A delegation of renowned German scientists, led by Prof Dr Thomas Iftner, Director of the Institute of Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases at the University Hospital of Tübingen, visited the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK).
The delegation was warmly received by Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of ICCBS, and other officials. Key members of the visiting team included Prof Dr Daniel Sauter, a Heisenberg Professor, and Dr Sumbla Sheikh. Prof Dr Asmat Salim, Coordinator of the International Program, and Dr Iqbal Qureshi, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), facilitated the delegation’s visit.
The primary purpose of the visit was to gain insights into the ongoing research at the National Institute of Virology, ICCBS, and explore new avenues for collaboration between the two countries in the field of virology.
During the meeting, Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen presented an overview of the center’s scientific activities, emphasizing the potential for collaborative research in the area of viral diseases.
“Staying updated on the latest knowledge of viruses and prevalent viral infections is crucial for preventing viral outbreaks during epidemics and pandemics,” she said.
She also discussed ongoing joint projects related to viral research and expressed optimism about launching new initiatives soon. Prof Dr Shaheen acknowledged the contributions of Prof Dr Thomas Iftner to advancing research at the National Institute of Virology.
The German delegation offered insightful recommendations to enhance the quality of research at the ICCBS.
As part of the visit, the German scientists toured various research facilities at ICCBS, meeting with faculty members and students. Prof Dr Daniel Sauter enriched the academic experience by delivering lectures on “Prion Diseases” and “The Origins and Evolution of Emerging Viruses”, further fostering scientific discourse.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to advancing research through mutual collaboration, particularly in the area of viral diseases. The ICCBS officials lauded the visit as a step toward strengthening academic ties between Germany and Pakistan.