COMSATS’ Membership drive of 2018 concluded with Yemen’s accession to the Commission in November 2018.

A result of follow-up on earlier efforts in this regard, the accession agreement was signed during an august gathering of representatives and senior officials from the diplomatic community in Islamabad. (Details on page 11)

Inside this Issue From the Executive Director’s Desk

From the Executive Director’s Desk 1 I hope the readers of this newsletter had a fact, with due alignment, SDGs can help harness successful and promising 2018 paving the way S&T efforts and resources to optimum results Highlights from COMSATS 2 for an even more productive and prosperous across the globe. With S&T cooperation at the Secretariat 2019. Year 2019 brings Silver Jubilee for the centre of its agenda, COMSATS is devoted to COMSATS. 25 years of existence, 27 countries and making its due contribution towards SDGs. The Special Section: Yemen Becomes 11 22 Centres of Excellence in Asia, Africa and Latin contents of this newsletter include recent activities the 27th Member State of America, all helped the Commission nurture as in this direction. COMSATS a truly intergovernmental and international body embarked upon the journey of sustainable progress An important highlight included in this issue is the and prosperity. accession of Yemen to COMSATS. We welcome Article: Cooperation for 13 Development the country in COMSATS’ fraternity and hope The Commission is primarily tasked with helping contributing to the socio-economic uplift of the member countries attain sustainable socio country. Useful meetings with a number of foreign Some Activities of COMSATS’ 15 economic development by employing Science missions and delegates from Nigeria, Jordan Centres of Excellence and Technology as the major tool. The daunting and Germany during the period have also been task of developing the South with an ever growing reported. Doha, Qatar; Istanbul, Turkey; and Rabat, S&T and Development News from 21 population and lack of resources coupled with Morocco, were the venues of COMSATS’ recent Member States Climate related challenges has made it an ever capacity-building activities. Three Memoranda more complex and demanding endeavor. of Understanding signed during November- Science, Technology and 22 December 2018, including those with UNOSSC Development The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of and SESRIC, have further strengthened COMSATS’ 2015 provide guidelines and a frame work for its partnerships. Profile of Head of CoE: Prof. 23 member states for framing agendas and policies Dr. Yanhe Ma, DG TIB, China aiming to bring about the desired sustainable With this present issue, COMSATS Newsletter change and development that meets the needs completes its decade as the 10th Volume draws to of the present without compromising the ability of an end. Consistent support from all contributors, future generations to meet theirs. especially the Centres of Excellence, is highly Patron: appreciated, and is hoped to remain a constant in Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi Appreciating the importance of these goals, future Volumes. We remain greatly indebted to Executive Director COMSATS the Commission has also aligned itself to these all collaborating intuitions and individuals for their guidelines. Helping and assisting member unflinching support to our activities during 2018, Editors: countries and centers, the Commission has and look forward to their continued backing and Ms. Farhana Saleem effectively engaged them by proactively deploying cooperation in the years to come. Ms. Isra Mahmood indigenous and shared solutions to regional and domestic challenges. Fortunately, S&T is a dynamic May 2019 be a more prosperous year for all! Designing & Development: driver that can help these goals at every level. In Mr. Imran Chaudhry HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMSATS SECRETARIAT

Meetings with Foreign Missions and Delegates from Member States

Nigerian Focal Point, Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (December 10, 2018)

Mr. Bako Bitrus Nabasu, mni, Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology visited COMSATS. He was accompanied by COMSATS’ Liaison Officer for the FMST, Mr. Abayomi Oguntunde, Director Bio-resources Technology Research & Development; and Special Advisor to “Nigeria is one of the five Member Commissioner in Islamabad, H.E. the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Samuel countries that are going to host a Maj. Gen. (R) Ashimiyu Adebayo Thomas. Centre each, the other four being Olaniyi. During his remarks, the High Uganda, Tanzania, Palestine and Commissioner opined that such During his meeting at COMSATS Kazakhstan”, informed the Executive collaboration between Nigeria and Secretariat and a dinner hosted in his Director of COMSATS Dr. S.M. Junaid Pakistan is mutually beneficial. He honor in Islamabad, the Permanent Zaidi, who was hosting the delegation in appreciated COMSATS for facilitating Secretary welcomed the cooperation Islamabad. the capacity building of Nigeria, offered by COMSATS for establishment especially through accepting Nigerian of R&D Centres, such as the COMSATS Mr. Nabasu expressed the desire students to pursue postgraduate Centre for Climate Change and to advance cooperation in areas of studies at CUI. Sustainability and new COMSATS’ common interest between Nigeria and universities. COMSATS’ member states. Dr. Zaidi informed that a brief concept note on the establishment of the In the presence of senior officials Discussion continued later at the university in Nigeria would be shared from diplomatic community, Pakistani residence of the Nigerian Higher with the officials of Federal Ministry of government officials, COMSATS Secretariat, and COMSATS University Islamabad, as well as foreign students studying at the university attending the dinner, the Permanent Secretary made a strong case for establishment of these institutions in Nigeria and looked forward to see more of COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence in the areas based on the Country’s national priorities. He also showed keen interest in availing expertise and resources available through the platform of COMSATS, including the knowledge and skills available at COMSATS’ 22 Centres of Excellence, scholarship offers available at these Centres, and COMSATS’ institution building experience.

2 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 programmes in areas of mutual interest; faculty development; vocational and technical training; exchange of expertise and technical resources; and various R&D projects.

Dr. Zaidi proposed R&D Centres in the field of Climate Change & Environment and Biotechnology, as well as Technology Parks and vocational training institutes as possible areas of cooperation. Further, it was opined that linkages of German institutes with COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence would pave way for the latter to achieve excellence in a number of fields. Science and Technology, Government of Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Martin Kobler was receptive of Nigeria. H.E. Mr. Martin Kobler (23rd COMSATS’ proposals and expressed November 2018) keen interest in the establishment of Ambassador of Jordan to Pakistan, Centre for Climate Change for which Upon invitation from the Executive H.E. Maj. Gen (Retd) Ibrahim Yala Al governments of Germany and France th Director COMSATS, the Ambassador Madani (24 December 2018) have already been approached by of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Martin COMSATS. A delegation of COMSATS led by the Kobler, visited COMSATS Secretariat. Executive Director COMSATS paid a He was accompanied by Ms. Christine courtesy call on the newly appointed Rosenberger, First Secretary and Ms. Capacity Building Events Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Veronique Wagner, Political, Press and Jordan to Pakistan, H.E. Maj. Gen (Retd) Communication Counsellor at Embassy 8th International Workshop on Ibrahim Yala Al Madani, at his office in of Germany in Islamabad. ‘Internet Security (Doha, Qatar, the Embassy of Jordan in Islamabad. December 23, 2018) The Ambassador was given a detailed th Dr. Zaidi apprised the Ambassador of briefing on programmes and activities The 8 International Workshop relationship between COMSATS and of COMSATS. It was proposed on ‘Internet Security: Enhancing Jordan. It was informed that Jordan that bilateral cooperation between Information Exchange Safeguards’ rd th is one of the founding members of COMSATS and Germany may be was held from 23 to 27 December COMSATS and Royal Scientific Society established for joint capacity building 2018, in Doha, Qatar. The event was (RSS), COMSATS’ Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Jordan, has always played an active part in programmes and activities of the Organization.

Matters regarding the multilateral cooperative schemes for the mutual benefit of COMSATS Member States were discussed. These included student and faculty exchange; R&D projects in emerging areas of S&T; post-graduate scholarships; and holding of capacity building activities.

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 3 jointly organized by COMSATS; Islamic messages from the Executive Director Scientific Commission (NESCOM). Educational, Scientific and Cultural COMSATS and the Director General of Organization (ISESCO); and the ISESCO, and Executive Director INIT. Workshop on Metrology for the Least Inter Islamic Network on Information The technical sessions of the five-day Developed Countries, (Gebze-Kocaeli, Technology (INIT), and was hosted by workshop were attended by about 30 Turkey, November 26, 2018) the Qatari National Commission for researchers, system administrators and Education, Culture and Science. cyber security professionals, belonging COMSATS co-organized the Workshop to Qatar, Pakistan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, on Metrology for the Least Developed The workshop was inaugurated by Jordan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Oman Countries in Turkey. The workshop was H.E. Dr. Hamda Hassan Al-Sulaiti, and Maldives. The local participants jointly organized with the TUBITAK Secretary General, Qatari National belonged to various Ministries and National Metrology Institute (TUBITAK Commission for Education, Culture and Government Departments of Qatar, UME), Gebze-Kocaeli Turkey. Science, Qatar. The inaugural session including Ministry of Higher Education, was attended by representatives of Ministry of Transport and Technology, Hosted by TUBITAK National Metrology various diplomatic missions based in Cyber Police Department, etc. Institute, the workshop was attended Doha, including Syria, Ghana, Palestine, by about 30 participants belonging Gambia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Turkey, The workshop was conducted by six to Tanzania, Senegal, Bangladesh, apart from the local and foreign subject experts belonging to Pakistan: Gambia, Uganda, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, participants of the workshop. Dr. Haider Abbas, Associate Professor, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Libya, Turkey National University of Sciences & and Austria. Apart from the officials of Dr. Al-Sulaiti considered the workshop Technology, Islamabad; Dr. Muhammad COMSATS Headquarters, the workshop an important means to facilitate the Masoom Alam, Associate Professor, was attended by officials belonging to participants in learning the best and COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI); the World Bank and the United Nations the most effective ways to secure Dr. Akber Abid Gardezi, Assistant Industrial Development Organization online information from risks and would Professor, CUI; Mr. Mian Muhammad (UNIDO). promote user awareness and ability to Waseem Iqbal, Assistant Professor, safely store and share information via Department of Information Security, The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Internet. She considered this activity National University of Sciences & Mustafa Çetintaş, Director TÜBİTAK highly useful for Qatar and other Technology; Prof. Dr. Kashif Kifayat, UME, Turkey. He delivered the message participating countries keeping in view Head of Computer Science Department, of H.E. Dr. Hasan Mandal, President the significance of information and Air University, Islamabad & Director of The Scientific and Technological cyber security. of National Centre of Cyber Security Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Pakistan; Mr. Shah Fahd, Assistant Turkey. In his message, Dr. Mandal The inauguration also featured Manager, National Engineering and considered metrology and quality

4 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 While discussing the way forward, it was agreed that TUBITAK UME (with support from COMSATS) would conduct a survey among the participating countries in order to determine their common national needs of quality infrastructure. Subsequently, the participants would prepare proposals for joint projects in order to garner support from international agencies.

Fourth International Conference on Agriculture, Food Security, and Biotechnology Successfully (Rabat, Morocco, November 13 - 14, 2018) infrastructure in the field important for Nations Industrial Development developing countries in manufacturing Organization (UNIDO), Austria, The 4th International Conference delivered UNIDO Perspective on products for international and domestic on ‘Agriculture, Food Security, and Development of Quality Infrastructure in markets and to improve the quality Biotechnology’ was held in Rabat, LDCs. of life of their citizens. He stated that Morocco. COMSATS co-organized Turkey, particularly TUBITAK, is ready the Conference with the Islamic The event also included presentations to help other developing and least Educational, Scientific and Cultural made by the participating experts developed countries in upgrading their Organization (ISESCO) and the Inter and policy makers in the field of metrology infrastructure and human Islamic Network on Information metrology belonging to COMSATS’ resource development. Technology (INIT), Islamabad, Pakistan. Member States, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Iran, Bangladesh, The Gambia, During his opening remarks delivered COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. These via Skype, the Executive Director represented during the Conference presentations highlighted the existing COMSATS admired the progress made included: Tianjin Institute of Industrial strengths/resources (manpower and by Turkey in the afore-mentioned fields. Biotechnology (TIB), China; Al-Farabi technical infrastructure) as well as needs He also shed light on the possible Kazakh National University (KazNU), of the participating countries in the role of international organizations Kazakhstan; National Mathematical fields related to quality infrastructure, in facilitating the upgradation of Centre (NMC), Nigeria; Industrial including Metrology, Standards, metrology sectors and quality Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka; and Accreditation and Conformity infrastructure in the countries of the Industrial Research and Consultancy Assessment. South. Centre (IRCC), Sudan. Around 50 researchers and subject experts from Their recommendations of the event The technical sessions of the workshop Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, related to upgradation of quality were preceded by the detailed Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, infrastructure included: adequate presentation by Dr. Mustafa Çetintaş, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, financial support of the governments to Director TÜBİTAK UME, Turkey, on Tunisia and Turkey participated in the metrology institutes; strengthening of the status of Metrology in Turkey. Mr. Conference. Erkut Kırmızıoğlu, General Directorate Academia-Industry linkages; periodic briefings by heads of metrology for Standards and Metrology, Turkey, The Conference was inaugurated by institutes to policy makers in order to covered the Transformation of Turkey’s Dr. Amina Al Hajri, Deputy Director keep them abreast of the developments Legal Metrology System. Dr. Hüseyin General, ISESCO, on 13th November and to seek their support; involvement Uğur, Consultant, World Bank, made 2018. Speaking on the inaugural, Dr. of private sector; proper role of media a presentation on how Metrology Hajri stated that attainment of food in highlighting the significance of Infrastructure can be developed in security is becoming increasingly these sectors; and continuous capacity LDCs, while Mr. Pablo Davila, Industrial challenging due to rapid population building opportunities to the manpower. Development Officer, Standards and growth, effects of climate change, low Quality Infrastructure Division, United yields of agriculture production, social

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 5 conflicts, as well as demographic and Activities Related to The inaugural ceremony was attended economic factors. by over a number of participants from Sustainable Development academia and diplomatic community of In his message read out by Goals Pakistan. Mr. Tajammul Hussain, Advisor (Programmes), COMSATS Secretariat, Seminar on SDGs Implementation: Speaking at the inaugural, the Executive the Executive Director COMSATS The Collaboration among Universities Director COMSATS presented the event opined that under the “2030 Agenda for as a unique platform that aimed to In continuation of its initiative to Sustainable Development” developing create clusters of relevant individuals promote the 2030 Global Development countries can build partnerships and higher education institutions on Agenda, COMSATS organized a with the developed ones to achieve each of the seventeen SDGs. seminar on “SDGs Implementation: sustainability in every aspect. The Collaboration among Universities” In his opening remarks, UN Resident on 12th December 2018 at Pak-China The presentations made during Coordinator, Mr. Niel Buhne opined Friendship Centre, Islamabad. The the technical sessions covered a that universities can provide a good seminar was held in collaboration with range of topics, inter alia, including conduit between private sector and the the Higher Education Commission advancements in crop improvement educated youth of Pakistan for helping (HEC) of Pakistan and Inter University in dry-land food production; effect in achieving the SDGs. Consortium for Promotion of Social of environment on the properties of Sciences Arts and Humanities (IUCPSS). Sudanese bread wheat; impacts of His Excellency Sardar Masood Khan, irrigation and unstable grain markets on food security; phytoremediation potentials of sunflower on contaminated soils; and use of precision agriculture for improving sustainability.

Active discussions and deliberations during the sessions promoted exchange of ideas and knowledge sharing among the participants. The recommendations of the event pertained to: pertaining practices; landscape and territories; products; stakeholders; and advocacy were adopted after deliberations and insights.

6 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 Honourable President of Azad State The dialogues and interactions among China as an example to follow, with of Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) graced the participants touched upon policy figures of 400,000 new entrepreneurs the event with his presence. Speaking frameworks, social protection policies, each year. on the occasion, His Excellency entrepreneurship, international appreciated this timely emphasis of cooperation, equitable quality Mr. Kemal highlighted the overarching COMSATS on SDGs. education, women empowerment, importance of SDG 16 for achievement renewable energy, creativity and of all other SDGs. He noted the In his vote of thanks at the inaugural, innovation, institutional building, and importance of good governance Mr. Murtaza Noor, Founder of IUCPSS sustainable infrastructure. A detailed to support actions for all other emphasized that partnerships for goals report of the event is available on: SDGs. Efforts under SDG 17 could are keystones for achieving the 2030 http://comsats.org/wp-content/ further augment relevant efforts Global Agenda. uploads/2019/01/Report-Inner-Pages_ by creating partnerships that are SDGs-Implementation.pdf. ‘inclusive, sustainable and equitable’. The technical sessions of the seminar For sustainability, again, Mr. Kemal were moderated by Dr. Aneel Salman, Presentation on Pakistan’s Standing considered it important to have stronger Dean, Department of Management on SDGs institutions. Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad. Mr. Ali Kemal, Economic A presentation was made by Economic Partnerships Reached and Policy Advisor at SDGs Support Unit, Advisor, Federal SDGs Support Unit, Ministry of Planning, Development Ministry of Planning, Development and Strengthened and Reform delivered a presentation Reform, Government of Pakistan, Mr. MoU with UNOSSC on “Implementation status of SDGs in Ali Kemal, at COMSATS Secretariat on Pakistan”. Dr. Faisal Ahmed Khan, Pro- November 7, 2018. The presentation On 30th November 2018, COMSATS Vice Chancellor, Balochistan University was arranged with a view to strengthen joined hands with the United Nations of Information Technology, Engineering, the capacity of COMSATS’ officials Office for South-South Cooperation and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), for understanding challenges and (UNOSSC) by signing a Memorandum presented his university’s case study opportunities including SDGs in of Understanding (MoU). The MoU covering the university’s initiatives, such developmental agenda of developing formalized cooperation for promoting as establishment of National Incubation countries, with special reference to science-led sustainable development Center and International Centre for Pakistan. in its twenty-seven (27) Member States Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) through South-South and Triangular for fostering entrepreneurship, creating In his interactive presentation, Mr. Cooperation schemes. Ambassador jobs, and building capacity of workforce Kemal informed the participants about Shahid Kamal, Advisor at COMSATS and communities in line with SDG8. Pakistan’s standing with regard to SDGs. Secretariat, Islamabad, and Mr. Shahid With regard to innovation, he quoted

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 7 Husain, Special Adviser at UNOSSC, (UN-OHRLLS); and UNOSSC at the The MoU was signed by Ambassador New York, signed the agreement on 10th Global South-South Development Musa Kulaklikaya, Director General behalf of their organizations. (GSSD) Expo, United Nations of SESRIC and Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Headquarters, New York, USA. Advisor COMSATS. This MoU paves way The MoU was signed during the for the two organizations to enhance side event “Promoting South-South MoU with SESRIC its collaboration in view of its earlier Cooperation in Science and Technology association for various cooperation for Sustainable Development”, held To strengthen the existing cooperation initiatives as well as exchange of jointly by COMSATS; Mustafa Science in the areas of common interest, information and technical resources and Technology Foundation (MSTF), COMSATS signed an MoU with the among their common member states. Iran; United Nations Office of the High Statistical, Economic and Social Representative for the Least Developed Research and Training Centre for Islamic MoU with PAAIS Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries (SESRIC) on 27th November, Countries and Small Island Developing 2018, in Istanbul, Turkey. Cognizant of the growing effects of the climate change and air pollution on the general health and well-being of communities being served by COMSATS Telehealth, COMSATS and Pakistan Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society (PAAIS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 1st November 2018.

The collaboration under this MoU aims to serve the Rural Population through COMSATS Telehealth clinics in effective treatment of allergic conditions. Telehealth would be used as a tool for pre-assessment of the patients for allergen immunotherapy and to follow- up to assess treatment response and side effects. Both the organizations agreed to organize free online allergy camps for patients and online allergy

8 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 schools for the training of the health CTH was recognized for its efforts to at SESRIC, Mr. Onur Caglar, on the professionals associated with the clinics. enhance the access to healthcare to the possibilities of further engagement It was also agreed to reach out various people of mountainous regions within between COMSATS and SESRIC. fora to initiate courses in Allergy and Pakistan through Telemedicine and also medical immunology and seek financial to utilize ICTs for capacity building of Other officials met included Mr. or technical assistance to develop local staff and health care professionals. Wasim Ahmed Abdulwahab, Director, products for diagnosis and treatment of Islamic Financial Sector Development allergic conditions. Participation in OIC International Department, Islamic Development Symposium on Financing for Bank, Dr. Huseyin Avni Bicakli, Deputy Recognition and Development Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO); Mr. H. Representation at International Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Advisor at Halil AFSARATA, Chief Adviser of Vice Fora COMSATS attended the International President, Chief Coordinator of FRiT Symposium on ‘Financing For Funds. CTH Receives Honorable Mention by Development: Thinking Innovative ICIMOD-Nepal Solutions to Persistent Development Engagements with the Foreign Challenges’, held on 22-23 November, Recognition of COMSATS Telehealth 2018 in Istanbul. The event was Office of the Host Country on (CTH) has come in the form of an organized by The Statistical, Economic, Science Diplomacy and Other honorable mention during the fifth Social Research and Training Centre Affairs ICTD Mountain Development Awards for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the 2018 of The International Centre for Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Mr. Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, Director Integrated Mountain Development (OIC), and the Islamic Development General (UN), Ministry of Foreign (ICIMOD), Nepal. The winners of this Bank (IDB). Affairs, Government of Pakistan, visited year’s ICT Awards were announced COMSATS Secretariat and held a on the International Mountain Day, During the meeting, discussions were meeting with the Executive Director 11 December 2018. CTH was one of held with the decision-makers from COMSATS and other officials on 14th twenty-one submissions for this year’s all organizing bodies comprising of November 2018. award, including individuals, NGOs, OIC, SESRIC, and IDB. These included universities, governments, donor- Ambassador Musa KULAKLIKAYA, Having briefed him on COMSATS, funded projects, private sector entities Director General of SESRIC. Separate the Executive Director COMSATS providing ICT-enabled innovations and discussion was held with the Technical shared COMSATS’ aspirations to good practices. Cooperation Specialist for Training and set-up universities in other Member Technical Cooperation Department States, especially in China, Nigeria

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 9 and Sri Lanka. Dr. Zaidi sought DG COMSATS has always remained from COMSATS and WHH, respectively. (UN)’s facilitation towards COMSATS’ cognizant of the need of Science efforts pertaining to: seek support in Diplomacy for national progress and CIS’ experience in ICTs was agreed to COMSATS’ membership drive; inviting development and has, therefore, gave be utilized in education, health, food experts / scientists from COMSATS it a due place in COMSATS objectives. security and building climate resilient member states, establishment of top- The potential of Science Diplomacy to communities by developing Apps, class universities in the country, capacity serve as a tool to address challenges of inter alia, for Child Growth Monitor building programs, expert-opinions on socio-economic nature through forging for providing medical guidance, data socio-economic development initiatives constructive international partnerships collection etc. Tele-health programmes etc. was also highlighted. of COMSATS, it was noted, could be effectively utilized by WHH for providing The Director General pledged full It was informed by Ms. Saima Syed updated information related to nutrition support of his Ministry towards activities that ACDIS-II & Science Diplomacy and child health care for better maternal of COMSATS and pledged to assist Division has recently been established and child health care. in further networking, international by MoFA in order to facilitate scientific representation and bilateral collaboration between national From the platform of COMSATS, the engagements with missions abroad. stakeholders and international partners, organization’s Centre of Excellence, as a part of Pakistani’s diplomatic ICCBS and WHH could be linked Later, on 24th December 2018, a outreach in support of the government’s for the latter’s research work related delegation from a newly established socio-economic development priorities. to nutrition content of flora/special Division, Arms Control and plants in Thar. Similarly, COMSATS Disarmament Division-II (ACDIS-II) Both sides pledged to engage University Islamabad and its campuses & Science Diplomacy, Ministry of relevant stakeholders through Science could facilitate WHH in research and Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Government of Diplomacy for achieving socio- development aimed at innovative Pakistan, visited COMSATS Secretariat economic development in accordance solutions to the problems in the field of upon invitation from the Executive with 2030 Global Agenda. agriculture. Director COMSATS. The delegation comprised Ms. Saima Syed, Director, Prospects of Cooperation with The meeting led to a possibility of an and Mr. Kamran Ahmad, Assistant agreement on areas of mutual interest Director, ACDIS-II & Science Diplomacy, Welthungerhilfe Explored with WHH’s main office in Bonn, MoFA. The meeting, was aimed at A meeting between the officials of under which collaborations would be strengthening bilateral cooperation COMSATS and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) established between COMSATS CoEs and earning the support of MoFA was held on 16th November, 2018. The and WHH regional offices in COMSATS’ for COMSATS’ Science Diplomacy meeting was led by the Ambassador member countries. programme. Ms. Fauzia Nasreen, Advisor (SDGs) and Mr. Richard Blane, Country Director, The delegation was informed that

10 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 SPECIAL SECTION: YEMEN BECOMES THE 27th MEMBER STATE OF COMSATS

The Republic of Yemen joined COMSATS as 27th Member State on November 06, 2018. The membership agreement was signed by H. E. Mr. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Pakistan, and the Executive Director COMSATS, Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi, on behalf of Yemen and COMSATS, respectively in Islamabad. The ceremony was witnessed by H. E. Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, the then Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Ambassadors and High Commissioners from different countries based in Islamabad, and benefits and obligations of COMSATS’ believed was going to further build the representatives of International membership and also to renew the past edifice of the Organization and enlarge organizations and the Ministry of invitations to Yemen to join COMSATS. the scope of collaborative activities of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador, who was handed the Commission. a formal letter of invitation to Yemen Yemen was one of the many countries to join COMSATS, pledged to soon In her opening remarks, President, that had been reached out with respond to what he had learnt during Institute of Peace and Diplomatic invitations to join COMSATS in the the meeting. Studies (IPD), Mrs. Farhat Asif, last few years. The recent follow-ups considered Yemen’s accession to and engagements with the Embassy Later, on September 18, 2018, a follow- COMSATS a momentous occasion and of Yemen in Pakistan that led to the up visit was made to the Ambassador of hoped that the country would greatly country’s membership include the Republic of Yemen in Islamabad, where benefit from COMSATS’ membership, following two meetings. it was learnt that significant progress especially the Yemeni students, faculty had been made with regard to the members and emerging scientist and The meeting of August 18, 2017, was membership of Yemen to COMSATS, academicians. held at COMSATS Secretariat. The which later transpired in the accession Ambassador of Yemen to Pakistan of the country on November 6. In his remarks after the signing had visited COMSATS Secretariat and ceremony, the Executive Director received a briefing on the projects and Speaking at the accession ceremony, Mr. COMSATS welcomed Yemen as a programmes of COMSATS, and the Swati noted with satisfaction Yemen’s member state, and hoped that the accession to COMSATS, which he country would benefit fully from the programmes of the organization. These include, scholarship offers at COMSATS 22 Centres of Excellence in different Member Countries; multilateral research on important topics; capacity building activities; triangular cooperation. He thanked the Minister for his Ministry’s continuous support to COMSATS.

The Ambassador of Yemen said that his country was honored to be part of COMSATS in view of its important standing in S&T-led development efforts for the South. He hoped for Yemen to benefit from COMSATS’ membership.

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 11 Brief Profile of Yemen to 75 percent of government revenue and about 90 percent of exports. Yemen is one of the oldest centers Agriculture is the mainstay of Yemen’s of civilization in the economy, generating more than 20 Middle East and percent of gross domestic product officially known as (GDP) since 1990 (20.4 percent in Republic of Yemen. 2005 according to the Central Bank of It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the Yemen) and employing more than half north, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf (54.2 percent in 2003) of the working of Aden and Guardafui channel to the Terrain population. Numerous environmental south, and the Arabian Sea and Oman problems such as soil erosion, sand to the East. The land is mostly desert; hot and dune encroachment, and deforestation humid along west coast; temperate have been hampering the growth in this Demographics and Key Facts in western mountains affected by sector but the greatest problem by far is seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily the scarcity of water. Present-day Yemen: Brief Timeline hot, dry, harsh desert in east with the 1918 Independence from Ottoman terrain described as narrow coastal The Government of Yemen has made Empire plain backed by flat-topped hills and development of education system its 1962 Establishment of Yemen Arab rugged mountains; dissected upland top priority and is focused on ensuring Republic in the North desert plains in center slope into the that all children have access to quality 1967 Withdrawal of the British from desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula. education. The country’s development the South Yemen protectorate Yemen has a relatively fertile land and plans consistently prioritize human 1991 Unification of two states to form adequate rainfall helps sustain a stable development and the education of the modern Republic of Yemen population. the labor force. The basic education is free and open to all aged between 6 The total population of Yemen is Economy to 14 years. The government has even 28,036,829 largest age group of the instituted a school feeding program. total country’s population is between Yemen is faced with short and long- This program aims to feed children from 0-14 years (39.83%) followed by ages term challenges in economic stability poor families (StudyCountry). between 25-54 years (32.27%). The and growth. The ongoing conflict has, individuals aged 65 years and above inter alia, negatively affected Yemen’s Partnerships constitute only 2.75% of the total exports, devalued the currency, population (CIA World Factbook). accelerated inflation, limited food and Yemen is a member of the United fuel imports, and caused widespread Nations, the Arab League, and the damage to infrastructure. Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Yemen is not a part of Australia has a limited but friendly the Organization of the bilateral relationship with Yemen Petroleum Exporting based on collaboration through Countries (OPEC). international fora, including the Indian Unlike many regional Ocean Rim Association. Since 2009, oil producers, Yemen Australia has provided more than relies heavily on foreign $21 million to Yemen in humanitarian oil companies that have assistance through UN agencies and production-sharing the International Committee of the agreements with the Red Cross (Dept. of Foreign Affairs government. The country’s Australian Government). dependence on declining oil and gas resources Yemen has now entered COMSATS’ has further reduced its fraternity aimed at cooperation in revenues. Income from oil education and S&T. production constitutes 70

12 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

by Farhana Saleem

Inclusive development has been a natural as the pattern that was made the societies that are most resource global concern in some form for nearly a by the dust on a butterfly’s wings”1. constrained. With a number of projects century now. The two World Wars I and However, while the world comes to and programmes in education, ICTs II where on one hand showed humanity an agreement on such matters, there for health and networking, capacity the worst mass destruction and turmoil is a need for more synergies and building, while providing an excellent brought upon humanity by humanity in collaborations. platform for networking with institutions the civilized world, on the other hand and governments in the North and compelled nation states to work out The division of the North and the South the South, COMSATS’ membership arrangements that could help maintain in terms of development and right use would facilitate the country’s efforts to peace in the world. Establishment of and distribution of resources has been develop. An important means in this the United Nations in 1945 is a well- a part of the development narrative regard available to the country is the known manifestation of a unified stance for the past several decades. While scholarships at COMSATS’ Centres of on need for maintaining peace in the efforts have been made to reduce the Excellence, including the top ranking world. divide by a number of means, including IT University of the country, COMSATS establishment of organizations and University. “Three hundred Yemeni That time in history provides an coalitions, regional conflicts have been students are studying in Pakistan,” interesting study of how development dictating the level of development in informed the H. E. Mr. Mohammed is fragile in the face of regional and a number of areas across the globe. Motahar Alshabi, Ambassador of the global conflict. It was the era when Disparity, thus, not only persists in Republic of Yemen to Pakistan, at the humanity was making leaps and bounds some areas, it seems to be increasing. Accession ceremony in Islamabad, of development owing to the industrial According to the World Bank estimates, “Yemen’s membership to COMSATS revolution and an unprecedented pace 378,000 people worldwide died a violent will help in finding new grounds for in scientific discoveries and inventions. death in war each year between 1985 collaboration including cooperation The conflict that resulted in the World and 1994 alone. In addition, the losses with 22 Centres of Excellence.” Wars brought even the developed to infrastructure and resources, as well countries to their lowest in terms of as migration of crucial human resource The said Network of Centres of socio-economic conditions. Factors further exacerbate the situation in Excellence comprises of institutions that helped them regain their socio- conflict-struck countries. in 21 out of 26 member countries of economic stability and even regain COMSATS working under their national excellence in a number of fields over For the Republic of Yemen, the global mandates as well as coordinating the decades can provide useful lessons peace ranking has gone from 11 in with each other and other institutions for the societies torn by conflict and war 2008 to 158 in 2018. Notwithstanding, from the North and the South. With in the present world. Yemen is making laudable efforts to three universities and other R&D and finding a way through its worst socio- S&T organizations with specialties There is no denying the fact that economic conditions in history. A step in fields relevant to member States’ massive catastrophes and events of in this regard is its accession to the development agenda, the Network is global and universal scales call for Commission on Science and Technology aiding initiatives aimed at the socio- unanimity in agreements on highest for Sustainable Development in the economic uplift of these countries. scales and global action. Operations of South (COMSATS). The country joined Among the challenges that United Nations have remained under the organization aimed at S&T-led development organizations based in scrutiny since its inception and have development of the South as its 27th developing countries face, perhaps been subjected to criticism by many. Member State on November 06, 2018. the most crucial ones include the Not to validate or deny any, one would political patronage from the countries. think that is there an expectation that a While expanding its horizons to the The decision-makers have to be kept single global forum no matter how big North to better achieve its objectives, sensitized about the need for continued could suffice to address all the world’s COMSATS remains committed to cooperation and financial support as a issues. Debates on such matters are “as its cardinal objective of helping out continued process.

About the Author: Farhana Saleem is Senior Publications and Communication Officer at COMSATS Secretariat, Islamabad. With an academic background of Public Policy and Literature, she has a vast experience in S&T advocacy, writing, copy editing and journal editing. Email: [email protected]

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 13 Pakistan’s patronage to COMSATS, to the apex forum of S&T cooperation Agenda, bringing together national despite the country’s own unique being hosted in Pakistan presents the governments, the international challenges, has been unwavering. The country to the world quite favorably in community, civil society, the private organization itself came into being as a the context of regional and international sector and other actors.” The Goal result of the country’s initiative to gather S&T cooperation. acknowledges that “despite advances developing countries on the platform in certain areas, more needs to be done of Foundation Meeting of COMSATS “We look forward to an active to accelerate progress. All stakeholders in 1994. Conceived by Dr. Abdus engagement with Republic of Yemen will have to refocus and intensify their Salam, the idea of the Commission in accordance with the aims and efforts on areas where progress has was presented by the Government of objectives of COMSATS”, added the been slow.”2 Pakistan to the participating countries Minister sharing a combined stance of who signed the accession agreement to COMSATS and his Ministry. Pakistan is contributing considerably establish the organization. through its patronage to COMSATS. Establishment of such partnerships This is manifest from COMSATS “By sharing our experiences, we can and synergies has become even more growing membership, of which Yemen’s advance further, and COMSATS is the important under the 2030 Agenda accession is the latest example, and right platform for North-South and for Sustainable Development, which its frontiers expanding to the North South-South Cooperation with 27 necessitates an inter-disciplinary, with cooperation and collaborative Member States. (Here) we have a large qualitative approach towards 17 arrangements with UN development landscape for cooperation”, said the development goals. In particular, arms, Commonwealth Secretariat and Minister for S&T, H.E. Mr. Azam Khan Goal 17 “seeks to strengthen global others, as well as with its continuously Swati, at the accession agreement. The partnerships to support and achieve growing membership. long-standing patronage of Pakistan the ambitious targets of the 2030

(1 An expression used by Ernest Hemingway to describe F. Scott Fitzgerald in ‘A Moveable Feast’ (2 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg17

14 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 SOME ACTIVITIES OF COMSATS’ CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

ICCES-China Co-organizes Fora for International and National Scientific Organizations

From November 3 to 5, 2018, the Founding General Assembly of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) in the Belt and Road Region & the Second International Science Forum of National Scientific Organizations on the Belt and Road Initiative was held in Beijing. The conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The International Centre of Climate Change and Environmental Sciences was the co-organizer of the event. The event to establish a global high-resolution Pakistan and their impact on agricultural was opened with a congratulatory letter assimilation and forecasting system production through observations from from the President Xi Jinping read by suitable for medium- and short-term Pakistani stations. Dr. Wajid has applied the Vice Prime Minister Liu. It conveyed forecasting of disaster weather in the for PIFI Visiting Scholarship in 2019 and the hope that the scientific communities “Belt and Road” region. This would plans to conduct a collaborative study of all countries will work together to provide for forecast products for one-to- on the theme of “Integration of Crop play the role through the platform of one regional storms, high-temperature and Hydrological Simulation Technology the “One Belt, One Road” international and other disaster weather, and and Its Application in Mitigation of scientific organization alliance. objective analysis of the atmosphere. Climate Change Impacts in China and Pakistan” at ICCES. The research The alliance consists of 37 scientific ICCES-China Strengthens content can directly serve the United Nations Sustainable Development institutions. The Russian Academy Linkages with COMSATS of Sciences, the Pakistan Academy Goals (SDGs). of Sciences, the UNESCO, the Centres of Excellence in Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences, the Pakistan and Nigeria From December 2-6, 2018, Prof. Tribhuvan University of Nepal, the Xiaodong Zeng, Deputy Director of rd Brazilian Academy of Sciences, the On 3 November 2018, Dr. Wajid Nasim ICCES, visited National Mathematical Academy of Developing Countries, Jatoi, Associate Professor of COMSATS Centre, Abuja, Nigeria to attend the Polish Academy of Sciences, and University Islamabad, Pakistan, the International Conference the Hungarian Academy of Sciences participated in The Founding General on Mathematical Modeling of joined the alliance as the first member Assembly of the Alliance of International Environmental Pollution. He also gave a unit. The Alliance will carry out in- Science Organizations (ANSO) in the keynote speech on the “Development depth scientific and technological Belt and Road Region & the Second of CAS-ESM and its Application in cooperation, work together to address International Science Forum of National Global Climate and Environment common challenges, and promote Scientific Organizations on the Belt and Simulation”, and made a presentation popular communication and humanistic Road Initiative held in Beijing. On the on the “Transition and Diversity in Arid communication for countries along the sidelines of his participation, he also and Semiarid Grassland - Theoretical route. visited the ICCES and presented his ecological modeling studies”. current research progress. Prof. Zhu Jiang, Director of Institute During his visit, Prof. Zeng was also of Atmospheric Physics, ICCES, in his Dr. Jatoi has been closely cooperating invited to participate in the COMSATS’ keynote reported the research progress with ICCES since 2014. The focus of the International Thematic Research Group of the project of “One Belt and One cooperation is to analyze the changes (ITRG) on Mathematical Modelling and Road Climate Disaster Short-term and in extreme weather and climate events Simulation. After the meeting, Prof. Seasonal Prediction”. The project aims in South Asian countries such as Zeng and Prof. Stephen Onah, Director

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 15 of NMC, and other NMC members Academic Linkages using remote sensing technology to talked about the potential collaborative investigate, recognize and assess the opportunities between ICCES and Strengthened by CUI-Pakistan natural reserves, world heritage and NMC. A four-member delegation comprising historic sites on the CPEC with the main of Dr. Simone Burkhart, Head of purpose of conservation by both the ICCES and NMC intend to make more Scholarship and Financial Division, institution. use of ICCES’s research on climate Dr. Katharina Fleckenstein, Head of system theory, model development and Scholarship Section, Ms. Dagmar A three-member delegation comprising application, and NMC’s mathematical Beerwerth, In-charge Scholarship of Prof. Dr. Xiuming Liu, Dr. Mingming modelling theory and analysis study, programs and Ms. Inge Iqbal, DAAD Ma and Dr. Xuegang Mao from Fujian to collect and analyze Nigeria’s climate Director Islamabad Office visited Normal University (FNU), Fuzhou, th and environmental observation data, COMSATS University Islamabad China, visited CUI on 19 Nov 2018. An to conduct joint research on extreme (CUI) on 6th November 2018 with agreement was signed to collaborate climate characteristics, impacts of the intent to learn more about CUI for joint research projects on “Impact of climate change on the occurrence and and its cooperation with Heidelberg Climate Change on the Ecosystem and spread of environmental pollution in University. The delegation interacted Ancient Agricultural Progress in Indus Western Africa. with a number of departments including River Valley and Himalaya Region.” Mathematics Department, Physics A high-level delegation from Federal CUI-Pakistan Organizes Department, Bio Sciences Department, Chemistry Department and International Republic of Nigeria visited CUI International Conferences th Office. Islamabad on 10 December 2018. The delegation was headed by Mr. Bitrus COMSATS University Islamabad Bako Nabasu, Permanent Secretary, organized the 16th International On November 19, 2018 an eight- member delegation led by Prof. Wang Federal Ministry of Science and Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology, Nigeria. Accompanying Technology (FIT’18), which was Xinyuan and his team from Heritage Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital officials were Mr. Abayomi Oguntunde, held from December 17-19, 2018, in Director Bioresource Technology th Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Islamabad for the 16 consecutive year. Department of the Ministry of Science The principal aim of FIT is to focus on Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China visited CUI. Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector and Technology and Mr. Samuel modern trends pertaining to computer Thomas, SA to Permanent Secretary. sciences, engineering, and other CUI and Prof. Wang vowed to build a cooperative research platform on It was agreed by both sides to initiate related areas. Like every year, under collaborative work in the fields of the umbrella of Frontiers of Information global changes, space archaeology and digital heritage, especially for architecture, chemical technology, food Technology (FIT) conference, Best IT and biotechnology. Innovation Awards (BITA-2018) Contest was also organized.

The 10th South Asian International Conference (SAICON) was held from 26th - 28th November 2018 in Islamabad where leading minds from around the world gathered to present their research for discussion, promotion of meaningful ideas and to put research challenges on table for attracting the attention of the international community. SAICON is an annual conference themed on business and data science, organized by the COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) the custodians of the South Asian Chapter of the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA).

16 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 Nigeria Inaugurates Lab among other national research facilities. Over 600 scientists, including 100 foreigners from 40 countries Named After the Director of ICCBS-Pakistan to Collaborate participated in the symposium, which ICCBS, Pakistan is considered as one of the most with Canadian University on prestigious international events in the The “Iqbal Choudhary Center for Scientific R&D field of natural product sciences. Natural Product Research (ICC-NPR)” was inaugurated in Benin, Nigeria on ICCBS signed an MoU with the Brock A number of brainstorming sessions, December 21, 2018. The inauguration University, Canada, to cooperate on plenary lectures, invited presentations took place during an international ‘Scientific Research and Technology and session lectures were held in the symposium on “Recent Discoveries Development’ in the fields of mutual four days of global science gathering. in Natural Product Sciences”, where interest, which include establishment Around 90 posters were also presented Prof Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the of joint laboratories or pilot stations in by the young scholars. During the International Center for Chemical and research and development activities. symposium, many foreign scientists Biological Sciences (ICCBS), had been The Director ICCBS, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal agreed as adjunct faculty to serve invited as a guest speaker at the Edo Choudhary and Prof. Dr. S. Aijaz Ahmed, ICCBS-University of Karachi. State Polytechnic. Dean Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, signed the The naming of the institute was to five-year agreement in Karachi on behalf NMC-Nigeria Organizes recognize his excellent contributions of their organizations. International Conference on to the advancement of drug discovery Mathematical Modeling and natural product research. Prof The areas of cooperation include joint Iqbal Choudhary also attended the supervision of graduate students, The International Conference on foundation laying ceremony of the including Masters and Ph. D. students Mathematical Modeling and Simulation Center. and researchers. was organized by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, Forensic DNA Lab of ICCBS- ICCBS’ International Nigeria, 2-6 December, 2018. The conference was of the theme “Militating Pakistan gets Government Symposium gathers experts against Environmental Pollution through Funding from around the world Mathematical Modeling for Sustainable Development”. The conference The Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Scientists from different parts of the aimed at creating an environment for Medicine and Drug Research of ICCBS th world gathered at the 4-day 14 sustained interdisciplinary research on has allocated a grant of Rs. 220 million International Symposium on Natural environmental challenges facing the from the provincial government of Product Chemistry organized by ICCBS world today and in particular, Nigeria. Sindh to set up a modern Forensic DNA from November 4 - 6, 2018. and Serology Laboratory. The Sindh government designated the ICCBS as the focal center for Forensic DNA and serology analysis and training in forensic serology and DNA analysis. The government also declared the ICCBS as drug and food testing laboratory.

A comprehensive execution plan for this project has been prepared under an MoU. The laboratory will be operational in eight months after the release of funds in December 2018. The forensic lab would have a capacity to handle 50 cases in routine while in any untoward situation extra cases would be divided

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 17 Government agencies on climate and Peoples, Yahiya Aliyev, highlighted environment, with research interests the high achievements of the leading in safe environment, water, air and Kazakhstani University, its enormous soil. Activities during the conference scientific and innovative potential and included plenary and parallel sessions, dynamic development. He attributed group/roundtable discussions. this success of the University to the leadership of Rector Galym Mutanov, SPaceX Launches into Space a under which the University has carried out large-scale transformations. Nanosatellite created by Al- Farabi KazNU-Kazakhstan CSIR- Ghana’s Institute Trains A nanosatellite created by Al-Farabi 96 Youth on Solar Installation Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan – Al-Farabi-2 – was successfully launched On December 14, 2018, the Council into space by SpaceX. The launch for Scientific and Industrial Research was successfully carried out from a – Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR- Spaceport on the Falcon 9 rocket carrier IIR), Ghana, trained 96 electricians in the Vandenberg Air Force Base and artisans on solar installation and maintenance in collaboration Speaking at the inauguration, of California (USA) on December 4, with TELSOL. Supported by Danish Professor Stephen E. Onah, Director/ 2018. This is the second Nanosatellite Development Agency, the event Chief Executive NMC presented launched by KazNU into space, the first was held to build the capacity of Mathematical Modeling and simulation being, Al-Farabi-1, launched into space members of Certified Electrical Wiring of earth’s atmosphere and marine on February 15, 2017. Professional Association of Ghana systems to be aimed at obtaining (CEWPAG). balanced information on dynamics of The innovative technologies used in Al- the complex physical, chemical and Farabi-2 are protected by Kazakhstani The project is aimed to provide support biological processes. patents. The nano-satellite has been designed to solve original scientific, for the energy needs of the Ghanaian government’s One-District One-Factory, In his submission at plenary session, technological and educational One-Village One- Dam Initiative. Professor Xiaodong Zeng of the problems, and would facilitate testing of The project is expected to reduce International Centre for Climate and electronic components of an onboard dependence on foreign electrical Environment Sciences, China, noted computer developed by KazNU’s contractors charging high fees for that solving the problem of pollution scientists for small spacecraft. The services. The training would also assist needs sophisticated models and tools results of the study based on the nano- in increasing solar power generation and also the use of computers for satellite would effectively serve the capacity from the current level of enumeration and analysis. Models are Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan and 22.5MW and develop a non-constrained developed according to the laws of foreign partners of the university. transmission network by 2020 and would physics and mathematics. help with 10 per cent contribution Laurels for Al-Farabi KazNU- of modern renewable energy in the Other notable plenary speakers Kazakhstan electricity-mix by 2030. included Associate Professor and Department Chair, Mathematics, The World Congress of Turkic Peoples It is pertinent to mention here that University of Central Texas, Dr. awarded the Al-Farabi Kazakh the IIR was also recognized as the Christopher Thron. Dr. Thron National University the title of ‘The as the most Energy Efficient Public underscored the importance of right Best University of the Turkic World’. organization in the country for the year application of mathematics to duly Rector of the University, Academician 2018 by the Ghana Energy Awards benefit from it. Galym Mutanov was awarded with Scheme. This was announced during the an Engraved Gold Medal of this annual Ghana Energy Awards held in The conference attracted local and international organization. In his Accra in November 2018. foreign academics, researchers, congratulatory speech, President scientists and students, Nigerian of the World Congress of Turkic

18 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 The Royal Scientific Society Launches Six SMEs to Implement Communal Environmental Interventions through the “Youth Advocates for Improved Environment” Project

The Royal Scientific Society (RSS), familiarize them with the most crucial successfully implement and manage Jordan, launched six small-medium challenges concerning water, energy these interventions and sustain the enterprises (SMEs) as part of the and solid waste in Jordan. In addition, efforts of the working groups, the project “Youth Advocates for Improved training courses were provided for the above-mentioned working groups Environment in Mafraq and Ramtha”, in advocacy groups regarding human independently established six SMEs, in June 2018. development skills (communication, close consultation with the RSS team. presentation and leadership skills), The project, supported by the Middle creative thinking, advocacy and Ramtha proposals included the East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), aims proposal writing. following ideas: Recycling of wooden at empowering citizens, particularly waste, Solid waste recycling arts, young people, to implement a range Trained youth advocacy groups were and School contest for solid waste of communal environmental initiatives/ then divided into smaller groups (4 segregation and Hydroponic agriculture. interventions that promote participatory sub-groups in Ramtha and 2 in Mafraq) The Mafraq proposals included two governance within the targeted areas. to develop proposals for innovative ideas, i.e., composting and bread Youth advocacy groups were formulated environmental interventions that serve leftovers recycling. All initiatives are through this project to implement these the local community and contribute currently being managed by the youth interventions. to facing some environmental groups and are successfully achieving challenges in the targeted areas of their intended objectives. The methodology of the project Ramtha and Mafraq. Subsequently, six included building capacities of the proposals for communal environmental RSS will constantly work on creating youth advocate groups’ members interventions were submitted, all of awareness and training programs to regarding environmental topics through which were financially and technically engage local communities in addressing holding specialized workshops to supported by the project. In order to national challenges.

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 19 TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Bioelectronics (3B) Center of Excellence” Open to Collaborations to COMSATS Member States

The “Biomaterials, Biomechanics biosafety level-II (BSL-II) microbiology by the Centre: and Bioelectronics (3B) Center of for the development of innovative Excellence”, as part of TÜBİTAK products in biomedical and health • Designing of Wireless MEMS Sensor Marmara Research Center (MAM) sectors. for the early detection of blocked Materials Institute aims to develop heart arteries in order to prevent and produce high-tech materials and Multidisciplinary research group of a possible heart attack before it devices for health sector through the Center has 15 on-going R&D actually takes place, thus it aims national capabilities. The Centre projects with a total budget of about to decrease the number of deaths was established with the purpose to 5.2 million €. All of these projects are from heart attacks. conduct cutting-edge research in the being conducted in close cooperation • Early Phase Lung Cancer Detection fields of Biomaterials, Bioelectronics with stakeholders from the industry, through the analysis of the breath and related technologies. Owing to its universities, legal authorities and NGOs. and the breath condensate, in other expert personnel who are competent words, the breath compounds in Materials Science, Chemistry, At the Centre, R&D is carried out on originating from broncho-alveolar, Food Science, Physics, Mechanics, degradable (scaffolds for soft and hard of a lung cancer patient. Biomedicine and Microbiology; the 3B tissue) and non-degradable biomaterials • Glucose Detection for the early Center of Excellence conducts R&D and (dental implants, hip-joint replacements, diagnosis of type-I and type-II test & analysis studies on nanocarriers, knee implants, etc.), and various ISO diabetes through a MIP-and-PNA biosensors and biomaterials. The newly and EN certified microbiological, harboring biosensor that functions constructed building of the Center was disinfectant efficacy, biomaterials with high selectivity and high finished at the end of 2018. mechanical characterization tests accuracy, while being low-cost and are also conducted. 3B Center also quite simple The Center houses state-of-the-art synthesizes micro/nano carrier systems laboratories dedicated to MEMS, for targeted gene/ drug delivery Once fully operational, the Centre, advanced microscopy, thin film, systems, diagnostic imaging systems, which is currently working on non- bioelectronics test and characterization, and synthetic agents for early detection invasive sensors, will fabricate tissue chemical synthesis and characterization, and treatment of various kinds of cancer implantable sensors (e.g. in brain), DNA mechanics and bio-mechanics, by kits or biosensors. sensors and sensors implantable on skin physicochemical properties, that will facilitate early disease diagnosis 3D-bioprinting, cell culture and Following projects are being executed as well as toxin detection in tissues and body.

The R&D studies of the Center are expected to turn into products and help meet the needs of Turkey in the future as well as providing a proper guidance to R&D inputs. The 3B Center of Excellence is open to collaborations with COMSATS’ countries for developing joint projects in line with the needs of the countries. Likewise, the member countries can use the infrastructure of the Center for their own projects; and other cooperation programs can be conducted through COMSATS University Islamabad like scholarship programs, student exchange programs, etc.

20 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 S&T AND DEVELOPMENT NEWS FROM MEMBER STATES

Egypt and Tunisia among The SDGs form part of Special Ms. Shauzab informed that the Economic Zones’ (SEZs) developmental government is deliberating on plans the World’s Best Renewable framework in Jamaica, and are thought to launch vocational training programs Energy Producing Countries to be pivotal to fulfilling the SEZs’ at large scale to equip youth with skills mandate. This mandate focuses on and relevant expertise to make them Renewable energy has wide scale developing a regime and environment compatible with modern job market. applications in industrial and transport in which globally competitive firms She said the government also aims to sector. Two COMSATS Member thrive while driving unprecedented further empower women. Countries, Egypt and Tunisia, along with growth and development for all the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are on stakeholders’ interests in a logistics- A decision was reached at the meeting the list of World Bank’s best countries centred economy. The SDGs that were to organize a national level conference producing renewable energy in 2018. deliberated on directly aligned with the with inclusion of federal, provincial and SEZ mandate are Goals 7-Affordable district/local level SDGs representatives World Bank’s report cited by CNN and Clean Energy; Goal 8-Decent Work to discuss the future agenda of Arabic mentioned that these three Arab and Economic Growth; Goal 9-Industry, advocacy and localization of SDGs. states have made a remarkable progress Innovation and Infrastructure; Goal (Times of Islamabad, 28th December in renewable energy development 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities; 2018). over the past seven years. The report Goal 12-Responsible Consumption and indicated that these countries provided Production; and Goal 17-Partnerships incentives such as legal framework to Zimbabwe Government for the Goals. The economic, the private sector in order to encourage environmental and social aspects Introduces Free Education them to invest in renewable energy of sustainability were considered sector. The Justice, Legal and Parliamentary important for the proposed projects, Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, by considering their potential to In the report, Egypt was graded from announced that the Zimbabwe contribute to Jamaica achieving targets 10 points to 68 points by 2018 and government has introduced a law in the SEZ Policy, Vision 2030 Jamaica UAE becomes one of the best states under which government schools will National Development Plan, Logistics in developing energy efficiency on the offer free basic education and abolish Hub Initiative Master Plan and Industry World Bank’s Regulatory Indicators corporal punishment. He said that the Analysis, and SDGs. (Jamaica Observer, for Sustainable Energy (RISE). This has Education Act will be amended when 22nd December 2018). made Egypt among the top 36 countries Parliament resumes sitting early next around the world. A commendation year to align the law with Section 27 of was also given to Jordan’s “notable” Pakistan Government to the Constitution. progress in developing renewable Expedite Implementation and energy from 2010 to 2017 with a Localization of SDGs He stressed that the state must take record of 63 points. (Daily Times, 27th all practical measures to promote: (a) December 2018). According to the Parliamentary Free compulsory basic education for Secretary for Planning of the children; and (b) higher and tertiary education. The cabinet has approved United Nations 2030 SDGs Government of Pakistan Ms. Kanwal Shauzab, the country is the Education Amendment Bill Adopted by JSEZA, Jamaica making endeavours to expedite the which, among other things, promotes equitable development of schools The Jamaica Special Economic Zone implementation and localization of across all regions, the learning of local Authority (JSEZA) has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) languages and guarantees the rights of United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable in the country. She gave this insight in people with disabilities. Development Goals (SDGs), which are a meeting with various representatives being targeted for attainment within of UN agencies in Islamabad, to The Minister Ziyambi also pointed that 12 years in relation to a wide range discuss SDGs agendas with regard the Constitution will be amended to of social and economic development to monitoring and evaluation, civil improve women’s representation in the issues. These focus on addressing registration and vital statistics system National Assembly (Bulawayo 24 News, education, energy, the environment, and population control programs. 23rd December 2018). health, hunger, poverty, decent work and economic growth.

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 21 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT

Lung-Like Device for Efficient The researchers have produced soft, This sensor has huge potential for flexible, durable, extremely light, and early diagnosis of cognitive and Hydrogen Fuel Production easy to handle aerogels with superior motor developmental disabilities At Stanford University, California, Yi Cui thermal insulation as well as strong which are currently diagnosed with a and his team have developed a device absorption capacity. PET aerogels can series of cognitive and motor tests. that operates on the same principle be customized for various applications Such disabilities are often reported in as that of human lungs to power the by giving different surface treatments. children born prematurely and their reactions used for making hydrogen timely detection can alleviate the fuel (NewScientist, 20th December Bacteria Found In Ancient negative impacts on children. 2018). The scientists have fabricated a Irish Soil Halts Growth of A highly conductive liquid solution, 12-nanometer thick rolled and sealed Superbugs: New Hope for plastic film coated with gold and made from potassium iodide and platinum nanoparticles on the inside Tackling Antibiotic Resistance glycerol, has been used in the sensor, and bearing tiny pores, with remarkable in contrast to previous biocompatible The soil of Swansea University hydrophobic properties, outside. When sensors which are prepared using Medical School in Swansea, Wales, the voltage is applied to water to split it sodium chloride-glycerol solutions is long thought to possess medicinal into its constituent parts, the hydrogen which have low conductivities. Further, properties. A team of researchers from and oxygen gases enter the lung-like the preparation of these wearable Wales, Brazil, Iraq and Northern Ireland, apparatus and create energy as they sensors takes one-third less time than carried an analysis of this soil which pass through the conductive metals other sensors. led to the discovery of a previously on the inside of the pouch. The team unknown strain of bacteria. The strain, believes that improving the process In another study, scientists from named Streptomyces sp. Myrophorea, could make better fuel cells which are McCormick School of Engineering is effective against four of the top used to power hydrogen vehicles and and Feinberg School of Medicine, six superbugs that are resistant to could one day be used for powering Northwestern University, Illinois, have antibiotics, including MRSA (Science everything from cell phones to cities. developed world’s smallest wearable, Daily, 27th December 2018). Cui and his team found that their battery-free device for measuring lung-like device is 32 per cent more exposure to light across multiple According to a recent research, up to efficient than other known devices in flat wavelengths ranging from the ultra 1.3 million people in Europe could die membrane. violet (UV) to visible and even infrared of antibiotic-resistant superbugs by parts of the solar spectrum. The 2050. Thus the discovery of this microbe device can record up to three separate Turning Plastic Bottles into will help in R&D of new antibacterial wavelengths of light at once even in the Aerogels drugs to treat multi-resistant bacteria, water (www.mccormick.northwestern. and other lethal infections. edu, 5th December 2018). It can Researchers from the National University monitor therapeutic UV light in clinical of Singapore (NUS) have found a way Wearable Devices for Better phototherapy booths for psoriasis to convert plastic waste into a material Healthcare and atopic dermatitis, as well as blue called Aerogels which can be modified light phototherapy for newborns with to absorb oil and carbon dioxide (Asian A team of researchers from Harvard jaundice in the neonatal intensive care Scientist, 12th November 2018). John A. Paulson School of Engineering unit. It also demonstrates the ability and Applied Sciences (SEAS), The to measure white light exposure for Plastic waste is toxic and non- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired seasonal affective disorder. As such, biodegradable. Such waste often ends Engineering, Beth Israel Deaconess it enables UVB and UVA exposure for up in oceans and landfills, affecting Medical Center, and Boston Children’s people at high risk for melanoma, a marine life. Plastic bottles are commonly Hospital have developed a soft, non- deadly form of skin cancer. made from polyethylene terephthalate toxic wearable sensor that unobtrusively (PET). In the present study, a research attaches to the hand and measures the For recreational users, the sensor can team led by Associate Professor Duong force of a grasp and motion of the hand help warn against impending sunburn. Hai Minh, has found a way to convert and fingers (www.seas.harvard.edu, 21st PET into aerogels which are porous solid December 2018). materials with customizable properties.

22 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 PROFILE OF HEAD OF COMSATS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

PROF. DR. YANHE MA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, TIANJIN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, CHINA

Prof. Dr. Yanhe Ma based on biosynthesis could be is the Founding established. The core scientific areas of Tianjin Director and Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Director-General He is currently the member of the are industrial protein science and bio- of Tianjin Institute Scientific Advisory Committee catalytic engineering, synthetic biology of Industrial on the development of national and microbial manufacturing engineering, Biotechnology strategic emerging industries and and biological systems and bioprocess (TIB), Chinese development of national new materials, engineering. Academy of Deputy Secretary-General of the TIB has state-of-the-art core facilities Sciences (CAS), Scientific Advisory Committee on the covering high-throughput screening, which became the 22nd COMSATS development of national bioindustry, systems biotechnology, fermentation, and International S&T Centre of Excellence and member of Steering Committee genome synthesis along with National during the 21st Meeting of COMSATS of national medium and long-term Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Coordinating Council held on 3-4 April biotechnology development planning. Enzymes, CAS Key Laboratory for 2018, at Al-Farabi Kazakh National Microbial Systems Biotechnology, Tianjin University (KazNU), Almaty, Kazakhstan. Prof. Ma was also a member of the Key Laboratory for Industrial Biosystems and Bioprocess Engineering, and a Tianjin Prof. Ma is also the Vice President expert panel on biotechnology of Engineering Center for Bio-catalytic of Chinese Society of Biotechnology the National High Technology R&D Technology. and Director of National Engineering Program of China (863 program) during Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes since the “11th Five-Year” plan of China, TIB has over 600 staffs and graduate 2010 and 2008, respectively. the convener of the expert panel on students, among which 45 are professors. Industrial Biotechnology of 863 program TIB has applied for over 540 patents, th among which 136 have been granted and Born in 1961, Prof. Ma holds a doctorate during the “12 Five-Year” plan of has received 12 awards among which 10 degree in Fermentation Engineering China. Besides, he was involved in are of national/ provincial level. from Jiangnan University, China. drafting many national strategic plans on During the early years of his career biotechnology, bioindustry and strategic So far, it has established cooperative as a Biotechnologist, he worked as emerging industries during the national relationships with over 140 enterprises of a Research Assistant at Institute of “12th Five-Year” and “13th Five-Year” the nation with a total contract value of Microbiology (IM), CAS where he was plans of China. $120 million. Over 30 technologies have been industrialized in various industries, successively promoted to Professor from such as pharmacy, chemical, textile, Assistant and Associate Professor. In recognition of his services towards fermentation, biomaterials and enzyme. scientific advisory and research, Prof. Major part of Prof. Ma’s research is Ma was conferred numerous honours related to the discovery, development and awards including Science and Aquatic Biosystems, Applied and and application of extremophiles and Technology Progress Award by China Environmental Microbiology and Chinese extremozymes. His research group has National Light Industry Council (2016), Journal of Biotechnology. discovered over 20 novel extremophile Science and Technology Progress Award species, and developed some industrial by China Petroleum and Chemical Contact details: enzymes, some of which have been Industry Federation (2014), Science and used in food, textile and pharmaceutical Technology Progress Award of Tianjin Prof. Dr. Yanhe Ma industries. City (2013), Technology Invention Award Director-General by China Petroleum and Chemical Tianjin Institute of Industrial As the chief scientist of China’s first Industry Federation (2011) and National Biotechnology (TIB) Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) synthetic biology project “Synthetic Technology Invention Award (2001). th cell factories” funded by the National 32 West 7 Avenue, Tianjin Airport Basic R&D Program of China, Prof. Prof. Ma has published 227 papers and Economic Area Ma founded China’s first “cell factory” has filed 156 patents of which 46 were Tianjin 300308, China research group. Under this project, granted. He has also served as Editor, Tel: (+86-22) -84861966; 84861925 his group has built over 20 important Associate Editor, and member of the Fax: (+86-22) 84861996 microbial cell factories, by which the editorial board of several international Email: [email protected]; disruptive green production patterns academic journals including 3 Biotech, [email protected] URL: http://english.tib.cas.cn/

COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018 23 Scholarships offered by COMSATS’ Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship Tenable at Centres of Excellence for Member States COMSATS University Islamabad

Students from COMSATS’ Member States are welcome to benefit from the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship following offers from COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence: offers two scholarships to study under different programmes at CUI for academic year 2019. • Hundred (100) scholarships for students/researchers for postgraduate The scholarships are open for citizens of Commonwealth member countries, except studies and ten (10) for post-doctoral fellowships at all campuses of Pakistan. The MS programs for which the COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Pakistan. scholarships are offered are: Computer Science; • Ten (10) doctoral scholarships/post-doctoral fellowships at the Information Security; Software Engineering; International Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), Computer Engineering; Environmental Pakistan. Engineering; Banking and Finance; Management • Five (05) post-doctoral fellowships at the National Research Centre Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; Chemistry; (NRC), Egypt. Bio-sciences; Bioinformatics; Biochemistry • Postgraduate Scholarships and Post-doctoral Fellowships at International and Molecular Biology; and Microbiology and Centre for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES), China, and PFIF Immunology. programme. • One (01) post-doctoral fellowship at Bangladesh Council for Scientific For more information, please refer to: and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh. ww3.comsats.edu.pk/internationalstudents/, and https://www.acu.ac.uk/scholarships/ For further details on the scholarships, please visit www.comsats.org or write queen-elizabeth-commonwealth-scholarships/ ; to [email protected] and [email protected]. comsats-university or write to [email protected].

COMSATS Network of Centres of Excellence

BCSIR-Bangladesh Embrapa Agrobiologia-Brazil ICCES-China TIB-China CIF-Colombia NRC-Egypt CSIR-Ghana www.bcsir.gov.bd embrapa.br/grobiologia english.icces.ac.cn english.tib.cas.cn www.cif.org.co www.nrc.sci.eg www.csir.org.gh

IROST-Iran ICENS-Jamaica KazNU-Kazakhstan RSS-Jordan ICCBS-Pakistan NMC-Nigeria CUI-Pakistan www.irost.org www.icens.org www.kaznu.kz/en/ www.rss.jo www.iccs.edu www.nmcabuja.org www.comsats.edu.pk

AQU-Palestine UCAD-Senegal ITI-Sri Lanka IRCC-Sudan HIAST-Syria TIRDO-Tanzania CERTE-Tunisia TÜBITAK MAM-Turkey www.alquds.edu/en www.ucad.sn www.iti.lk www.ircc.gov.sd www.hiast.edu.sy www.tirdo.org www.certe.rnrt.tn www.mam.gov.tr

Honourable mentions: Mr. Tila Mohammad, Mr. Kehinde Musodiq Sanni, Mr. Anya Augustine Igwebuike and Mr. Prem Thapamagar

Contributions from readers are welcome on any matter relevant COMSATS Secretariat to the mission of COMSATS, namely the promotion of South- Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, G-5/2 South cooperation in science and technology for sustainable Islamabad - Pakistan progress of the developing countries. The responsibility for the Tel: (+92-51) 9214515 to 17

accuracy of any information rests with the original source. Views Fax: (+92-51) 9216539 expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of Email: [email protected]

its editors, publisher or COMSATS. URL: www.comsats.org . . 24 COMSATS Newsletter, November - December 2018