Dr. Saira Azam’s academic journey commenced with an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Punjab, followed by an M.Phil (Biotechnology) from the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. This was further complemented by her doctoral studies at CEMB, solidifying her expertise in the intricate domains of Molecular Biology.

In 2005, her professional journey began at CEMB, University of the Punjab, where she assumed the role of a Research Officer (BPS-17). This marked the inception of her scholarly contributions in subsequent years. She further advanced to the position of Research Officer cum Lecturer (BPS-18), underscoring her commitment to research-driven academia.

Within CEMB, she has been an active participant in the Plant Biotechnology group, significantly impacting diverse research endeavors. Her involvement has encompassed pivotal projects, ranging from the transformation of salt and drought-tolerant genes in Basmati rice to the meticulous scrutiny of genetically modified (GM) cotton through cutting-edge molecular techniques. Her collaborative spirit is evident in research projects funded by prestigious entities such as HEC, PARB, and USDA, culminating in her role as a co-author for research articles published in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Saira’s dedication has been acknowledged through accolades, including Performance Evaluation Awards (2016, 2019, and 2020) and Research Incentive Awards (2018, 2020, and 2021) from the University of the Punjab, a testament to her unwavering commitment to pushing scientific boundaries.

Currently, she holds the esteemed responsibility of leading the Biosafety group, which conducts comprehensive risk assessments of GM crops. Concurrently, her role as a team scientist continues to be instrumental in the successful execution of various laboratory initiatives. Additionally, she actively mentors M.Phil students and contributes as a resource person for workshops hosted by CEMB.

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.

Selected Publications:

1. Batool, F., Hassan, S., Azam, S., Sher, Z., Ali, Q., & Rashid, B. (2023). Transformation and expressional studies of GaZnF gene to improve drought tolerance in Gossypium hirsutum. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 5064
2. Yasmeen, A., Shakoor, S., Azam, S., Bakhsh, A., Shahid, N., Latif, A., … & Rao, A. Q. (2022). CRISPR/Cas-mediated knockdown of vacuolar invertase gene expression lowers the cold-induced sweetening in potatoes. Planta, 256(6), 107
3. Latif, A., Azam, S., Shahid, N., Javed, M. R., Haider, Z., Yasmeen, A., … & Rao, A. Q. (2022). Overexpression of the AGL42 gene in cotton delayed leaf senescence through downregulation of NAC transcription factors. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21093
4. Shad, M., Yasmeen, A., Azam, S., Bakhsh, A., Latif, A., Shahid, N., … & Shahid, A. A. (2022). Enhancing the resilience of transgenic cotton for insect resistance. Molecular Biology Reports, 49(6), 5315-5323. (IF 2.316) 
5. Amat-ur-Rasool, H., Latif, A., Yasmeen, A., Shahid, N., Azam, S., Bashir, A., … & Shahid, A. A. (2022). Enhanced expression of plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2 improves cotton fiber length in Gossypium arboreum. Molecular Biology Reports, 1-8
6. ud Din, S., Azam, S., Rao, A. Q., Shad, M., Ahmed, M., Gul, A., … & Shahid, A. A. (2021). Development of broad-spectrum and sustainable resistance in cotton against major insects through the combination of Bt and plant lectin genes. Plant Cell Reports, 1-15.(IF:4.570)
7. Gul, A., Hussain, G., Iqbal, A., Rao, A. Q., ud Din, S., Yasmeen, A., Azam, S., … & Husnain, T. (2020). Constitutive expression of Asparaginase in Gossypium hirsutum triggers insecticidal activity against Bemisia tabaci. Scientific reports, 10(1), 1-11. a. (IF: 4.379)
8. Shahid, N., Samiullah, T. R., Shakoor, S., Latif, A., Yasmeen, A., Azam, S., … & Rao, A. Q. (2020). Early stage development of a Newcastle disease vaccine candidate in corn. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7.IF:(3.414) 
9. Qamar, Z., Tariq, M., Rehman, T., Iqbal, M. S., Sarwar, M. B., Sharif, M. N., Azam, S., … & Nasir, I. A. (2019). Trackable CEMB-Klean Cotton Transgenic Technology: Afforadable Climate Neutral Agri-biotech Industrialization for Developing Countries. 
10. Zubair, M., Latif, A., Rao, A. Q., Azam, S., Shahid, N., Samiullah, T. R., … & Husnain, T. (2019). A combinational approach of enhanced methanol production and double Bt genes for broad spectrum insect resistance in transgenic cotton. Molecular biotechnology, 61(9), 663-673.(IF:2.695)