of the Symposium aligned with COMSATS’ mission to promote S&T cooperation, and resulted in signing of a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between ICCBS and leading international institutions, further strengthening global scientific partnerships.
In his address at the concluding ceremony, the globally acclaimed scientist and Founding Chairman of HEC, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, lauded Pakistan’s rising global research ranking and the need for increased investment in science and technology.
The session was chaired by the Director ICCBS, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, who emphasized the urgent need to protect medicinal plants from overexploitation and develop plant-based drugs to combat major diseases. She reassured her Centre’s support to international collaborations being the Center of Excellence of not only COMSATS, OIC and UNESCO but also the WHO Collaborating Center.
The arrangements made for holding the Symposium and hosting the foreign participants during the symposium earned words of praise by all. The symposium was viewed as an important forum fostering global scientific collaboration.
COMSATS remains committed for supporting initiatives that provide advance scientific research and promote sustainable development. The success of ISNPC-16 reflects the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges through science and innovation.
