Making Pakistan Science Conscious

Making Pakistan Science Conscious

The 5^th monthly brainstorming session on “Making Pakistan Science Conscious” was organized by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), in collaboration with International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) on 7 May, 2015 (Thursday) in Allama Iqbal Auditorium of International Islamic University, located at old campus of IIU in the vicinity of Faisal Mosque. The objective of this series of monthly brainstorming sessions is to promote quality science education and research and development (R&D) in the country by enhancing stakeholder awareness about the crucial role of science and technology (S&T) in economic development and human well being.

The host of this important scientific event, Rector of IIUI, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, welcomed the participants and appreciated this initiative of PAS for promoting S&T in the country. He stressed that the universities must impart quality education to the younger generation. However, this is not possible unless the faculty is involved in cutting edge research and knowledge generation. He shared that in Korea, with innovative research, one dollar spent on higher education gets translated into 1200 dollars worth of innovative products and services. Therefore, he emphasized for science-based innovative indigenous solutions to local problems in the county.

Secretary General of PAS, Prof. Dr. Zabta K. Shinwari, briefed the audience about current activities of the Academy in general and the background and objective of these brainstorming sessions in particular. He emphasized that younger generation is the future custodian of Pakistan, and, thus, the Academy has decided to encourage and motivate young scientists to promote S&T with the guidance and support of senior scientists. Dr. Shinwari appreciated the flag bearer of this initiative, Dr. Hamid Saleem, for his continued commitment to this noble cause.

Postgraduate students of IIUI presented a skit to emphasize the need and benefits of interdisciplinary scientific research. Two female postgraduate students of IIUI recited Urdu poetry and a female postgraduate student of QAU recited Pushto poetry.  The postgraduate students of IIUI also shared a professional Qawali to express their serious concern about skyrocketing inflation in the country. Dr. Imran Khan, Assistant Professor at Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (CIRBS) of IIU, presented an informative talk on “German-Pakistan Research Collaboration: Post-PhD Funding Opportunities in Germany“. The Director General of Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue shared his views regarding Allama Iqbal’s vision and emphasis for science in the service of humanity.

The Coordinator of this initiative, Dr. Hamid Saleem, emphasized for the need and benefits of interaction, dialogue and effective collaboration between experienced and young scientists for promotion of S&T in the country with the ultimate objective of benefit of S&T to the society.  Also, he stressed upon the benefits social activities along with scientific pursuits.

The President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Dr. Anwar Nasim, shared his vision regarding making Pakistan science conscious. While appreciating the efforts of Prof. Zabta Shinwari and Dr Hamid Saleem and willing collaboration and support of the Universities (including IIUI), Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Science Foundation, he emphasized for effective and continued interaction and collaboration of old and young generation to bridge the ‘generation gap’. A senior Fellow of PAS, Dr. N.M. Butt, elaborated upon the nature of Science Academies in the East (e.g., in Russia, China) and the West (like UK, USA). Also, he offered tips to young scientists and PhD student for effective harnessing of German funding opportunities.

This important scientific event was participated by almost all the stakeholders in S&T, i.e., postgraduate students from various Universities, university professors, senior scientists, and heads of academic and scientific organizations, Fellows of PAS. Prof. Zabta Shinwari announced that next consultative session on “Making Pakistan Science Conscious” in Islamabad will be held on first Thursday of June 2015, and the Academy also intends to organize such brainstorming sessions in the provincial capitals, i.e., Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, and Peshawar.