Professor S. Riazuddin, Director Centre for Advanced Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore has a distinguished career as a research scientist as well as a science manager.

He was born in Lahore on April 15, 1944. He holds B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. degrees in Chemistry from University of the Punjab, Lahore; and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Reading, England. He has worked for his Post-doctoral studies, in some of the best research laboratories in the world – University of Sussex England (1970-71), Brandies University Boston, USA (1987-88). His academic career is studded with several distinctions including two Roll of Honours from Government College Lahore (1964 and 1985), Colombo Plan Pre-doctoral Award (1967-71), IARC Senior Post-doctoral Award (1976-77) and Senior Fullbright Award (1987-88). His contributions to the development of molecular biology as a new science in Pakistan as well as his pioneering research studies have won him laurels both at home and abroad. He was awarded Prix Isabelle De Caze De Nue, a Swiss Prize by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (1978); Tamgha-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan (1987), Gold Medal by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (1982); Gold Medal by Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars (1989); Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan by the President of Pakistan (1994); Kharazmi International Prize by Iranian President (1997); Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology by UNESCO (1997) and Izaz-e-Kamal by the President of Pakistan (1998).

Dr. Riazuddin started his research career in 1964 with M.Sc. thesis research and continued working in the same area for his Ph.D. thesis (1970). In 1973, he joined Brandies University, Boston, and then Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore as a senior research associate; to work on the repair of UV damaged DNA. In 1977, he received IARC senior postdoctoral award to study the repair of chemically damaged DNA at the Karolinsha Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

In 1978, he returned to Pakistan and established the first molecular biology research laboratory in Pakistan at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology(NIAB), Faisalabad. In 1985, he moved to Lahore to join University of the Punjab as the first professor of molecular biology and the founding Director of Centre for Advanced Molecular Biology (CAMB) to develop a solid and definitive programme of teaching and research in molecular biology in Pakistan.

In the field of DNA enzymology Dr. S. Riazuddin has discovered eleven repair enzymes and twenty-four Type-II specificity restriction enzymes. The work on repair enzymes has greatly contributed to the understanding of molecular events leading to eventual repair of DNA modified as result of interaction with ultraviolet radiation and alkylating chemicals. Discovery of new Type-II specificity restriction endonucleases has provided genetic engineering researchers with a greater choice of DNA cutting enzymes to improve upon the existing powers and to achieve greater precision in recombinant DNA experiments.

He has also identified and chemically characterized several phytotoxic compounds inducibly synthesized during in vitro growth of the fungus agencies such as the US-National Science Foundation, President’s Advisers Office on Science and Technology Co-operation, Washington, Rockefeller Foundation, New York and European Economic Commission (EEC) and US-National Academy of Sciences Board on Science & Technology for International Development.

Prof. Riazuddin’s research work has been published in over sixty internationally reviewed research papers. In recognition of his pioneering work in DNA repair and transgenic plant technology he has been elected a) corresponding fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences, b) member of the New York Academy of Sciences c) Member of Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars and d) Fellow of Pakistan Academy of Medical Sciences (1991). Dr. Riazuddin is the only scientist working in the developing world who has been elected a Member of the Society of Scholars of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.

As Science Manager Dr. Riazuddin has made significant contribution in the development of biotechnology capability of the Muslim World. He has helped Bangladesh and Tunisia in the establishment of nucleus laboratories and organized training courses to generate a cadre of specifically trained manpower. In collaboration with COMSTECH and IFSTAD, he has helped to establish training course, group meetings, symposia and seminars in Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Such activities have helped to creats awareness about the unlimited economic potentials of the new biotechnology.

Prof. Riazuddin is an active member of a number of national and international committees. He was a member of a) Advisory Panel of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Vienna, Austria (1981-83); b) Panel of experts of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France, (1984); c) Panel of Experts on “future planning of plant and animal research”, constituted by Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Science Foundation (1987-Present); f) Technical Committee National Science Research & Development Board (1987-present); g) American Society for Microbiology (2987); h) American Association for the Advancement of Science (1991); I) American Society of Plant Pathology (1990); and j) International Society for Plant Molecular Biology (1990).

Dr. Riazuddin holds a concurrent position of visiting faculty at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA and has widely traveled as invited speaker to international meetings, symposia and seminars. He returned to Pakistan at a time when he had ample opportunities to establish himself as an independent investigator in the US. His decision to return home, despite quite visible difficulties in practicing advanced research in Pakistan clearly demonstrates his strong patriotic fervor dedicating himself to initate a solid and definitive programme of molecular biological teaching and research in Pakistan. He started his endeavours in Pakistan when molecular biology and genetic engineering were known only to few in this country. Through his efforts, a Centre for Advanced Molecular Biological teaching and research has been established to place Pakistan at a prestigious position on the international map of genetic engineering. Dr. Riazuddin is internationally recognized for his scientific discoveries as demonstrated through several international award; the funding of his research by international agencies; the membership of a number of technical and advisory committees; and cooperative research endeavours involving some of the best laboratories in the world. His fame transcends Pakistan into Europe, United Kingdom and the United States. He is a unique resource person with an excellent record of teaching, research and research management. In Short he is a scientist of exceptional eminence and International repute that Pakistan can rightly feel proud of him.

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