University of the Punjab.

Dr. Saira Azam’s academic journey commenced with an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, followed by an M.Phil. in Biotechnology from the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She subsequently pursued her doctoral studies at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, further strengthening her expertise in Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, and Genetic Engineering.
In 2005, Dr. Saira Azam began her professional career at CEMB, University of the Punjab, as a Research Officer (BPS-17). She subsequently progressed to the position of Research Officer cum Lecturer (BPS-18), reflecting her sustained commitment to research, teaching, and academic development. Over the years, she has developed extensive experience in plant molecular biology, genetic transformation, tissue culture, molecular characterization, and biosafety assessment of genetically modified crops.
At CEMB, Dr. Saira has been an active member of the Plant Biotechnology group and has contributed significantly to a diverse range of research projects. Her research experience includes the genetic transformation and molecular characterization of stress-tolerance genes in Basmati rice, as well as the development and molecular evaluation of genetically modified cotton. Her work encompasses the application of advanced molecular approaches for the improvement of crop traits, particularly those related to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.
A major focus of her current research is the development of insect-resistant cotton through genetic engineering and molecular biotechnology. Her research aims to develop cotton plants with enhanced resistance against economically important insect pests, particularly sucking and chewing insects, through the manipulation and functional characterization of defense-related genes. Her work involves Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation, gene expression analysis, molecular characterization of transgenic plants, metabolic profiling, insect bioassays, and evaluation of plant defense responses. She is also exploring modern genome-editing approaches, including CRISPR/Cas technology, for the development of improved cotton germplasm with enhanced resistance and stress tolerance.
Her research contributions have been supported through collaborative projects funded by prestigious national and international organizations, including the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARB), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). More recently, Dr. Saira Azam has been awarded a National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) research grant funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for her research on the development of insect-resistant cotton. The project, titled “Internal Genetic Switching for TPS12-Mediated Cotton Resistance Against Sucking Insects,” focuses on the molecular engineering of cotton for enhanced resistance against sucking insect pests through the functional expression of the GhTPS12 gene and associated terpene-mediated plant defense mechanisms. This research represents an important step toward developing innovative and sustainable strategies for insect management in cotton.
In addition to her research activities, Dr. Saira has made significant contributions to the assessment and biosafety evaluation of genetically modified crops. She currently leads the Biosafety Group at CEMB, where she is involved in comprehensive risk assessment studies of genetically modified crops, including molecular characterization, environmental and biological safety assessment, and evaluation of potential effects associated with GM crops.
Dr. Saira’s research achievements have been recognized through several awards from the University of the Punjab, including Performance Evaluation Awards in 2016, 2019, and 2020 and Research Incentive Awards in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Her research contributions have also resulted in co-authorship of research articles published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and participation in multidisciplinary research collaborations.
Alongside her research responsibilities, Dr. Saira Azam actively contributes to teaching and postgraduate research supervision. She mentors M.Phil. students in molecular biology and plant biotechnology and serves as a resource person for scientific workshops and training activities organized by CEMB. Through her combined roles in research, teaching, biosafety, and postgraduate supervision, she continues to contribute to the advancement of plant biotechnology and the development of innovative, sustainable approaches for improving cotton productivity and resistance to biotic stresses.
Research Interests:
My research compass is firmly oriented toward the development of insect-resistant cotton and the critical evaluation of risks associated with GM crops. These areas of focus epitomize my dedication to advancing agricultural sustainability and the prudent application of biotechnology.