28/08/2026
The Department of Microbiology University of Karachi, in collaboration with AMMS, successfully concluded a landmark four-day hands-on workshop on Drosophila Biology! Facilitated by The Dow Fly Research Lab & Stock Center (Dow University of Health Sciences DUHS), Pakistan’s first public sector fly lab.
The intensive program trained 40 diverse participants, including students from various local institutes across Karachi and an international student from Haliç University, Turkey. The cohort transitioned from theory to practical research by mastering advanced genetic, behavioral, and molecular techniques.
The training kicked off with an insightful keynote by Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Hussain (Director, Fly Research Lab & Principal, Dow College of Biotechnology, DUHS) on the global importance of Drosophila as a vital model organism. Over the four days, participants executed hands-on labs in fly husbandry, genetic cross setups, behavioral and advanced functional assays, and essential molecular techniques.
The successful event wrapped up with a prestigious closing ceremony where shields and certificates were presented to the facilitators and participants by distinguished Chief Guests Prof. Dr. Shakeel Khan (Former Vice Chancellor, Saleem Habib University) and Dr. Aqeel Khan (Former Dean, Department of Biosciences, Saleem Habib University).
At the conclusion, Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab (Chairman, Department of Microbiology) and Chief Organizer Prof. Dr. Nusrat Jabeen highlighted the immense value of the Drosophila model in local scientific innovation, extending their profound gratitude to Dr. Mushtaq Hussain and the DUHS team for providing the vital infrastructure, mentorship, and support that made this workshop a resounding success!
