NIHC’26 — Scientific Track: Systemic Challenges in Health Research: Leadership, Ethics and Technology

As part of the NUST International Health Conference 2026 (NIHC’26), themed “Redefining Healthcare in the Digital Age,” Scientific Track 3 brought together leading voices in health research to examine the systemic, ethical, and technological challenges shaping the future of medical research. The session was moderated by Prof Shabana Ali .
The session opened with a welcome from Prof. Rizwan Ashraf, Principal, NSHS, setting the tone for a rich and thought-provoking discussion. Prof. Shemaila Saleem, Principal, Federal Medical College SZABMU, examined the regulatory bottlenecks and ethical oversight challenges within IRB/ERC processes in health research, along with practical pathways for reform. Prof. Abida Shaheen (STMU) addressed a timely concern — over-dependency on Artificial Intelligence in health research — unpacking issues of cognitive offloading, methodological shortcuts, and the resulting threats to research integrity.
Dr. Nosheen Kazmi explored the ethical challenges faced in health research, moving from identifying core problems to practical solutions. Prof. Fahad Azam closed the session with a compelling discussion on bridging ethical gaps in health research across low- and middle-income countries, highlighting contextual challenges and scalable solutions.
The session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Prof. Fahad Azam, followed by take-home messages from all speakers.
Sincere appreciation to the session chairs and co-chairs — Prof. Rizwan Ashraf, Prof. Shemaila Saleem, Prof. Abida Shaheen, Dr. Nosheen Kazmi, and Prof. Fahad Azam for such a meaningful and insightful conversation on the future of ethical, responsible health research