The 14th International Biennial Conference of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology (FIBC-PSM 2023), organized in collaboration with Salim Habib University (SHU), and hosted by SHU’s Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, was held at SHU from November 22-24, 2023.

The conference, themed 'Disasters, Epidemics, and Public Health Challenges for Microbiologists', included 19 scientific sessions, a dozen hands-on workshops, keynote lectures, a scientific exhibition, and oral and poster presentations of research papers by foreign and local experts. More than 400 delegates from educational and research institutions in Pakistan and abroad participated in the conference, including participants from Lebanon, Jamaica, Iran, Australia, the United States, and other countries.

The conference was declared closed in a Closing Ceremony held on November 24, 2023, the Chief Guest for which was Dr. Khalid Shaikh, Chairman, Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC). Prof. Dr. Farhan Essa Abdullah, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology, and CEO, Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Center, Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, President of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology and Chairperson FIBC-PSM 2023, Prof. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor, Salim Habib University, and Prof. Dr. Saeed Khan, Chairman, Department of Molecular Pathology, DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi, also addressed the audience during the ceremony, as did Prof. Dr. Aqeel Ahmad, Dean, Faculty of Science, Salim Habib University, and Secretary FIBC-PSM 2023, and Dr. Syeda Sadaf Akber from the Pakistan Society for Microbiology.

Following their addresses, certificates were awarded to the participants of the conference, including delegates, keynote speakers, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and of course, the organizing committee.

Also present were dignitaries and personalities of renown from both industry and academia. Notably in attendance from Salim Habib University were Prof. Dr. Kaleem Raza Khan, Registrar, Dr. Muhammad Hussain Habib, Executive Director Education, Marketing, HR & Admin, Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Chairperson, Department of Biosciences, and the University’s Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons, faculty, students, and staff.