The 2nd International and 10th National Iranian Biotechnology Congress organised by the Biotechnology Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran not only saw researchers and students convening to share information but it was also an attraction for the Vice President and Head of the Environmental Protection Organisation of the country, Dr Isa Kalantari and one of the top cleric, Ayatollah Hussaini Shahroudi.
The conference covered all areas of biotechnology, plants, agriculture, animals, human, biotechnology industry, microorganisms, ethics, law and regulation, standards, guidelines and even information technology. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
Big data in genomics was presented by a local scientist gearing up for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Iran looked like it is poised to embrace the advancement in life sciences and biotechnology.
Kalantari said, “It is the responsibility of the government to support science and technology. I have been fighting to improve farmers’ livelihood and conditions for the past 30 years and I will continue to support you.”
He urged the scientists to be the judge and do what the country needs. The major challenge in Iran, he said is water scarcity.
Kalantari wants scientists to develop an agriculture system and crops that use less water so there is enough water for the protection on environment and biological diversity.
Iran was the first country in the world to commercially plant biotech rice, developed by its own scientist, Dr Behzad Ghareyazie.
It was later withdrawn due to lack of political will of the former administration. But Iran has not gone off the biotechnology race. The recent congress was a testament to its vigour in developing and advancing biotechnology research and commercialisation of GMOs.
There were hundreds of posters along the corridors fighting for space displaying cutting-edge research from scientists and post-graduate students.
Dr Sirous Zeinali the President of Iranian Biotechnology Society and the organising chair said, “Biotechnology is one of the strategic fields of science and technology supported by the supreme leader with strategic plans.
He added,isolates of P. fluorescens tested provided control of blue mold, the level of control provided by each isolate varied with apple variety.
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