ICELS 2026 at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) wrapped up after three days of intensive scientific exchange, technical sessions and an industry expo that drew national and international participants. The conference, organised by the university’s Faculty of Sciences in partnership with Himalaya Hemp & Health (Pvt.) Ltd. and Evolution EduTech Pakistan, convened Vice Chancellors, policymakers, industrialists, researchers, entrepreneurs, development organisations and students to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.
Delegates discussed themes including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, public health, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, water management and environmental sustainability. More than 130 research abstracts submitted to the event were published in an abstract book with an ISBN in the Himalayan Journal of Botanical Sciences, reflecting the academic depth of the programme and providing a reference for follow-up research within Pakistan’s scientific community.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi, Dean Faculty of Sciences and Chief Organizer, highlighted that ICELS 2026 provided a productive platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based dialogue aimed at practical solutions. The conference placed particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young researchers and students through scientific networking and exposure.
Representing the U.S. State Department, Mr. Kevin Sessink praised ICELS 2026 as an effective forum for strengthening global scientific cooperation and international academic engagement. His remarks underscored the event’s role in fostering links between Pakistani researchers and overseas institutions, an outcome organisers said will help nurture future collaborations.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, commended the scientific quality and international relevance of the conference and urged that its recommendations be translated into actionable national strategies. He assured participants that the Pakistan Science Foundation would consider the scientific policy guidelines emerging from ICELS 2026 in future funding priorities and research support initiatives.
A notable feature of the event 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. Organisers said the expo reinforced linkages between research, industry and entrepreneurship while highlighting pathways for sustainable economic development in Pakistan.
On conclusion, ICELS 2026 issued several policy recommendations aimed at guiding national research agendas and practice in life sciences and sustainable agriculture. Stakeholders present called for timely translation of the conference outcomes into policies, funding support and collaborative projects that address Pakistan’s environmental and public health priorities.
