Introduction:

The broad discipline of Biotechnology uses scientific and engineering principles to living organisms to provide goods and services of value to society. Biotechnology integrates many areas of study such as genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, physics, chemistry, engineering and biostatistics. The interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology makes it possible to design and use processes ranging from cheese production, brewing, and wastewater management, through to drug design and gene therapy. It enables us to study microorganisms, plants and animals in the context of the discovery, understanding, improvement and development of useful products or processes. Considering the dire need of biotechnology education, the Centre of Biotechnology was established in April, 2001 by University of Peshawar with the approval of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad Pakistan.

The first batch of 80 students in Bachelor of Biotechnology and 9 scholars in MPhil in Biotechnology were admitted in November, 2001. Presently, the Centre of Biotechnology is a strategic unit in the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar. Located in the emerging- sciences building, the institute incorporates both teaching and research facilities, primarily dedicated towards the awareness and development of Biotechnology amongst the masses. It is unique in having Biochemists, Microbiologists, Geneticists, Pharmaceutical Chemists, Molecular Biologists and Biotechnologists within a single departmental unit, thus encouraging inter-disciplinary approaches to teaching and research. Members of the Staff are involved in teaching at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in degree programs and have collaborative links with national research laboratories. From Centre of Biotechnology to Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology. In September 2007, the competent authority of the university decided and approved to merge the Department of Microbiology, Jinnah College for Women (JCW) with Centre of Biotechnology and renamed the Centre as Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology and simultaneously shifted the students of 1st batch of BS Microbiology from JCW to this center. 

Vision:

To explore new horizon in Biotechnology and Microbiology through education and research, and realizing the potential of Biotechnology and Microbiology for the creation of goods and services of value to society.

Mission:

The Centre has been serving as a teaching, training and research pivot in Biotechnology and Microbiology for the province. The institute is aware of the importance and applicability of Biotechnology and Microbiology and therefore will continue to play its catalytic role by motivating its students in their scholarly pursuits. We will prepare trained biotechnologists and microbiologists able to approach problems with creativity and flexibility. A key element in this preparation is active participation in the process of scientific discovery. The institute will make scholarly scientific and technological advances that will address the changing needs of society.

Objective:

• To prepare students to function as scientists and educators in a broad array of biological disciplines.
• To create a permanent platform for generating trained manpower by imparting education and conducting research on the local problems.
• To collaborate with biotechnology firms, secondary schools, universities and public agencies and associations, and lay the groundwork to prepare the workforce for new biotech jobs.
• To serve as a launching pad for devising, using, and managing biotechnology tools for generation of products, processes and technologies.
• To augment the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of food and agriculture, health and medicine, environment friendly technologies, bio conservation and bio industrial development.