KARACHI: Karachi University (KU) has improved its ranking to place 193 in a list of top varsities of Asia. According to the latest issued rankings of Asian universities, Karachi University has significantly improved its ranking and placed 193. KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan expressed his satisfaction over the achievement and congratulated KU faculty in that regard, said a statement issued by the university. “KU jumped from 251 to 193 in one year, which is a proof that our efforts are going in the right direction. I had promised in my inaugural speech that I will work on improving KU ranking in the world and now the efforts are evident from these results. With the support of faculty members and administration, we will make significant improvement in the world ranking,” said the KU vice chancellor. Meanwhile, Sean Kauffman, a behavioural expert, has said that Pakistan is a country with tremendous potential due to the presence of a largely young population. He was speaking at the concluding session of a workshop on “A day of leadership in biosafety” at Dr AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi. Kauffman opined that he had been impressed by the Pakistani youth, “who are always eager to learn.” He said he had seen Pakistani scientists doing outstanding work in their country and abroad. BARRET Hodgson University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Arif Siddiqui was the chief guest at the occasion. He said that awareness about biosafety procedures and implementation on the safety protocols was the only way forward in modern day research in biological science. “It is about time that not only the stakeholders but the public at large is informed about the risks of the scientific research. Through these efforts, society can be made safer and the benefits of science maximised, he said. KIBGE Director General Prof Abid Azhar stated that the institute had launched an elaborate program on biosafety and biosecurity and was engaging all sections of the society in it. He opined that proper measures were needed to prevent any untoward incidents. Published in Daily Times, November 13th 2017.