4th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS) and 1st Pakistan-China–Iran International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biophysical Chemistry (ICBBB-2007)

4th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS) and 1st Pakistan-China–Iran International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biophysical Chemistry (ICBBB-2007)

November 4 –8, 2007

Venue:
High Tech. Resource Laboratory, University of Sindh, Pakistan

Organized by
Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan

CONTACT:

Prof. Dr. Muhammed Umar Dahot
Organizing Secretary (IBS & ICBBBC, 07)
IBGE, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Telephone Off. +92-22-2772359 Fax No. +92-22-2771372
E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected]

We feel great pleasure in inviting you to participate in the 4th International Biotechnology Symposium and 1st Pakistan-China-Iran International conference on Biotechnology-Bioengineering-Biophysical Chemistry to be held in Jamshoro from November 4-8, at University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan. University of Sindh is the 2nd oldest university of Pakistan, keenly looking forward to host this meeting. The aim of holding these symposium is to foster the creation and dissemination of rapidly growing knowledge for better learning in Enzyme technology, Fermentation technology, Bioprocess, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Tissue culture, Genetics and Biophysical chemistry. The occasion will provide an opportunity to review the current status and future trends in the specified areas and suggest viable ways in adopting the latest developments at International and National Institutions. There will be plenary lectures and invited presentation by internationally known experts in the appropriate fields of research along with oral and poster presentation.

We welcome senior experts, young researchers and excellent graduate students working in these fields to participate in this event. The organizing committee sincerely hopes that the symposium will have a large number of participants from all over the world and seeks the assistance of all in bringing this symposium to the notice of other interested people.

We are looking forward to meet you in Jamshoro, Pakistan in November 2007. We are confidant that International symposium and conference in these beautiful surroundings will bring together the latest developments in scientific research and progress in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biophysical Chemistry.

OBJECTIVES:
- To promote original and powerful research in the field of biotechnology, bioengineering and biophysical chemistry.
- To promote friendship, mutual cooperation and exchange of ideas among active scientists from Pakistan, China, Iran and other countries in various fields
- To promote interaction between academic institutes and industries in the field of biotechnology, bioengineering and biophysical chemistry
- To create awareness among public and policy makers about the field of biotechnology and bioengineering.
- To provide a unified platform for analyzing problems being faced in teaching and research in biotechnology, bioengineering and biophysical chemistry to recommend remedial measures.

Important Information

Abstract Submission: Participants wishing to present their work in oral or poster sessions are invited to submit a one page abstract. Abstract must be written in English and submitted preferably electronically. Abstract must be prepared in a Microsoft word document using Time new Roman, 12-pt font. Use capital letters for title and include name of auther/s, adress/s/ and E-mail. All abstracts will be reviewed by members of advisory committee, which reserve right to accept and decide on the type of presentation (Oral or Poster). Deadline for receipt of abstract is July 31, 2007. Acceptance of contributions will be notified by August 15, 2007 so that they may complete the requirements of their application on time.
Scientific Publication: All the abstracts of accepted contribution papers will be printed in the Symposium Abstract book. The plenary lecture and presented papers will be published in the special issue of Pakistan Journal of Biotechnology after peer review.

Guidelines for Oral Presentation
• For your information, please note the following points when presenting your presentation.
• All presentation must be made using power point. Please note that only LCD projectors will be used and no 35mm slide projectors or overhead projectors will be provided. Please bring the presentation, either on a CD-R in a format that can be read on any platform or on portable USB chip drive. All presenters are required to present the audio-visual staff his/her power point at least 3 hours before the start of schedule.

Guidelines for Poster Presentation: There will be poster session on 2nd & 3rd day of symposium during Lunch and Pray break. Authors presenting posters are requested to be available for answering the questions during poster display.
• The Poster should be readable from at least 5 feet away
• The figures and tables should be clear and the content of the poster should be understandable by reading
• Do not over load the poster as more material may mean less communication
• The area provided for each poster is 1.0 x 1.2m (w x h). Posters accepted will be assigned numbers. Please consult the program and time for poster display.

Technical Program:
A: Plant tissue culture B: Medical biotechnology
C: Discovery & development of Biocatalyst D: Biochemistry and Molecular biology of Enzymes
E: Protein structure and function F: Industrial Scale process and developments
G: Biotransformation H: Protein Folding/Unfolding
I: Biodegradation and environmental biotechnology

Correspondence: All the correspondence regarding the scientific program, sending the abstract and other matters should be addressed to:

Prof. Dr. Muhammed Umar Dahot
Organizing Secretary (IBS & ICBBBC, 07)
IBGE, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Telephone Off. +92-22-2772359 Fax No. +92-22-2771372
E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Jamshoro
Jamshoro, the site of largest University residential campus in the country, situated about 18 Kms from Hyderabad on the right bank of river Indus, was a rather desolate hilly track until 1955. At present three Universities are accommodated in Jamshoro such as University of Sindh, Mehran Engineering University of Science & Technology and Liaquat University of Medical Sciences. Interestingly, Jamshoro is virtually the gate –way to the Indus valley, now world famous for its civilization and rich in cultural heritage. Jamshoro also offers some very important sites in the southwest and north neighborhood, which are worth seeing.

Hyderabad
Hyderabad is about 18 kms in the east of Jamshoro. The population of Hyderabad is about 1.6 million. Hyderabad was founded by Ghulam Shah Kalhoro in 1763 as a capital of Sindh and named after the great Caliph of Hazrat Ali whose title was Hyder. There are several ancient monuments in Hyderabad.

Karachi
Karachi is about 150kms in the southwest. The population of Karachi is more than fifteen million and it is Pakistan’s largest city and it is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea. Originally a fisherman’s village Kolachi turns to Karachi. The most outstanding monument in Karachi is the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. It is built with modern concepts of planning and design entirely of white marbles. The magnificent huge crystal chandelier, gifted by the People’s Republic of China, as well as the sprawling gardens provides a very impressive look to the last resting place of the Father of the Nation.
Keenjhar Lake (Tour will be arranged on request on payment of $ 30 for one day)
Situated about 80 kms from Jamshoro is the biggest man-made lake of the country, the Keenjhar encompassing an area of 65 sq. km. There are comfortable cottages for overnight and weekend stay. Sail and motorboats are also available here. The lake complex also provides a full-fledged restaurant service.

Thatta: Thatta is about 100 kms to the southwest of Jamshoro has a 2,000 year old history. It was the busy rive port but sadly abandoned over 200 years ago when the River Indus moved off to the east. Thatta has one of the most beautiful mosques of the subcontinent, built by Mughal Empror Shah Jahan in 1647 AD. It is a massive brick structure with elaborate display of blue and white tiles. The mosque has 93 domes designed to provide perfect acoustic enabling the prayer to be heard in all parts of the huge mosque.

Makli Hills: On the Karachi-Thatta highway 102 kms southwest of Jamshoro are the Makli hills. These spread over an area of almost fifteen square kilometers are considered as the World’s largest graveyard. There are million of graves both of noble and commoners. The tombs are masterpieces of the ancient art of stone engraving and perforated stonework.

Moen-jo-Daro (Tour will be arranged on request on payment of $ 100 for two days)

The Ranikot Fort is located 40 kms to the north in the Laki hilly track, further moving 15 kms an important archeological site lies Amri. Further north, Sehwan a well-known township lies 25 kms from Amri. Mancher Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the region, is situated northwest of Sehwan. Travelling about 150 kms north through Indus plain brings one most important archeological site of Moen-jo-Daro. The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BC, flowered 2600–1900 BC) was an ancient civilization (Moen Jo Daro) thriving along the Indus River.

General Information
Symposium venue, date and duration: The 4th IBS & 1st ICBBBC will be held at Hishamuddin Rashidi Auditorium Sindhiology.During the November 4-8, 2007

Language: The official language of the symposium and workshop will be English. No translation service will be available.

Currency: Pak Rupees is the local currency. Major foreign currencies are freely exchangeable at bank or money exchanger at Airport, major hotels and Symposium venue.

Climate: The average daytime temperature in November is 20- 26°C

Passport and Visa: Foreign visitors travelling to Pakistan need to have a Passport and a valid visa. Please check the Pakistan regulations concerning your country with regards to visa when making your travel arrangements. Please obtain Visa from the Pakistan Embassies and consulates in your country before departure.

Transport: Jinnah Terminal of Karachi Airport is connected by direct flights to major cities in the world. The national carrier is Pakistan International Air Line, which serves all major cities of the world while more than 25 airlines fly to Pakistan over 40 countries. Local transport will be made available from Karachi airport to Symposium Avenue (University of Sindh, Jamshoro).

Social Program: Opening ceremony shall be held at 10.00am on Monday, November 5, 2007 in the auditorium, Institute of Sindhology, University of Sindh. This will be followed by the inaugural plenary lecture. Welcome reception party shall be held in the evening November 5, 2007. Farewell dinner, which will be enriched with an accompanying cultural program, will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. Also visits to the famous historical sites shall be arranged.

Important Dates
Abstract submission July 31, 2007
Symposium Registration September 30, 2007
Hotel Reservation September 30, 2007
Payment for Registration: Full payment of registration fee in US Dollars should be made through Bank transfer or pay through bank draft in favor of Biotechnology Symposium A/C No. CA-1879-97 Habib Bank Limited Jamshoro. Please send us a copy of your transfer payment receipt along with registration form to

Symposium Secretariat.
Hotel Accommodation: To avoid difficulties in booking, send hotel reservation form and required amount by bank draft before September 30, 2007. The symposium secretariat can provide assistance in obtaining accommodation however participants are advised to send the completed hotel accommodation form along with the registration fee and cheque corresponding to the number of nights they wish to stay in Jamshoro/Hyderabad as soon as possible. Payments should be made directly to the Secretariat in the form of a bank draft in favor of Biotechnology Symposium A/C No. CA-1879-97. Deposit amount will not be refund after cancellation of IBS/ICBBC program by any reason.

Registration: Registration fee for delegates are as follows:

Local /Foreign

Participant (Academicians): Before August 31, 2007( Rs. 1000 / $ 250); After August 31, 2007 (Rs. 1200 / $ 300)
Participant (Industry): Before August 31, 2007 (Rs. 2000 / $ 430); After August 31, 2007 (Rs. 2500 / $ 500)
Students (Certificate required): Before August 31, 2007 (Rs. 700 / $ 125); After August 31, 2007 (Rs. 800 / $150)
Accompanying persons: Before August 31, 2007 (Rs. 700 / $ 125); After August 31, 2007 (Rs. 800 / $150)

The registration fee for the participants includes the abstract book and final program, formal reception and farewell dinner, cultural and social events.

Registration hours: Registration desk will open at Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sunday the 8th November 2007 at 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Registration desk will be open from 9.30am to 5.00 pm daily at symposium venue.
Cancellations, refunds of registration fee: Refund request must be submitted to the Organizing Secretary. The policy regarding the refund of registration fees is as follows: for cancellations received before October 15, 2007 with cancellation charges of US$ 50. No refund can be made for cancellation received after October 15, 2007.

Letters of invitation: The organizing committee of the First EFB symposium be pleased to send a letter of invitation to any scientist upon request. It should be understood; however that such an invitation is only to help participants to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa and is not a commitment on the part of organizers to provide any financial support. You may request such letter from Organizing Secretary.