UET Organizes 1st Pak Polymer Symposium

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The Department of Polymer and Process Engineering (PPE) at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore successfully organized the 1st Pak Polymer Symposium 2024, a pioneering event aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry in the realm of polymer engineering. The symposium, held at the Chemical Engineering Seminar Hall at UET Lahore, garnered participation from esteemed delegates representing leading industries and academic institutions.

Chaired by Prof. Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser, the symposium commenced with an inaugural ceremony graced by Mr. Kashif Anwar, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industries (LCCI), as the chief guest. In his address, Mr. Anwar emphasized the critical importance of forging strong linkages between industry and academia. He commended the efforts of the faculty and department chairman for their proactive engagement with the industry.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Plenary Speech delivered by Prof. Dr. John Verbeek from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Titled ‘A Transdisciplinary Approach to Solving Some of New Zealand’s Plastic Waste Problem,’ Dr. Verbeek’s speech underscored the global significance of addressing plastic waste challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The symposium featured five technical sessions, each delving into diverse aspects of polymer engineering:

1. Product Design and Injection Molding: Prospects and Challenges
2. A Sectorial Overview of Pipe and Profile Extrusion Industry
3. Design and Recycling Challenges in Flexible Packaging
4. Advanced Polymer Composites for Industrial Applications
5. New Materials and Processing Techniques for Elastomers

Delegates from prominent industry players such as SPEL, FlexPac Association, RON Extrusion, and Pak Petrochemical, among others, actively participated alongside academia representatives. The event also witnessed a vibrant poster competition, with 20 entries showcasing innovative research and ideas.

In the poster competition, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) clinched the top position, earning a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, while ITPE Punjab University secured the second position, with a prize of Rs. 15,000. The symposium concluded with the distribution of shields and certificates to the organizers and volunteer students, acknowledging their significant contributions to the success of the event.

The 1st Pak Polymer Symposium stands as a testament to the commitment of UET Lahore’s Department of Polymer and Process Engineering towards promoting innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in the field of polymer engineering. By bringing together industry stakeholders and academia, the symposium set a precedent for future endeavors aimed at addressing contemporary challenges and driving advancements in polymer science and technology.