PESHAWAR: The CECOS University, Peshawar on Monday launched the `Institute of Integrative Bioscience` to promote research and teaching in life sciences.

The institute was launched at a function held at the varsity. Professor Qasim Jan, adviser at Comstech and the Emeritus Professor at the University of Peshawar was the chief guest, according to a press release.

A panel discussion was also held on the future of life sciences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The panel comprised scientists and scholars on the subject working at different universities of the province.

On the occasion, CECOS University president Tanveer Javed said that Institute of Integrative Bioscience would be a crossdisciplinary institute for research and teaching in the life sciences.

He said the institute would roll out admissions in BS and MS programmes in biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Speaking at the function, vice-chancellor of the university Professor Riaz Khattak said that the institute would be providing quality education in bio sciences.

During the panel interactive session, current trends in life sciences and research came under discussion with panelists stressing the need for doing more to promote cross-disciplinary science research and study and bringingin a strong translational component in both curricula and research.

The panel discussion also touched upon the deficiencies of the incumbent life sciences education system and proposed more inclusive way of doing scientific research and teaching with fewer boundaries between different departments.