Biotechnology, as the word suggests, is combination of biology and technology with the aim of using biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society. In another word, biotechnology is technology based on biology - biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet.

Biotechnology is the use of technology to use, modify or upgrade the part or whole of biological system for industrial and human welfare. It has wide range of uses and is termed “technology of hope” which impact human health, well being of other life forms and our environment. 

Modern or new biotechnology refers to the understanding and application of genetic information of animal and plant species. Genetic engineering modifies the functioning of genes in the same species or moves genes across species resulting in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The most prominent approach used is genetic engineering, which enables scientists to tailor an organism’s DNA at will. The modern practice of biotechnology draws from various disciplines of science and technology, which include the following - molecular biology, chemistry, bionics, genetic engineering, genomics, nanotechnology and informatics

This approach has resulted in innovations and breakthroughs in the following areas which include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that lead to more efficient and cost-effective agriculture; medical diagnostics such as pregnancy tests; medicines and therapeutics that prevent and treat disease; reducing waste and pollution and biofuels that are sustainable,

AcIRSTD will develop new biotechnologies that can be used in a variety of fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and energy. The Academic will also create novel biologics that can be used to treat diseases like cancer and diabetes. In clinical trials, these biologics have shown promising results, and they have the potential to change the way we treat diseases.

AcIRSTD research activities will focus on drug discovery and design, structural biology, microbial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, enzyme technology, gene technologies, metabolic engineering, biomaterials and tissue engineering, biosensors and food biotechnology and many more, driving the frontiers of knowledge in biotechnology.

GOALS

• Incorporate the latest findings from the wider scientific community into research methods and interpretation of findings
• Rely on state-of-the-art technology when conducting experiments
• Conduct investigative procedures in relevant fields of expertise, including pharmacology, environmental biology, or molecular biology
• Document, interpret and present experiment results

AIMS/PURPOSES

• The aims/purposes of research in biotechnology include:
  Offering solutions, allow transformation of foods, treat water, develop sustainable materials, and design vaccines, among many others
• Recording and disseminating results accurately in reports and via presentations
• Using scientific knowledge to follow different methodologies to achieve results
• Working independently and collaboratively with other scientists 
• Performing data analysis on experiments; interpreting findings
• Setting up, maintaining, and operating standard laboratory equipment and computers
• Creating, conducting, and monitoring experiments using live organisms or biomolecular processes in a laboratory setting
• Keeping up-to-date with new advances to develop new techniques, products or practices.

OBJECTIVES

• To gain a broader perspective of biotechnology-related issues by stimulating interaction among the biotechnology disciplines.
• To coordinate and participate in training activities for students and scientists in biotechnology.
• To increase public awareness and understanding of biotechnology and its impacts.
• To secure funds for biotechnology service, research, education, and training.
• To facilitate the process by which new research results are transferred to companies to stimulate economic development.
• To become a resource centre for biotechnology information and education.

RESEARCH AREAS

• The AcIRSTD conducts multi-disciplinary innovative research in biotech sciences in the following broad areas:
• Energy
• Mathematical modeling and biostatistics
• Medical biotechnology
• Cardiovascular Biology and Transplantation Biology
• Food and nutritional biotechnology
• Cancer Biotechnology
• Drug Discovery and Delivery
• Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology
• Industrial biotechnology
• Plant and agricultural biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical biotechnology
• Marine biotechnology
• Inflammation in Human Disease
• Biofuels Research
• Nanobiotechnology
• Sustainability and Global Health Biotechnology