Lahore, October 24, 2024: The Institute of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (IMMG), University of the Punjab, in collaboration with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), hosted a one-day workshop on the Agar Art Competition 2024, centered around the theme “What Brings You Joy.” This creative initiative encouraged microbiology students to express their joy and passion through microbial art, using bacteria on agar plates to form beautiful and meaningful designs.

The workshop aimed to blend science and creativity, offering students an innovative way to explore bacterial properties and culture media while reflecting on the things that bring them happiness. The participants embraced this theme enthusiastically, transforming microbial cultures into vibrant works of art that impressed all attendees. The event also provided a refreshing break from the rigorous lab environment, fostering joy and creativity in research.

Dr Mehboob Ahmed briefed the participants about the objectives of the event and introduced the American Society for Microbiology. A more than hundred participants from different institutes attended the workshop and 20 different agar art works were presented which were much appreciated by the participants.. A committee of four senior professors judges the art work.

At the end, Prof. Dr. Anjum Nasim Sabri, Director of IMMG, announced the competition winners, praising their originality and artistic flair. She acknowledged the hard work of all participants, emphasizing how initiatives like this infuse positivity and joy into academic life.

Dr. Anjum Nasim Sabri also thanked the students for their active participation, underscoring the importance of integrating such activities into research culture. The workshop participants have submitted their artwork on the official ASM website and they are waiting for their results from the global competition. Events like these not only promote scientific knowledge but also inspire students to explore how science art, and joy can coexist, making research a more fulfilling journey.