Neuroscience encompasses the study of the structure and function of nervous system in both physiological and pathological conditions. The incidence of neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders is largely increasing in Pakistan which leads to poor work performance, disturbed family life, financial burden, and even suicidal ideation. The awareness related to these problems is increasing in developed countries however, these are still considered a social stigma in low-socioeconomic settings. Moreover, the area of neuroscience research is highly overlooked in Pakistan due to the lack of public awareness regarding the significance and impact of these diseases in our daily lives.
Therefore, the Department of Biotechnology, University of Mianwali organized a “Neuroscience Awareness Workshop” on 23rd February, 2024 in collaboration with Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences (ASAB-NUST) Islamabad. The organizing committee constitute the students and faculty of the Department of Biotechnology including Dr. Haris Ahmed khan (Incharge), Miss Nida Fatima, Ms. Beenish Aslam and Dr. Sanila Amber.
The workshop was chaired by Dr. Zahida Nasreen, Dean of Sciences, University of Mianwali. Dr. Zahida warmly welcomed the guest speakers and shared the vision and mission of the university. Two of the distinguished professors from ASAB-NUST, Prof. Dr. Touqeer Ahmed and Prof. Dr. Saadia Zahid provided the valuable insights about the significance of neuroscience and mental well-being in everyday life. A hands-on session was also conducted to aware the students and faculty about the different brain structures and sensory systems in human beings. Following that, guest speakers visited highly established laboratories at the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Khurram Shahzad Munawar, the In charge Department of Chemistry, provided the detailed understanding of the high-technology equipment such as Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography.
The knowledge and enthusiasm of the guest speakers inspired the students to gain an in-depth knowledge and pave their career paths in the field of neurosciences. Moreover, it will open new avenues for the collaboration between University of Mianwali and NUST and the students will be largely benefited from the advanced technological facilities offered at ASAB-NUST.
