Speakers

Zabta Khan Shinwari

Place of Birth : Pakistan
Position : Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
Field of study : Ethics in S&T (Dual Use Education), Molecular Systematics, Agriculture Biotechnology, Medicinal Plants Ecology, Sustainable Development

Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, originally from Kohat in the Tribal Area of Pakistan, is a renowned figure in the field of science and academia. After completing his Ph.D. at Kyoto University in Japan, he embarked on a successful career that brought him international fame and status. With multiple Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japan, Dr. Shinwari served esteemed organizations such as the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, the National Agricultural Research Centre, WWF-Pakistan, and COMSTECH.

Dr. Shinwari's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for marginalized communities in Pakistan, particularly for females, stands as one of his major achievements. He played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Science & Technology in Bannu, and as the Vice Chancellor of Kohat University of Science & Technology, he spearheaded efforts to extend higher education facilities to neglected areas. Notably, he founded the KUST Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). Moreover, Dr. Shinwari held prominent positions, including CEO of Qarshi Research International and Vice Chancellor/PD of Qarshi University in Lahore.

A distinguished academician, Dr. Shinwari served as a tenured Professor of Biotechnology and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. He was recognized for his contributions as the President of the National Council of Tibb, Secretary General of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Shinwari's research interests encompass Molecular Systematics & Medicinal Plants, Bioethics, Biotechnology, and Sustainable Development. He made significant discoveries in the genes responsible for drought, cold, and stress tolerance. His extensive body of work includes authoring nine books, editing eight international proceedings, and publishing 475 articles in impact factor journals. With over 19,475 citations, an h-index of 70, and an i10-index of 298, his research has had a profound impact.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Shinwari has received numerous accolades and awards. He was honored with the title of "Professor Emeritus" by Quaid-i-Azam University in 2020 and bestowed the distinguished title of National Professor by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2022. The Government of Pakistan recognized his accomplishments with two civil awards, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2012 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2018.

Dr. Shinwari's global influence is reflected in his membership in 65 national and international scientific bodies, including his roles as Vice President of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences and a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He serves as the Vice Chairman of the World Commission of Ethics in Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) and as the Focal Person for the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO-HO, China).

His collaborations with organizations such as UNESCO, Japan, BEP (USA), LNCV (Italy), UNICRI, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have facilitated the promotion of sustainable development through open science, bioethics, and biosecurity education in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. Dr. Shinwari's tireless efforts to enhance biosecurity education and establish a national Pakistani Biosecurity network have been widely recognized.

With his commitment to teaching, research, and international collaboration, Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari continues to play a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting ethical standards, and driving economic growth in Pakistan's biotechnology industry. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place of distinction in the scientific community and serve as an inspiration to aspiring researchers and educators worldwide.