Islamabad Medical & Dental College (IMDC), in collaboration with Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), successfully organized the Scientific Model Competition & Seminar on Entrepreneurship in Laboratory Sciences on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The event showcased the innovative potential of students from the MLT program, who presented scientific models focusing on laboratory automation, diagnostic innovations, and healthcare research. The models were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprising Prof. Humayoon Shafique Satti (National University of Medical Sciences), Dr. Massab Umair (National Institute of Health), and Dr. Zaineb Akram (National University of Medical Sciences).
The ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Rizwan Uppal, Founding Chairman & CEO, Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC), as the Chief Guest. He inaugurated the event, visited student stalls, and interacted with participants, appreciating their creativity and scientific approach. In his address, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Uppal emphasized the importance of academic collaboration, clinical research support, and industry–academia linkage, and expressed IDC’s commitment to exploring future opportunities for academic and clinical collaboration.
Following the seminar, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Uppal also visited the BA/BE Lab (Bioavailability & Bioequivalence) and the Clinical Trials Unit, where he took keen interest in the operational workflows and research capabilities. The BA/BE Lab was highlighted as the third facility of its kind in Pakistan, reflecting a significant milestone in clinical research infrastructure.
Dr. Usman Waheed, Associate Professor & Principal, IMDC, highlighted the need to integrate innovation, skill-based training, and entrepreneurship into laboratory education to prepare future-ready professionals.
Dr. Usman Tareen, Assistant Professor & Incharge, Bioequivalence Lab, ANTH, encouraged students to pursue research-oriented careers and explore emerging domains such as molecular diagnostics, digital laboratory systems, and clinical innovation.
Mr. Shahan Irshad, Country Head, Sind Medical Stores, also addressed the audience and shared insights on the upcoming establishment of a Training Lab and Display Centre at IMDC, focusing on advanced molecular technologies including NGS.
The event concluded with prize distribution and certificate awards, followed by a vote of thanks by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Prof. Muhammad Aslam, Vice Chancellor, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, research culture, and meaningful industry–academia collaboration in laboratory sciences.
