24/04/2025
Denouement of FIBC-PSM 2025
Islamabad, April 17, 2025 — The final day of the 15th International Biennial Conference (FIBC – PSM 2025), hosted at Quaid-i-Azam University, concluded with powerful insights and renewed scientific energy. Themed around “One Health, Global Sustainability & Interdisciplinary Solutions,” the day showcased impactful research, collaborative innovation, and future-forward discussions.
The morning commenced with parallel scientific sessions delving into themes such as One Health, viral diseases, probiotics, and emerging therapeutics. Prof. Dr. Rabaab Zahra opened the session on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with a strong call for collective action, followed by engaging talks on bacterial extracellular vesicles, indigenous plant-based therapeutics, and sustainable biotechnological practices. Sessions on virus genomics revealed ongoing studies about Zika virus presence in Pakistan and offered fresh perspectives on COVID-19's regional impact.
Alongside this, researchers explored probiotic applications in gut health and autoimmunity, wastewater reuse, and the cytotoxicity of antimicrobial nanoparticles. Presenters from Pakistan and abroad contributed valuable data on ceftazidime-avibactam efficacy, multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae, and the gut microbiota of thalassemia and arthritis patients.
Midday sessions maintained momentum, focusing on artificial intelligence in diagnostics and surveillance, the role of reference laboratories in AMR management, and diagnostic microbiology's evolving landscape. Insights into superbug proliferation along Karachi's coasts, novel nanocomposites for clean water, and culture-based techniques for pathogens added depth to the discussions. Parallel themes emerged around beneficial microbiota, neonatal gut health, food tech innovation, and microbial therapeutics derived from everyday sources such as milk and currency notes.
In the afternoon, interdisciplinary collaboration took center stage. Leaders from institutions across Pakistan explored cross-disciplinary approaches to national challenges. Presentations addressed AMR in food sources, glioblastoma-targeting compounds from Withania coagulans, and sustainable biotechnological solutions to environmental and health crises. Sessions on microbial energy highlighted advances in biohydrogen production, microbial fuel cells, and pollutant removal. Another panel on microbial virulence explored bacteriophage efficiency against urinary tract infections and post-flood E. coli prevalence in Balochistan.
The conference drew to a close with a heartfelt closing ceremony. Prof. Dr. Irfan Zia Qureshi, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, welcomed attendees, followed by a comprehensive summary of conference proceedings and recommendations by Prof. Dr. Rabaab Zahra. Participants shared reflections on the conference’s impact, applauding its breadth and depth. Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, President of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology and Chairperson of FIBC-PSM 2025, commended the collaborative spirit and scientific dedication displayed over the four-day event.
Final addresses were delivered by the chief guest, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. Souvenirs were distributed to keynote speakers, organizers, and exhibitors, along with awards for the best poster presentations. A group photo with all participants marked the culmination of a remarkable conference that successfully bridged microbiology, technology, environment, and health through science-driven dialogue and discovery.
