Department of Biosciences, University of Wah, organized an academic seminar titled “CRISPR-Mediated Genome Editing in Plants” to enhance awareness of emerging biotechnological tools in plant sciences. The event was coordinated by Dr. Razia, Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences. Dr. Nazia Rehman, Senior Scientific Officer at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Pakistan, was the resource person. The session was attended by faculty members, researchers, and students of the department.
The primary objective of the seminar was to familiarize participants with modern genome editing technologies and their applications in plant research and agriculture. During her talk, Dr. Nazia Rehman provided a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, explaining its underlying mechanism, high precision, efficiency, and advantages over conventional breeding methods and earlier genetic modification techniques. She highlighted recent advancements in plant genome editing, with a particular focus on crop improvement, enhanced stress tolerance, disease resistance, and yield enhancement. The seminar also addressed ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and the prospects of CRISPR technology in promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants engaged with the speaker on scientific, ethical, and regulatory aspects of genome editing. The seminar was highly informative and contributed significantly to strengthening research-oriented learning and innovation in plant biotechnology at University of Wah.
