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The University of Sargodha hosted a one-day workshop on next-generation proteins and their applications in medicine and other fields, bringing together researchers to discuss advances in protein engineering, computational biology and artificial intelligence-driven drug design.

Organised by the Institute of Chemistry in collaboration with the Punjab Chapter of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and the Pakistan Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the workshop featured technical presentations, a panel discussion and practical training in protein design and molecular docking.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat (S.I., H.I., T.I.), who attended the inaugural session as chief guest, said such academic engagements provide a platform for the cross-fertilisation of ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of scientific knowledge, helping researchers explore new approaches to contemporary challenges.

Director of the Institute of Chemistry Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shair highlighted the importance of scientific training in protein engineering, noting its potential to develop proteins with tailored functions for diagnostic, therapeutic and other practical applications.

Dean of the Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Amir Ali underscored the growing convergence of biology and technology, saying advances in protein design were opening new possibilities in vaccines, tissue engineering, disease management and the development of sustainable, biocompatible solutions.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, secretary of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, highlighted the rapid pace of scientific development and the growing scope for designing novel proteins. Prof. Dr. Aslam Baig, secretary general of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, pointed to protein crystallography as an important frontier in understanding protein structures and advancing research.

The technical sessions featured Prof. Dr. Waheed Akhtar, who discussed designing proteins for tuberculosis diagnosis and vaccines. Prof. Dr. S. Sikander Azam of Quaid-i-Azam University spoke on artificial intelligence-driven drug design and molecular dynamics, while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naveed of the University of Central Punjab explained molecular docking and protein-binding interactions.

Dr. M. Fayyaz ur Rehman of the University of Sargodha discussed how artificial intelligence tools are transforming biochemistry before moderating a panel on integrating computational approaches with laboratory research, developing local health solutions and preparing future scientists.

A hands-on afternoon session led by Dr. Fayyaz ur Rehman and Ms. Rehana Shabbir covered protein design, structural analysis, protein-ligand interactions and validation of molecular dynamics simulations.

The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony highlighting the role of computational biology and structural biochemistry in advancing medical research.