Zabta Khan Shinwari
Biography
Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari got Ph.D. from Kyoto University (Japan) followed by several Post Doc. Fellowships in Japan. He served Pakistan Museum of Natural History, National Agricultural Research Centre, WWF-Pakistan, COMSTECH before his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Kohat University of Science & Technology. One of his major achievements is to extend higher education facilities to the neglected communities of Pakistan especially to female. He also established University of Science & Technology, Bannu. He is the founder of KUST Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). Dr Shinwari also served private sector as CEO of Qarshi Research International and Vice Chancellor/PD Qarshi University-Lahore. He was tenured Professor of Biotechnology and Dean of Faculty of Biological Sciences in Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and President, National Council of Tibb. Also served as Secretary General, Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad. He was awarded the title of “Professor Emeritus” by the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad in 2020 and Distinguish National Professor by HEC in 2022.
Dr Shinwari interest is Molecular Systematics & Medicinal plants, Bioethics; Biotechnology and Sustainable Development. Dr Zabta K. Shinwari reported genes for drought, cold, and stress tolerance. His publications: 8 books authored; 14 international proceedings edited; 530 articles in impact factor journals His research work has been cited more than 20750; H index 74, i10-index 304; has mentored more than 100 M.Phil & PhD students; Patents 3. Research Presented/Invited Lectures Delivered (>400 including national and International). Member, National/International Scientific Bodies (65); Grants/Funds Secured (60).
He is a fellow and former Sec. General of the Pakistan academy of sciences and Vice President of Islamic World academy of Sciences. He is also fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Government of Pakistan awarded him two civil awards (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) in 2012 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2018. The Pakistan Council for Science and Technology has declared him “the most productive scientist (Biologist) of Pakistan” 2014-2017.
He also got Best University Teacher Award from Higher Education Commission, Pakistan. While recognizing his efforts in Ethics in Science and Technology UNESCO awarded him (Avicenna Gold Medal in 2015. He was also Vice Chairman of World Commission of Ethics in Scientific knowledge & Technology (COMEST) since 2016. He is Focal Person of Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO-HO, China), 2016-2022; He has received the prestigious title of “Distinguished Scientist” from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2019-2020; co-chair of IUCN working group on synthetic biology and conservation and also member UN-CBD on Synthetic Biology & conservation.
Zabta Shinwari’s main interest is in teaching and developing Modules on Dual Use Education. He has been a partner in promoting Biosecurity education in Pakistan, as well as being a key figure in Pakistan in terms of Biosecurity and international engagement on Biosecurity issues. Presented research articles in more than 300 international conferences. Won more than 30 research grants from National and International agencies.
Prof. Shinwari has developed linkages with various national and international agencies like UNESCO; Japan; BEP, USA; LNCV (Italy); UNICRI; Chinese Academy of Sciences, ANSO (China) and Bradford University etc. to promote sustainable development using Open Science, Bioethics and Biosecurity education in developing countries including Pakistan. He is exploring opportunities to deliver the materials to a multi-institutional audience, allowing him to promote the idea of a national Pakistani Biosecurity network, through networking at the event. His principal aim is to promoting Biosecurity from the grassroots upwards, to economic improvement in Pakistan’s growing biotechnology industry; informed scientists are better equipped to meet the needs of international ethical & safety standards, improving the country’s economic standing.