International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brock University, Canada.
According to the academic and research agreement, the Brock University and the research establishment of ICCBS will support promotion and extension of cooperation in ‘Scientific Research and Technology Development’ in the fields of mutual interests. The cooperation areas between the Brock University and ICCBS shall include establishment of joint laboratories or pilot stations in research and development activities.
Director ICCBS-UoK Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and Prof. Dr. S. Aijaz Ahmed, Dean Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, signed the agreement in a meeting held at Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.
Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-Chief, former chairman HEC, and federal minister for science and technology, also attended the meeting, while other faculty of the ICCBS, and Dr. Shahab Imam, a prominent social activist working for promotion of primary and secondary education and linkages between Pakistani and foreign institutions, were also present on the occasion.
It is pertinent to mention here that Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistani Counsel General in Toronto, and President and Vice Chancellor Brock University Prof. Dr. Gervan Fearon had signed the same agreement at the Brock University in Toronto last month. The MoU has now become effective after Prof. Iqbal Choudhary finally inked the agreement.
On the occasion, Dr. Iqbal Choudhary said that ICCBS at the University of Karachi was regarded as one of the finest academic research establishments of chemical sciences in the developing world. He said that ICCBS was the only institution in Pakistan which was not only certified by ISO but it also became ‘UNESCO Centre for Excellence Category-2 Institute’.
Prof. Aijaz Ahmed commended the research and academic facilities available at the international center. He said that establishment of joint research laboratories at ICCBS and Brock University was also a main area of this cooperation.
As per MoU, it was agreed that exchange of research staff and facilities will take place between both the institutions. The areas of cooperation include joint supervision of graduate students, including Masters and Ph. D. students and researchers in different areas. This will develop linkages between academicians and researchers. This agreement will be effective for a period of five years from the date of signing.
