Monday, July 02, 2012

Mein CEMB

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.
        Sherlock Holmes



 
During the latter half of the 20th century, the focus of science shifted towards molecular biology. Although late, Pakistan joined the bandwagon of research with the establishment of its first research center namely Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB). It is one of the best research centers in the Islamic World attracting students from all over Pakistan as well as abroad.  Situated on the west bank of the picturesque Canal Road Lahore, it presents a mix of modern and Islamic architecture. During its 25 years of existence, it has contributed a lion’s share to research in Pakistan.


In the spring of 1985, University of the Punjab established nucleus laboratories in its Department of Zoology. Soon construction work began on the new site for a purpose built campus on an area of about 67 acres. It was designed by renowned Pakistani architect Pervez Iqbal. Upon entering the main gate, one is surprised to see the majestic floral street leading up to the main buildings. 


From the main gate to the building

Moreover, the lush green lawns, adorned with flowers present a view which is reminiscent of the Mughal era gardens. 


Main Lawn

The main compound has two buildings covering a total of more than 7000 square meters. The administrative building is akin to that of Taj Mahal – all four sides look the same. Punctuated with domes, the research building is an example of Islamic architecture. The Laboratory Block is divided into four separate research units comprising a total of 20 research laboratories and four conference rooms. There is a production unit and one support facilities unit comprising a Lab-aid Section (for washing, autoclaving and media preparation), an Animal House, an Insectary, six large Plant Growth Rooms, and storage space for research materials. The Teaching Block consists of a well equipped Library, Seminar Hall, Photography, Computer Rooms, a Conference Hall, Director's Office, Administration and Accounts Section. 




There is a self service canteen, a dining hall, and two hostels for research scholars with a total of 54 furnished rooms. Moreover, there are two luxury buildings: a hostel for foreign students and an apartment block for faculty.

Hostels


The emphasis is on quality and not quantity. This can be judged from the fact that each year in the month of July, hundreds of hopefuls apply for admission of which only 40 are selected. Of this, almost 50 percent join the M. Phil program while the rest go on to carry out research for a Ph. D. degree. Moreover, only 1 or 2 scholars are sent to each lab annually, providing them ample amount of space and other research facilities. Main laboratories are Plant Sciences, Stem Cell Research, Forensic Research, Genetic Diseases, Medical Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biopharmaceuticals, Molecular Medicine, Molecular Virology, Functional Genomics and Immunology. These labs have further research groups working in different areas.

In the evening

As research in general and molecular biology in particular is an expensive business to do, CEMB often has collaborations with many national and international research institutes. These include National Institute of Health (NIH) USA, University of Cincinnati, University of Washington, University of Arizona, Johns-Hopkins University, Brigham Young University and US Department of Agriculture.

CEMB researchers have made great contribution to Molecular Biology. They have made Bt transgenic rice, Bt transgenic cotton and virus-free gladiolus, potato and tomato. Several kits are made for the PCR-based diagnosis of HCV and HBV. A total of 11 new deafness loci, 3 vision impairment loci and 17 new genes are discovered here. All these results have been published in the form of research papers in more than 100 international journals of high reputation including Nature, American Journal of Human Genetics, European Journal of Human Genetics, Molecular Vision, Virology Journal, Infectious Diseases and International Journal of Legal Medicine. Besides, CEMB holds the rights to 7 patents for inventions made by its scientists.

Despite its limited financial resources and technical know-how, CEMB's researchers are trying their best to contribute to the existing body of knowledge inside and outside the country. Presently, graduates from CEMB are serving in prestigious institutes locally as well as internationally in advanced countries like USA, Germany, UK, Japan, France, Austria, Australia, Italy and many more.We hope that in the future, our researchers will continue to illuminate the world.



(P.S. First posted on 25.05.2011. I posted it again because admissions are expected this month and people are interested to know something about CEMB. Also published in weekly Technology Times)

45 comments:

  1. It is realy a great institute in Pak. May Allah help you to do somthing new n benificial for others.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good contribution :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am always feeling proud for being part of CEMB once,,,,,,, but this blog made me prouder. Hats off to Misterio, who did justice by using this sort of exceptional diction with some inflection and intonation, which really a prestigious institute like CEMB deserve,,,, and I recommend this blog to be introduction on CEMB's home page,,,,,,!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks adian... this institute is what it is right now because of dedicated people like you who worked hard through the years...

    ReplyDelete
  5. excellent contribution israr keep it up..! the way you picturized the architecture and scientific activities at your place is no doubt wonderful i wish and pray that you being the product of CEMB will promote research culture in true sense through out pakistan .

    ReplyDelete
  6. thanks maria... i do hope to contribute something no matter how small...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have great respect for research scientists, especially those studying genetics. It seems that the more we learn, the more we discover that most human ailments are passed down through our genes or are affected by our own genetics in some way. I have a child with autism and I firmly believe it is a genetic disorder, despite what many others believe (vaccinations, environment, etc.)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Autism is a genetic disorder which is caused by mutation in certain chromosomes...
    for centuries humans have been searching for cures of the diseases in the world but now we are realizing that the answers lie within our inner selves...the more we will understand ourselves, the better we can be...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Assalam O Alikum All,

    Great effort by you people. :)
    Official website is not working properly. :S
    http://www.cemb.edu.pk/AllNews.asp

    I want information about M Phil admissions. Plz help me out.

    Thanx in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  10. @mehvish...
    Walaikum salam.
    thanks

    official website is working (www.cemb.edu.pk) ..you can also visit the university website (www.pu.edu.pk) and also the fan page on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27333038919)... admissions in punjab univ usually starts in july... hopefully we will post the info as soon as dates are announced...best of luck :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yup best of luck

    ReplyDelete
  12. CEMB my all time favourite :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. for students/researchers its dream institute to quench their thirst of research, i've heard old boss in on way back to this great institute

    ReplyDelete
  14. @NIAZ... yes sure it is your all time favourite... best of luck for your research :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. oh....Israr u r incredible....always coming with some new idea.....perhaps u should post ur reknown paper on alkozai tea over here and yeah I cant see any other publication with contribution from katherina kaif and the great bamboo raisani....

    ReplyDelete
  16. @ibrahim...thanks man... yes you know quality research is very hard to carry out that is why i am unable to publish another paper like the one i published on alokoazay :P :P :P ... and katrina and raisani are busy people so :(

    ReplyDelete
  17. admissions are announced... 12 july is the last date... test on 19 july...


    http://pu.edu.pk/home/admission_notice/9

    ReplyDelete
  18. 100% agreed with adian...Cemb z simply de best place for research & i love being part of it

    ReplyDelete
  19. great work!!! feeling proud to be a part of CEMB =]

    ReplyDelete
  20. @Sania Rizwan..

    thanks and best of luck to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. @Bisma Malik..

    thank you :)
    best of luck to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. True genius lies in the details..
    Molecular biology is the living proof :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. agreed..the more one studies the details, the more it makes one wonder... thanks for liking :)

      Delete
  23. You always come up with interesting stuff about your country :)
    Where are you lost nowadays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for reading and liking...

      this is the reason why i am lost nowadays :) busy up there :( hows u?

      Delete
  24. In old days,scientists were usually abnormal(they were unaware of everything around due to deeply involvement in their respective fields) but now in modern age they are smart,stylish and so on.......CEMBianz are the living examples lol.

    BEST OF LUCK to the CEMBianz for new discoveries
    and to the applicants for admission(but only 40 can get my wishes coz its the rule of CEMB)

    NICE post BRO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahahaha... Cembians are of course stylish and smart ...ahem :)

      i think one should not over indulge in just one subject and should have some knowledge about their surroundings...after all the basic aim of knowledge is to be a better living being in the world and if we dont achieve that we would be wasting our lives :)

      hahaha...i think they have slashed the number down to around 30... so best of luck to them :)

      Delete
  25. Good luck to the applicants wish to go to this research center! Oh and yes I do hope to go to Peru one day! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for reading and liking...and i too wish to see the Andes and the Mayans and Ignus relics :)

      Delete
  26. Not quite sure whether you study or work at CEMB my genius hero - what ever the case you will be an undeniable asset.

    Kind regards

    Anna :o]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahahaha...so you meant to say that those who study dont work? :P yes i study at CEMB... :) thank you for your appreciations :) have a nice week...

      Delete
  27. Muhammad Muqadas8 July 2012 at 06:01

    Nice to see you CEMB after a long time

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for seeing CEMB again after a long time :)

      Delete
  28. I've been there with my aunt once.. its a good place..
    research laboratories and institutions can really do good to our nations economy and advancement ..
    good work :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh wow... so you have already been to CEMB? yes in the current times education and knowledge is the only thing that will decide the superiority of nations.... thanks for liking...have a nice week...

      Delete
  29. postingan yang bagus tentang Eyecandy - CEMB

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!

    architects in rawalpindi

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...