RAWALPINDI: The International Conference and Expo on Life Sciences 2026 concluded at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi after three days of scientific sessions, academic discussions, industrial exhibitions and international engagement.
The ICELS-2026 conference brought together scientists, vice chancellors, policymakers, researchers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, development organizations and students to discuss challenges linked to climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, public health, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, water management and environmental sustainability.
The event was organized by the Faculty of Sciences at PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with Himalaya Hemp & Health (Pvt.) Ltd. and Evolution EduTech Pakistan.
Representing the U.S. State Department, Kevin Sessink described ICELS-2026 as an important platform for global scientific cooperation, interdisciplinary collaboration and international academic engagement. He said the conference created networking and exposure opportunities for young researchers and students.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Chief Organizer and Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi said the conference received more than 130 research abstracts, which were published in an abstract book with an ISBN number in the Himalayan Journal of Botanical Sciences.
He said ICELS-2026 provided a productive international platform for evidence-based dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at finding sustainable solutions to environmental and societal challenges.
Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, who attended as chief guest, appreciated the scientific quality and international relevance of the conference. He said the recommendations should be translated into actionable national strategies.
He also said the scientific policy guidelines emerging from ICELS-2026 would be considered in future funding priorities and research support initiatives of the Pakistan Science Foundation.
A key feature of the conference was the National Expo on Food and Natural Products, which showcased herbal medicines, phytopharmaceutical products, climate-smart agricultural innovations, medicinal plant-based products, sustainable technologies, natural health formulations, student projects and bio-based entrepreneurial initiatives.
Organizers said ICELS-2026 also issued policy recommendations based on scientific discussions and technical deliberations held during the conference.
