Dr.Shafaq Rasool, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University attended an International Conference “15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet “ in Rome, Italy from 20th -21st March, 2017. The theme of the conference was Meeting the global Challenges through Biotechnology.

Dr.Shafaq presented a research paper on Functional Metagenomics entitled “Identification and Characterisation of a novel Thermostable and Oxidant stable Protease from “Chumathang’’ Hot spring using Functional Metagenomics “. The research paper discussed in detail the potential of using functional metagenomics for the discovery of novel genes/proteins useful for different biotechnological endeavours. The abstract of the paper has been published in reputed journal “Journal of Biotechnology and Biomaterials” as conference proceedings. The research paper is an outcome of sponsored research project on Metagenomics by CSIR.

The Conference was attended by renowned speakers and delegates from USA, Poland, Canada, Austria, UK, India, Italy, Greece and others. Dr.Shafaq got a unique opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about various research findings and new advancements in the areas of Metagenomics and biotechnology with the eminent Scientists and academicians,researchers across the globe.

Dr.Shafaq Rasool is highly grateful to the SMVDU authorities for funding her visit to Rome, Italy under PDA grant for attending this international conference.