The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK) and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The agreement aims to facilitate faculty and student exchanges, as well as the sharing of academic and research resources, fostering stronger ties in scientific and educational endeavors.
According to an ICCBS spokesperson, the MoU was formally signed by Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of ICCBS, University of Karachi, and Dr Tahir Usman, Chairman of Livestock Production at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, AWKUM. The signing ceremony was held at the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, and was attended by Prof. Dr Asmat Salim and other senior officials.
Speaking at the event, Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen emphasized ICCBS’s status as a globally recognized research center. She highlighted its role in training scholars from around the world in chemical, biological, and biochemical sciences, as well as its distinction as a UNESCO Category-2 Centre. She reaffirmed ICCBS’s commitment to upholding high educational and research standards in accordance with both national and international guidelines.
Dr Tahir Usman, representing AWKUM, commended ICCBS’s advanced research facilities and academic excellence. He noted AWKUM’s achievements as a leading public sector university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, consistently ranking among the top universities in Pakistan according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) rankings. He also outlined AWKUM’s diverse academic offerings, which include over 100 degree programs across four faculties: Chemical and Life Sciences, Numerical Sciences, Business and Leadership, and Social Sciences.
Under the terms of the MoU, ICCBS and AWKUM will collaborate on joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, student co-supervision, professional training workshops, courses, seminars, and advancements in health technology and entrepreneurship. This partnership is expected to foster innovation and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s scientific and academic landscape.
The MoU signifies a step forward in bridging research and education between the two institutions, ultimately benefiting students, researchers, and the broader academic community.