PESHAWAR: The Institute of Integrative Bio-sciences (IIB), CECOS University through the support of the Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to promote young biotech students through the ‘Syn Bio KP’ project – an innovative scheme rolled out to spur innovation in the life sciences and biotechnology sector. These views were expressed by Dr Faisal Khan, Director of Institute of Integrative Bio-sciences during the training organized by Institute of Bio-sciences and CECOS University. The training continues on 19th and 20th April 2017 which was attended by a number of students. Dr Faisal Khan said that a series of programs have been devised in fast growing field of synthetic biology and biotechnology which includes trainings, industry talks and conferences. He clearly said that Lab Skills Certificate Programme’ is a great chance for young graduates to fill in all their gaps in lab skills through an intense hands-on laboratory experience led by top researchers and scientists. We need top talent to do great science’, remarked Director IIB. Earlier, the program started with an introductory seminar led by Adil Salim and it phased into a briefing session familiarizing students to the contemporary scope of ‘synthetic biology’ along with its future in the world, particularly in Pakistan. The complete picture of Syn Bio KP project was also presented including the iGEM competition (International Genetically Engineered Machines) and the TFN series of events. The Institute has one of the most advanced biotechnology labs in Pakistan. After a comprehensive seminar, the participants were taken to the lab for comprehensive hands-open training module. Miss Abida Zulfiqar, a Research Associate at the Institute led the student orientation in the lab with all safety trainings and introductions to main laboratory equipment. Later on, the students were trained in the preparation of some basic solutions. Sarah Farooq, a Research Assistant and iGEM alumnus from 2016 led the training in plasmid DNA isolation from bacterial cells. On day 2, the students took a written follow-up quiz. Afterwards, they were trained in techniques such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis as well as Restriction Digestion of DNA molecules. The closing ceremony was attended by Abid Suhail, the Deputy Director at the Directorate of Science and Technology and Prof. Azzam Ul Asar, Dean of the Faculty at CECOS University. ‘We really have to inspire, streamline and train our youth in cutting edge areas like biotechnology if we really want to produce high-tech products and join the ranks of developed economies’, said Abid Suhail. Certificates were distributed to all participants for their candid participation.