MID YEAR REPORT (January - June 2017)
Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS)
MID YEAR REPORT January - June 2017
August 2017
Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS)
Table of Contents
Foreword
Change in Leadership
Appointment of the New Executive Director 07 The New Executive Director COMSATS honoured by Focal Ministry 07 International Collaborations
20th Coordinating Council Meeting, 14-15 May 2017, Cairo, Egypt 09 Finalization of ISESCO-COMSATS Cooperation Programme 14 Engagements with Diplomats, Government Officials, and Delegates in/from Member States
Meeting with Senior Officials in Ghana 15 Meeting with the Ambassador of State of Palestine in Islamabad 16 Meeting with the Ambassador of Syria in Islamabad 16 Meeting with COMSATS’ Liaison Officer from TUBITAK MAM, Turkey 17 Meeting with the First Secretary, Embassy of China in Islamabad 17 Meeting with the Ambassador of Tunisia in Islamabad 18 Meeting with the Ambassador of Jordan in Islamabad 18 Meeting with the Ambassador of Sudan in Islamabad 19 Meeting with the Malaysian High Commissioner in Islamabad 19 Meeting with Participants of 25th Advanced Diplomatic Course of MoFA, Pakistan 20 Dinner for the International Participants of Conference on Agriculture, Food Security 21 and Biotechnology Meetings with Officials from Host Country
Mr. Parvaiz Ahmed Butt, Founder Executive Director COMSATS 23 Mrs. Tahmina Daultana, Member National Assembly, Government of Pakistan 23 Brainstorming Session on Way Forward for COMSATS 24 Former Minister for S&T, Government of Pakistan 25 Other Distinguished Visitors to COMSATS Secretariat 25
Foreign Interns at COMSATS Secretariat 27
Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Biotechnology 29
COMSATS Tele-Health Programme 33 Other Activities at COMSATS Secretariat
Lecture at COMSATS Secretariat by Brazilian Ambassador 35 The Executive Director COMSATS Delivers a Lecture to CIIT Faculty 36 Training of COMSATS’ Officials and Staff 36
Publications
COMSATS Newsletter 37 Annual Report 2016 37 Science Vision (Volume 21) 37 Proceedings of International Symposium on Light and Life 37
Cooperation Agreements
MoU between COMSATS and Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies 39 MoU between NETDZLY, China, and ICCBS, Pakistan 39 Intent of Cooperation between the ICCBS and Al-Quds University, Palestine 40 Cooperation Protocol between Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and NRC, Egypt 40 Intent of Cooperation between COMSATS Institute of Information Technology 40 and China University of Petroleum Beijing (CUPB) Cooperation Framework Agreement between TUBITAK and CERN 41 MoU between ICCBS and South African Authority on Halal Affairs 41
Activities of Centres of Excellence
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Pakistan 43 Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh 44 Industrial Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Pakistan 44 International Center for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES), China 45 Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka 47 TUBITAK Marmara Research Center (MAM), Turkey 48 National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Nigeria 50 Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO), Tanzania 51 Embrapa Agrobiologia, Brazil 52 Al-Quds University (AQU), Palestine 53 Foreword
enhancing the quality and scope 20th Coordinating Council Meeting, of its programmes. To achieve the collaborative efforts between affiliated organization’s objectives, COMSATS institutions, and reports from some also seeks cooperation from Centres of Excellence. Also featured organizations with similar mandate. are the intellectual exchanges with The quests of humanity cannot be Despite the immense challenges it officials from the host country, completed without cooperation at faces in pursuit of its mission, the Pakistan. all levels. COMSATS has a mandate organization is preparing for new to seek and foster cooperation in paradigms and better destinations, I take this opportunity to thank all Science and Technology among the which calls for more dynamism and the stakeholders of COMSATS, for countries of the South for sustainable re-alignment of strategies. their financial, intellectual, technical development for attaining its mission and in-kind contributions that have ‘to help create a world where all The report is a special effort for been vital for COMSATS growth and nations are at peace with one another immediate information sharing impact. My personal gratitude to all and capable of providing a good to the stakeholders. The efforts of whose support I enjoy while fulfilling quality of life to their populations in COMSATS made during the first half the responsibilities as the Executive a sustainable way…’. In this regard, of 2017 forms its basis. These include Director COMSATS. COMSATS is devoted to bringing engaging with different foreign together more countries and scientific and diplomatic missions, including institutions by expanding its state those from member and non- Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi and network membership; and member states, mobilizing necessary Executive Director COMSATS intellectual resources, COMSATS
Change in Leadership
Appointment of the New members in Islamabad, as well as Executive Director senior government functionaries of Pakistan. Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi assumed the charge of the Executive Director, The dinner had an impressive COMSATS Secretariat, on 27th attendance of 75, including February 2017. Dr. Zaidi succeeded ambassadors and representatives from Mr. Fazal Abbas Maken, the Federal 22 foreign missions in Islamabad. Secretary, Ministry of Science and The foreign missions present on the Technology (MoST), Government of occasion represented Afghanistan, Pakistan, who held the interim charge Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, of the position for three months since China, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, 19th October 2016. Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Previously, Dr. Zaidi also held the has been awarded two Civil Awards by Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, interim charge as the Executive the Government of Pakistan, namely Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Senior Director in 2000. Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz. officials, inter alia, from Pakistani Ministries of S&T, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Zaidi is best known for his over The New Executive Director and Planning and Development; two decades of association with COMSATS honoured by Focal COMSATS Secretariat, COMSATS COMSATS Institute of Information Ministry Institute of Information Technology, Technology (CIIT). He has been and COMSATS Internet Services also the founding rector of the degree- On March 15th, 2017, the Federal attended the dinner. awarding institution till early 2017. Minister for Science and Technology, Based on the phenomenal growth Government of Pakistan, H.E. Rana Speaking to the august gathering the university has undergone Tanveer Hussain, hosted a dinner at the dinner, His Excellency during the years, his reputation as to introduce the newly appointed congratulated Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi an academician proceeds him. In Executive Director COMSATS to the on assuming charge as Executive recognition of his services to the diplomatic community of COMSATS Director COMSATS, which he education and I.T sectors, Dr. Zaidi Member States, and a few non- deemed “a befitting recognition of Dr.
Mid Year Report 2017 7 Present and Former Executive Directors of COMSATS with COMSATS’ Officials
Zaidi’s dedicated and selfless services spanning well over 45 years”. Earlier, the Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Fazal Abbas Maken, appreciated the mandate of COMSATS and its efforts in pursuit of its objectives over the years. He showed his confidence in the new incumbent, who took on the new role equipped with a sound academic background and a vast experience of civil service, education sector, S&T policy and diplomacy.
In his remarks on the occasion, Former Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hus- the Executive Director COMSATS sain addressing the diplomatic community in Pakistan at a Welcome Dinner for expressed his gratitude to the Minister the New Executive Director COMSATS for honoring him by hosting the regard, the efforts of his predecessors. Tanveer considered the support of the dinner. He was grateful to the Prime With a pledge to do his utmost best in foreign missions in the country crucial Minister for appointing him as the realizing the vision of Dr. Abdus Salam for COMSATS’ smooth operations. He Executive Director, and expressed of a more enabled South in terms of reiterated his Ministry’s strong resolve gratitude to the Federal Minister and S&T cooperation, he sought support to stand by COMSATS to help achieve Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science from his colleagues and the honorable its goals. and Technology, for the confidence guests at the dinner. In his vote of they showed in him. He held in high thanks after the dinner, Mr. Rana
8 Mid Year Report 2017 International Collaborations
20th Coordinating Council in their respective countries. The Lanka, IRCC-Sudan, UCAD-Senegal, Meeting, 14-15 May 2017, Working Paper of the meeting, TIRDO-Tanzania, CERTE-Tunisia Cairo, Egypt including the annotated Agenda and TUBITAK MAM-Turkey, as well and Programme and COMSATS’ as the honorary life time member of Annual Activity Report (2016-17), the Council, Prof. M.H.A. Hassan, With South-South cooperation at the was prepared and was electronically Executive Director TWAS. The core of the whole operational strategy, distributed to the Council members representative of UNESCO also COMSATS Coordinating Council and other invitees during April 2017. attended the meeting as observer. serves as an effective forum for The printing and publicity material Moreover, the meeting was attended important deliberations for scientific of the event was also prepared by by a two-member delegation of the and technical cooperation. COMSATS and the host Centre. Al-Quds University (Palestine) led by Arrangements were made for the its President, in connection with the The 20th meeting of the Council took interviews of delegates to publicize university’s request for induction in place on 14th and 15th May 2017 at COMSATS’ mission of South-South COMSATS’ Network of International National Research Centre (NRC), cooperation for achieving science- S&T Centres of Excellence. Egypt. led sustainable development in the developing countries. Inauguration Preparations The Meeting The meeting was inaugurated on Earlier on, COMSATS Headquarters 14th May 2017, by Senior Assistant closely coordinated with the local The Meeting was attended by Minister for Strategic Plans and organizing committee of the event the Council members or their Supporting Systems, Ministry of to ensure timely arrangements. representatives from 14 Centres Higher Education and Scientific The host institution, NRC-Egypt, of Excellence of COMSATS: Research, Arab Republic of Egypt. extended invitations to the confirmed BCSIR-Bangladesh, ICCES-China, In addition to the senior officials of participants of the meeting for visa NRC-Egypt, CSIR-Ghana, KazNU- NRC and COMSATS, the ceremony formalities, whereas visa-on-arrival Kazakhstan, NMC-Nigeria, ICCBS- was attended by the senior officials was arranged for those participants Pakistan, CIIT-Pakistan, ITI-Sri of the diplomatic missions of Jordan, who do not have Egyptian Embassy
From L to R: Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Secretary COMSATS Coordinating Council; Prof. Dr. Ashraf Shaalan, Chairperson COMSATS Coordinating Council; H.E. Prof. Khaled Kassem, Senior Assistant Minister for Strategic Plans and Supporting Systems, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt; and Prof. Mahmoud Sakr, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Egypt
Mid Year Report 2017 9 COMSATS is an effective platform Our global competitiveness Adequate investment for capacity for facilitating networking and depends on our ability to create, building of scientific human scientific collaborations among the develop and make practical use resources is of paramount developing countries. of new scientific discoveries. In importance. The developing brief: our capacity to innovate… countries must also pay attention to H.E. Prof. Khaled Kassem, innovation is at the heart of devising effective national policies Senior Assistant Minister for our ability to find solutions that and action plans for development Strategic Plans and Supporting are economically, socially, and of adequate infrastructure and Systems, Ministry of Higher environmentally sustainable. facilities for productive research Education and Scientific Research, and development. Egypt Prof. Dr. Ashraf Shaalan, Chairperson Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi COMSATS Coordinating Council Executive Director COMSATS
Pakistan and Kazakhstan in Cairo; as Prof. Khaled Kassem considered priorities and strategizing accordingly well as universities, R&D institutions, COMSATS an effective platform in order to fulfill their needs of ministries and government for facilitating the networking and national development. Appreciating departments of the country. scientific collaborations among the the ongoing programmes and developing countries. He stressed activities of COMSATS, he urged the In his inaugural address, H.E. the need of determining research organization to continue providing
10 Mid Year Report 2017 opportunities of exchange of human Technical Deliberations Major Outcomes of the Council and technological resources among Meeting the developing countries. Prof. The technical sessions of the two- Kassem also updated the participants day meeting were chaired by Prof. • Induction of Al-Quds University, regarding the ongoing activities of his Shaalan. The meeting deliberated on a Palestine: The Al-Quds University, Ministry. 13-point agenda. Palestine, (Brief Profile on Page 53- 54) was inducted in COMSATS’ Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. The deliberations, inter alia, featured: Network of Centres of Excellence Dr. Ashraf Shaalan, President NRC, as its 21st member, through a Egypt, Chairperson COMSATS • Presentation of COMSATS’ unanimous approval. The approval Coordinating Council, welcomed the Annual Activity Report (May was accorded based on the formal participants and congratulated Dr. S. 2016 – April 2017) by Advisor application received from the M. Junaid Zaidi on his appointment (Programmes) university as well as the detailed as the Executive Director COMSATS. • COMSATS Future plans of the presentation by the President of He expressed pleasure on hosting this organization presented by the the university. year’s Council meeting, which made Executive Director COMSATS • Offer of Post Doctoral Scholarships: NRC the only Centre of Excellence to • Presentations on the scientific ICCBS-Pakistan and CIIT- have hosted three Council meetings. activities of respective Centres Pakistan, offered 10 post-doctoral during the period since the last fellowships each, while NRC-Egypt Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Council meeting by the heads/ offered 5 fellowships to COMSATS Zaidi expressed gratitude towards representatives of the Centres of Member States. the National Research Centre for Excellence. • Reconstitution of Technical generous hospitality and excellent Advisory Committee: The matter arrangements for the meeting. He The Council expressed satisfaction of reconstitution of COMSATS’ opined that science and technology on the annual activity report for Technical Advisory Committee is the most effective tool to improve the period since the 19th Meeting, (TAC) was deliberated upon the socio-economic conditions in the future plans, and administrative and with a decision that submitted developing countries. Developing financial affairs of COMSATS. The nominations from the Centres countries must pay attention to presentations by the council members would be discussed. Subsequent devising effective national policies helped in identifying areas of potential consultations among the and action plans for development cooperation among the Council Chairperson Coordinating of adequate infrastructure and members. Council, Executive Director facilities for productive research and development. He also announced the Scholarships offered by COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence Turkish Parliament’s endorsement of the ratification of the Accession Students from COMSATS’ Member States are welcome to benefit from the Agreement to join COMSATS, which following offers from COMSATS Centres of Excellence: was earlier signed by the honourable Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan. • Hundred scholarships for students/researchers for postgraduate studies and He wished the delegates fruitful 10 scholarships for post-doctoral fellowships at all campuses of COMSATS discussions during the meeting and an Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Pakistan. enjoyable stay in Cairo. • Seven Ph.D scholarships [4 fully paid and 3 partially paid (50%)] and five postdoctoral fellowships at the Iranian Research Organization for Science Speaking on the occasion, Prof. and Technology (IROST), Iran. Mahmoud Sakr, President of the • Ten doctoral scholarships/post-doctoral fellowships at the International Academy of Scientific Research and Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), Pakistan. Technology (ASRT), Egypt, stated that • Five post-doctoral fellowships at the National Research Centre (NRC), COMSATS is an excellent platform for Egypt, and International Centre for Climate and Environment Sciences internationalization of research efforts (ICCES), China, each. • One post-doctoral fellowship at Bangladesh Council for Scientific and being made by Member States/Centres Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh. of Excellence. He expressed interest in having collaborations between ASRT Contact for more information: and COMSATS in capacity-building Mr. Tajammul Hussain, Advisor-Programmes and joint research projects. Email: [email protected]
Mid Year Report 2017 11 TWAS, and Executive Director (ITRGs) on ‘Climate Change representatives of the Lead Centres. COMSATS, led to the constitution and Environmental Protection’, Discussions regarding the new of a new TAC, members to which ‘Information and Communication initiatives for collaboration and way are shown on the next page. Technologies’, ‘Natural Products forward led to an agreement that Sciences’, ‘Mathematical Modeling’, COMSATS’ ministerial Consultative During another agenda-item, and ‘Agriculture, Food Security and Committee shall be activated to hold progress reports of the International Biotechnology’ were presented to regular meetings at appropriate level, Thematic Research Groups the Council by the Group Leaders/ and their agenda shall be prepared in consultation with the Coordinating Members of the New Technical Advisory Committee Council.
• Dr. Sabah AlMomin, Research Scientist, Biotechnology Program, Kuwait It was recommended that following Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Safat, Kuwait. the success of the establishment • Prof. Dr. Huadong Guo, Director General, Institute of Remote Sensing and of CIIT-Pakistan, COMSATS may Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. establish a few new Centres of • Dr. Sok Ching Cheong, Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF), Excellence in Member States. The Selangor, Malaysia. Centres of Excellence were urged • Dr. Jalila Ben Salah-Abbas, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, to enhance networking with each Monastir, Tunisia. other and share their human and • Dr. Yin Li, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, technological resources for the benefit China of Member States. It was agreed that • Prof. Mustafa Omar Nawari, Professor of Dynamical and Information opportunities of fellowships available Systems, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan with TWAS shall be examined and • Prof. Talgat Inerbaev, Research Fellow, National University of Science and availed by the Centres of Excellence. Technology (MISIS), Moscow, Russia • Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu, Department of Computer Science, Ahmadu Bello Meeting Communiqué University, Zaria, Nigeria. • Dr. Amal Al-Aboudi, Department of Chemistry, University of Jordan, The Coordinating Council Amman, Jordan expressed satisfaction on the annual
12 Mid Year Report 2017 activity report, future plans, and th administrative and financial affairs of List of Participants of the 20 Coordinating Council Meeting, Cairo, Egypt COMSATS. The meeting also issued a Communiqué that encourages the • Prof. Dr. Ashraf Shaalan, National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt (Chairperson) Centres of Excellence to: • Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Executive Director COMSATS (Secretary to the Council) • Dr. Md. Sarwar Jahan, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research • enhance cooperation with other (BCSIR), Bangladesh Network members for launching • Prof. Lin Zhaohui, International Center for Climate and Environment Sciences new projects and programmes for (ICCES), China the benefit of Member States; • Ms. Wencheng Chen, International Center for Climate and Environment • become creators of knowledge Sciences (ICCES), China in addition to being users of the • Prof. Hosam El-Sayed, National Research Centre, Egypt same; • Prof. Dr. Victor Kwame Agyeman, Council for Scientific and Industrial • launch the remaining two ITRGs Research (CSIR), Ghana on ‘Materials Science’ and • Dr. Eugene Atiemo, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana ‘Construction Materials’, and • Prof. Tlekkabul Ramazanov , Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), arrange funds for the activities Kazakhstan of existing ITRGs from their • Prof. Ejugwu Stephen Onah, National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Nigeria respective governments; • Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, International Center for Chemical and Biological • sensitize their respective Sciences (ICCBS), Pakistan governments regarding the • Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, International Center for Chemical and Biological benefits of regularly making AMC Sciences (ICCBS), Pakistan for the financial sustainability of • Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology COMSATS; (CIIT), Pakistan. • Prof. Izhar Hussain, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), • keep COMSATS Headquarters Pakistan aware of new developments and • Prof. Dr. Imad F. S. Abukishek, Al-Quds University, Palestine major achievements of their • Prof. Dr. Radwan F. H. Qasrawi, Al-Quds University, Palestine organizations; and • Dr. Sirimal Premakumara Galbada Arachchige, Industrial Technology Institute, • contribute scientific articles for Sri Lanka publication in COMSATS’ bi- • Dr. Einas Elmughira Hamad Mohamed, Industrial Research & Consultancy annual journal, ‘Science Vision’. Center (IRCC), Sudan • Prof. Ibrahima THIOUB, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD), The meeting appreciated the efforts Senegal of COMSATS Secretariat in fulfilling • Prof. Mkumbukwa Madundo Angelo Mtambo, Tanzania Industrial Research the objectives of the organization. The and Development Organization (TIRDO), Tanzania Coordinating Council also welcomed • Mr. Mohamed Ben Amor, Water Researches and Technologies Centre of Borj- Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi as the new Cedria (CERTE), Tunisia Executive Director of COMSATS and • Dr. Orkun Hasekioglu, TUBITAK Marmara Research Centre (MAM), Turkey hoped that under his leadership the • Prof. Dr. Mohamed H. A. Hassan, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), programmes of COMSATS will be Italy further enhanced in order to achieve • Mr. Nazar Hassan, UNESCO Office, Egypt the objectives of the organization. The • Mr. Tajammul Hussain, COMSATS Secretariat, Pakistan Council also expressed gratitude to all • Mr. Amanullah Khattak, COMSATS Secretariat, Pakistan • Mr. Farhan Ansari, COMSATS Secretariat, Pakistan of the previous Executive Directors
Mid Year Report 2017 13 of COMSATS for their sincere efforts their tireless efforts for organizing the During Jan-Feb 2017, COMSATS and contributions towards fostering meeting. and ISESCO made consultations the programmes of the organization. in order to finalize the cooperation Finalization of ISESCO- programme for 2017. In this regard, Conclusion COMSATS Cooperation the five capacity building events were scheduled to be jointly organized by During the closing ceremony of the Programme COMSATS and ISESCO during 2017, meeting held on the evening of 15th in Nigeria, Gambia, Kazakhstan, May 2017, the Executive Director Since 2004, COMSATS and ISESCO and Pakistan. These events have COMSATS hoped that the decisions have been collaborating for execution a focus on the themes related to of the meeting shall be actively of various activities in different fields ICTs, Biotechnology, Internet/ followed-up by the concerned of science and technology. These Cyber Security, Vaccine, and Repair Centres of Excellence for enhancing collaborative activities have proved and Maintenance of Laboratory meaningful collaborations within the to be productive for both of the Equipment. Network. organizations and have contributed to the socio-economic development of A joint Conference on Agriculture, In his vote of thanks, the President their common member countries. The Food Security and Biotechnology was NRC thanked the foreign delegates collaboration is reviewed and revived held later in April 2017 (Page 29). for ensuring their participation in the through periodic agreements between meeting. He also thanked the local the two organizations. organizing committee members for
14 Mid Year Report 2017 Engagements with Diplomats, Government Officials, and Delegates in/from Member States
Meeting with Senior Officials Agyeman on scientific activities On the same date, the delegation also in Ghana that COMSATS intends to hold in met the Chief Director of the Ministry collaboration with CSIR in the near of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yankey in order A three-member delegation of future. Moreover, the issues raised in to brief him about COMSATS and its COMSATS, headed by Ambassador previous interactions, correspondence multi-layer relationship with Ghana. Fauzia Nasreen, Advisor to Executive and discussions held in the past were The meeting was held in view of the Director in International Relations, also followed up. important role of the foreign office in visited Accra, Ghana from 21st to the international affairs of the country, rd 24th May 2017. The purpose of the On May 23 , the delegation visited including the country’s engagements visit was to strengthen relations with MESTI to call on Prof. Kwabena with COMSATS’ Member States. the country hosting the Chair of Frimpong Baoteng, Hon. Minister for COMSATS through interactions with Environment, Science, Technology The delegation also visited other its partner institutions. In this regard, and Innovation (MESTI) in his office. institutions in Ghana, including meetings were held at COMSATS’ The Minister was apprised about the the Water Research Institute, Food focal ministry in Ghana, Ministry for activities of COMSATS chaired by the Research Organization, Policy Environment, Science, Technology Ghanaian President, and its future Research Institute, and Ghana Atomic and Innovation (MESTI) and plans. Energy Commission in order to get Ghanaian Centre of Excellence, the better insights into Ghana’s scientific Council for Scientific and Industrial In view of the importance of and research infrastructure. Research (CSIR). Dr. Fauzia was interaction at the highest level of accompanied by two other officials of Ghana and COMSATS for achieving The meetings of the delegation COMSATS, Mr. Nisar Ahmad, and the organization’s objectives and in Ghana helped to sensitize the Mr. Basit Rehman. fulfilling its international obligations, Ghanaian institutions and senior the likelihood of arrangement of a officials about COMSATS and the The delegation visited CSIR on 22nd meeting between the Chairperson country’s role in the organization’s and 24th May 2017 and held detailed of COMSATS, the Hon. President of programmes and leadership. meetings with the Centre’s Director Ghana, Hon. Nana Addo Dankwa General, Dr. Victor Agyeman. Akufo-Addo, and the Executive Discussions were held with Dr. Director COMSATS was discussed.
Mid Year Report 2017 15 Meeting with the Ambassador The Executive Director COMSATS Ambassador of the Syrian Arab of State of Palestine in welcomed the idea and said that Republic to Pakistan, paid a visit to Islamabad COMSATS is ready to accommodate the COMSATS Secretariat on Monday, more than 100 students in 3rd April 2017, to congratulate Dr. S. programmes being offered by CIIT. M. Junaid Zaidi on his appointment as His Excellency Walid Abu Ali, He further explained that Palestinian Executive Director COMSATS. Ambassador of State of Palestine students availing the scholarships to Pakistan, visited COMSATS would only have to bear the travel and The Ambassador congratulated Dr. Secretariat along with the Embassy’s food expenses, while their lodging Zaidi on assuming charge as the new Cultural Attaché Mr. Husni in Pakistan and tuition fees will be incumbent and expressed confidence Muhammad Mustafa, on Monday, covered by CIIT. His Excellency and in his leadership that would help 27th March 2017. The visit was a Executive Director also agreed to COMSATS in achieving its goals. He courtesy call to extend the Palestinian seek financial support from Islamic committed that Syria being a Member Embassy’s best wishes to the newly Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah, to State of COMSATS will render all appointed Executive Director facilitate more students from Palestine possible support to COMSATS. His COMSATS, Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi. in higher education institutions of Excellency apprised the Executive His Excellency was shown around the Pakistan. Director about the prevailing situation Secretariat building, where he was of his country with a hope for better also introduced to the foreign students future. With regard to the education studying at CIIT and working as Meeting with the Ambassador sector of Syria, Mr. Loutfi informed interns at COMSATS Secretariat. of Syria in Islamabad that all the educational institutions are functional and the country is doing Speaking on the occasion, the His Excellency Mr. Radwan Loutfi, Ambassador pledged his Embassy’s full support to COMSATS Secretariat. He further informed about his close contacts with the Federal Minister for Science and Technology and Federal Minister of State for Education, Pakistan, to seek relevant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. He further expressed his desire to send Palestinian students in Pakistan for Post-graduate and Undergraduate studies on scholarships.
16 Mid Year Report 2017 well in higher education despite its prevalent situation. The Ambassador showed keen interest in securing some scholarships being offered by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) for Syrian students.
Dr. Zaidi welcomed the idea and noted COMSATS’ readiness to help accommodate Syrian students in undergraduate and post-graduate studies at CIIT. He further explained that students from Syria can apply anytime throughout the year, and CIIT will process their applications common interest, particularly in the COMSATS Secretariat for operational at the time of admission. He stressed field of Cyber Security. expenses will also be presented to the upon the need for more intellectual Board’s meeting. exchange among Syria, Pakistan and Dr. Murat apprised that TUBITAK other COMSATS’ member countries. houses 19 research facilities in Mr. Murat also visited the COMSATS He further explained that researchers, Turkey, nine of which are working Internet Services Technology Park in scholars and scientists should travel in different fields of Information the vicinity and held a meeting with from Syria to other countries for and Communication Technologies its CEO, Mr. Jamshed Masood. exchange of knowledge and expertise. (ICTs) and electronics. Mr. Hussain expressed COMSATS’ desire to Meeting with the First Meeting with COMSATS’ enhance collaboration with TUBITAK Secretary, Embassy of China on long-term basis for creation of Liaison Officer from critical mass of I.T experts. In this in Islamabad TUBITAK MAM, Turkey regard, Mr. Hussain requested Dr. Murat to identify relevant experts Mr. Jia Wei, First Secretary (S&T), On May 29, 2017, the Vice from their institutes in the field of Embassy of China in Islamabad, President of TUBITAK Marmara visited COMSATS Headquarters on Cyber Security. Mr. Murat assured th Research Centre (MAM), Dr. Murat that he would contact relevant 12 June 2017, and held a meeting MAKARACI, visited COMSATS persons in TUBITAK Informatics and with Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Executive Headquarters, Islamabad, and Information Security Research Center Director COMSATS. Mr. Tajammul discussed avenues for strengthening (BİLGEM) and one of MAM’s R&D Hussain, Advisor (Programmes) cooperation between COMSATS and supporting unit, National Academic and Mr. Farhan Ansari, Sr. Assistant MAM. Dr. Murat was on his visit to Network and Information Center Director (Programmes) also attended Pakistan in connection with the then (ULAKBİM). the meeting. ongoing joint Reverse Linkage Project between the Pakistan Meteorological Mr. Hussain urged TUBITAK MAM During the meeting, the Executive Department and Marmara Research to offer scholarships for students from Director praised the Chinese R&D Centre (MAM). Senior officials COMSATS’ member countries. In organizations and universities for of COMSATS, including Advisor this regard, Dr. Murat informed that their excellent research activities (Programmes), Mr. Tajammul agenda of scholarship programme and achievements, and informed Hussain; Deputy Director (Systems), customized for PhD and Postdoc for that COMSATS wishes to enhance Mr. Nisar Ahmed; and Sr. Assistant students from COMSATS’ member collaboration with such organizations Directors, Mr. Farhan Ansari, and Ms. countries will be presented for of China in various fields of science Huma Balouch, were present in the approval in the upcoming meeting and technology. In this regard, the meeting. of TUBITAK Board of Directors. officials of the two organizations Further, he also informed that agenda discussed avenues of COMSATS’ During the meeting, the two for secondment from TUBITAK collaboration with R&D organizations sides discussed ways to enhance MAM at COMSATS Secretariat working under the Chinese Ministry cooperation between COMSATS and consideration of payment of of Science and Technology (MoST), and TUBITAK MAM in the areas of Annual Membership Contribution to as well as the Chinese Academy
Mid Year Report 2017 17 of Sciences (CAS). With regard S&T Centres of Excellence. During COMSATS-Tunisia R&D Centre for to COMSATS’ S&T collaboration the meeting, a number of important Tunisia that could cater to the relevant with Chinese S&T organizations, matters of mutual interests were needs of the country, and assured it was agreed that the possibilities discussed, such as a proposal for him of every possible technical and will be explored for benefitting establishing R&D Centre in Tunisia, financial support from COMSATS. from the funds available under the financial cooperation, faculty and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor student exchange, and cooperation for The honourable Ambassador extended (CPEC). The potential areas of establishing technology parks. gratitude for COMSATS’ proposal collaboration include: setting-up of to bring the academic communities joint laboratories and establishment The Executive Director apprised the of Pakistan and Tunisia closer, and of an S&T Park in Pakistan. Tunisian Ambassador about the post- share experiences and good practices COMSATS will also explore the graduate and doctoral scholarships, relating to training and research. possibility of inducting more Chinese and post-doctoral fellowships offered R&D organizations in its Network at COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence Meeting with the Ambassador of International S&T Centres of in China, Pakistan, Iran, and of Jordan in Islamabad Excellence. Bangladesh. He sought the support of Tunisian Ambassador for inviting the On June 14, 2017, the Executive Meeting with the Ambassador international students of Tunisia for Director COMSATS visited the of Tunisia in Islamabad short-term student exchange at two Jordanian Embassy, Islamabad, Centres of Excellence of COMSATS in Pakistan, in order to hold a meeting On June 15, 2017, a meeting was Pakistan, CIIT and the ICCBS. with the Ambassador of Jordan to held between the Executive Director During the meeting, Dr. Zaidi also Pakistan, H. E. Nawaf Khalifa Ibrahim COMSATS and the Ambassador of proposed the establishment of Saraireh. The COMSATS’ delegation the Republic of Tunisia to Pakistan, H. E. Mr. Adel Elarbi at the Embassy of Tunisia, Islamabad. Mr. Tajammul Hussain, Advisor (Programmes), was among the senior officials accompanying Dr. Zaidi.
Dr. Zaidi and H.E. Mr. Elarbi had similar views on developing further cooperation and partnerships between COMSATS and Tunisia, particularly academic linkages between Tunisian S&T institutions and members of COMSATS’ Network of International
18 Mid Year Report 2017 comprised of senior officials including Advisor Programmes, Mr. Tajammul Hussain; Mr. Laeeq H. Jaswal, Manager (Strategic Partnerships); and Mr. Shahzad Ahmad, Manager at International Office. The Ambassador was assisted by his colleagues at the Embassy, Mr. Falah al Ghafari, Deputy Head of Mission; and Mr. Abdul Aziz, Cultural Attaché.
During the meeting, Dr. Zaidi expressed COMSATS’ desire to have better working relations with Jordanian institutions in order to carry out a large number of events and Sudanese Professors to visit Pakistan capacity-building activities in Jordan. Meeting with the Ambassador and share their best practices and He also mentioned that the Annual of Sudan in Islamabad carry out research in CIIT. Membership Contribution (AMC) by Jordan is desirable and would be On 19th June 2017, a delegation from The Ambassador thanked the useful in enhancing the country’s COMSATS headed by Executive Executive Director and expressed contribution and gains in COMSATS’ Director COMSATS visited the willingness of Sudanese government activities; however, Jordan’s Embassy of the Republic of Sudan to enhance cooperation and work membership to the Commission is not in order to hold a meeting with the with the partner organizations. The conditional to it. Ambassador of Sudan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Tageldin Elhadi Eltahir. Ambassador showed keen interest in the Professor exchange program and His Excellency was requested to Dr. Zaidi was accompanied by collaborations for capacity- building write to the Secretary General, Mr. Tajammul Hussain (Advisor events. Higher Council for Science and Programmes); Mr. Laeeq H. Jaswal Technology (HCST), Jordan, Dr. (Manager Strategic Partnerships); While answering a question, Dr. Khaled Elshuraydeh, to seek his help and Mr. Shahzad Ahmed (Manager Zaidi explained the scholarship offers in identifying the country’s national at CIIT’s International Office). from COMSATS CoEs. Mr. Hussain priorities for possible collaborations Also present during the meeting brought to the Ambassador’s attention with COMSATS. The possibilities was the First Secretary Ms. Ebtihal a few capacity-building events held in regarding Jordanian students’ Mohammed Osman Bashir. Sudan in collaboration with Ministry admission in other institutions of of Higher Education and Scientific Pakistan were also discussed and The Executive Director expressed Research, and the Industrial Research it was assured that COMSATS will desire to further strengthen and Consultancy Centre (IRCC), provide all possible facilitation COMSATS’ working relations with Sudan. for securing admissions as well as Sudan. He mentioned the active scholarships. participation of Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre (IRCC), Meeting with the Malaysian The Secretariat officials also proposed Sudan, in COMSATS’ programmes. High Commissioner in establishment of a university in Jordan He also appreciated the Annual Islamabad on the same lines as CIIT in Pakistan. Membership Contribution made by His Excellency informed them about Sudan on regular basis. Dr. Zaidi On 19th June 2017, the Executive Princess Sumaya University and expressed COMSATS’ desire to Director COMSATS, with other encouraged them to explore possible replicate the institution building officials of COMSATS called on areas and modes of collaboration success in the form of CIIT in Sudan Dato’ Dr. Hasrul Sani Mujtabar, between the two higher education by establishing a university under High Commissioner of Malaysia to institutions. The Ambassador was also the umbrella of COMSATS. He Pakistan, at his office in Islamabad. informed about COMSATS’ support emphasized the need for having a Other officials from COMSATS were to 30 scientists from Jordan for their state-of-the-art facility to impart Ambassador (R) Fauzia Nasreen, research activities. important knowledge to the people Advisor to Executive Director of Sudan. Dr. Zaidi also invited the
Mid Year Report 2017 19 in International Relations; Mr. the High Commissioner about the and his interest in cultural exchanges. Laeeq Jaswal, Manager Strategic Annual Membership Contribution Partnerships; and Mr. Shahzad of COMSATS’ Member States, which Meeting with the Participants Ahmed, Manager International is kept in separate account as a trust of 25th Advanced Diplomatic Relations. Also present during the fund for the contributing country meeting were Sy. Nauzer IDID Dato’ and is spent on programmes, inter Course Organized by Ministry SY. Yossoff IDID, First Secretary/ alia, on scholarships, organizing joint of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan HOC; and Incharge Education seminars and conferences, and travel th Programmes at High Commission of expenses of scientists for participation On 16 March 2017, a group of Malaysia. in different events abroad. It was six mid-career diplomats from the also mentioned that COMSATS COMSATS’ Member Countries visited The meeting was primarily held to Secretariat’s operations are financially COMSATS Secretariat, Islamabad on follow up the matter of Malaysia’s supported by the Government of invitation from Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, membership to COMSATS, as well Pakistan. Executive Director COMSATS. These as related issues such as establishing diplomats were receiving training at th a ministerial Focal Point in Malaysia, The High Commissioner affirmed 25 Advanced Diplomatic Training and nomination of a suitable all possible support of the High Course organized by the Foreign Malaysian institution to become the Commission of Malaysia towards Services Academy, Ministry of Foreign organization’s Centre of Excellence. COMSATS and promised to once Affairs, Government of Pakistan. Possibility of further collaborations again take up the accession proposal The group comprised of Mr. Idrees between COMSATS Institute of with his authorities. He also pledged Yaqub and Mr. Bin Yameen Yahya Information Technology (CIIT) to facilitate meetings of COMSATS’ Tanko, Deputy Directors, Ministry and Malaysian universities was delegation with officials of relevant of Foreign Affairs (Ghana); Mr. also discussed which also included Government departments in Malaysia. Achach Abdellah, Secretary, Ministry promotion of cultural exchanges. of Foreign Affairs (Morocco); Mr. Briefing the High Commissioner, The Executive Director agreed with Joseph Alto Ahois Kapuiga, Foreign Dr. Zaidi highlighted the benefits of the suggestion and expressed interest Services Officer, Ministry of Foreign joining COMSATS as Member State in inviting Malaysian experts in the Affairs (Tanzania); Mr. Christy Ruban and affiliating a Malaysian institution area of Islamic Finance from Malaysia Augustin, Deputy Director, Ministry with COMSATS’ Network, based to deliver lectures at CIIT. The High of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka); and on which he requested the High Commissioner of Malaysia praised Mr. Tickakunde E. M. Mutseyekwa, Commission to continue to pursue the Executive Director’s efforts Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign the matter of Malaysia’s accession for consolidating ties between the Affairs (Zimbabwe). to COMSATS. He further informed universities of Malaysia and Pakistan,
20 Mid Year Report 2017 These foreign trainees had an informal and participants of the Conference suggested that COMSATS Institute discussion with the senior officials of on Agriculture, Food Security and of Information Technology (CIIT), COMSATS Secretariat that included Biotechnology (Page 29), a dinner a flagship project of COMSATS, the Executive Director COMSATS; was hosted by the Executive Director should join hands with National Mr. Tajammul Hussain, Advisor COMSATS, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Agriculture Research Center (NARC) (Programmes); Mr. Bilal Chouhan, on 26th April 2017. The dinner was for collaborative work aimed towards Director (A&E); Ambassador Fauzia attended by a total of 110 persons, betterment of science, agriculture and Nasreen; and Dr. Arshad. S. Malik, including local and international society. Advisor, International Office of the participants and organizers of COMSATS Institute of Information the conference. Officials from the Dr. Yusuf Zafar, Chairman PARC, Technology (CIIT). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and mentioned that this year Pakistan Ministry of Science and Technology, produced surplus wheat, potato, Dinner for the International Pakistan, also attended the dinner. sugarcane, and corn. The yield, he Participants of Conference noted, was the highest in 70 years that Speaking at the dinner, the Executive was possible only due to knowledge- on Agriculture, Food Security Director COMSATS noted that based information sharing with the and Biotechnology scientists in Pakistan are doing farmers. excellent research work that needs to To honour the international speakers be promoted and commercialized. He
Mid Year Report 2017 21
Meetings with Officials from Host Country
Mr. Parvaiz Ahmed Butt, Secretariat. Mr. Butt was invited to Headquarters, he was shown the Founder Executive Director honor his remarkable efforts for the newly constructed building of COMSATS development and establishment of COMSATS. Mr. Butt held discussion COMSATS. He was accompanied by with the officials of COMSATS officials from COMSATS Institute Secretariat sharing his experience and On 11th April 2017, Mr. Pervaiz Butt, of Information Technology (CIIT), best practices as one of the pioneers of the Founding Executive Director Islamabad. During his visit to COMSATS. of COMSATS, visited COMSATS The Executive Director COMSATS thanked the former Executive Director for visiting COMSATS Secretariat and assured him that COMSATS would continue making efforts for achieving the mission of COMSATS. The Executive Director thanked Mr. Butt for always supporting the organization and his continuous guidance.
Mrs. Tahmina Daultana, Member National Assembly, Government of Pakistan
On April 21, 2017, an honorable Member of National Assembly, Ms. Tehmina Doultana, visited the COMSATS Secretariat. She was received by senior officials of
Mid Year Report 2017 23 Renowned Scientists of Pakistan in Brainstorming Session on Way Forward for COMSATS COMSATS. In the past, Ms. Doultana related to science and technology Among the ideas shared during the has served as Federal Minister for on 29th March 2017. The purpose of discussions was having international Science and Technology from March the informal sitting was to brief the projects like SESAME (Synchrotron- 2008 to May 2008. experts regarding different ongoing light for Experimental Science and activities of the COMSATS and to Applications in the Middle East) to be Ms. Doultana congratulated Dr. S. M. invite their inputs on COMSATS’ emulated in Pakistan to facilitate the Junaid Zaidi on appointment as the projects and programmes. scientists of Member States. Similarly, Executive Director of the COMSATS, it was suggested that COMSATS, and commended him for his The hi-tea had participation of in collaboration with international dedicated and selfless services as the some renowned scientists of organizations like UNESCO, can Founding Rector of the COMSATS Pakistan, including Dr. Yousaf Zafar, help develop international R&D Institute of Information Technology. Chairman Pakistan Agriculture collaborations on the lines of CERN She mentioned that the appointment Research Council (PARC), Prof. (European Organization for Nuclear from the Prime Minister of Pakistan is Dr. Anwar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Research). the recognition of his endless services Chairman Pakistan Council for for promotion and development of Science and Technology (PCST), Focus areas for future activities of science and technology in Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman COMSATS agreed on by the senior Dr. Zaidi expressed gratitude to Pakistan Council of Research in participants included, Health, the Honorable Member National Water Resources (PCRWR), Dr. Food Security, Water Resource Assembly for visiting the Secretariat. Zabta Khan Shinwari, President Management, Climate Change and He hoped to benefit from her Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Nanotechnology. guidance and support in future as well and Dr. Aslam Baig, Distinguished to achieve the desired objectives set by Scientist from National Centre for It was also suggested that COMSATS the pioneers of COMSATS. Physics. Mr. Tajammal Hussain, can also help develop an advanced Advisor Programmes, Mr. Bilal center of Nanotechnology for multi- Brainstorming Session on Way Chouhan, Director Administration disciplinary research in the field in Forward for COMSATS and Establishment, Mr. Nisar Ahmad, one of the Member States. Deputy Director (Systems), and Mr. The Executive Director COMSATS, Akif Sattar, Coordination Officer, hosted hi-tea for senior scientists and from COMSATS Secretariat were also experts from different institutions present on the occasion.
24 Mid Year Report 2017 Former Minister for S&T, Government of Pakistan
Former Minister for Science and Technology (MoST), Government of Pakistan, H.E. Rana Tanveer Hussain, visited COMSATS Secretariat, on June 21, 2017. The Minister heads COMSATS’ Focal Ministry in Pakistan.
Speaking to the officials of COMSATS, Mr. Tanveer Hussain expressed his willingness and support to COMSATS’ operations and efforts to expand the organization’s Excellency considered it important to membership. His Excellency of S&T, innovation and R&D, the have versatility in the leadership of a expressed concern over the state of Minister noted his efforts in the country to meet the needs of various S&T and the priority it has been given recent years to increase Pakistan’s sectors, and advocated investing in over the years at national level. Noting allocated budget for S&T and R&D, human resource. how well the developed countries which he hopes to have enhanced 10 are benefitting from prioritization times (up to 1% of GDP) by 2018. His
Other Distinguished Visitors to COMSATS Secretariat
Mr. Fazal Abbas Maken 28th March 2017 Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan Ms. Seema Elahi Baloch 28th March 2017 Former Ambassador H.E. Mr. Radwan Lutfi 3rd April 2017 Ambassador of Syria to Pakistan Justice (Retd.) Qazi Khalid Ali 19th April 2017 Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Pakistan Dr. Yusuf Zafar 20th April 2017 Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan Prof. M. Iqbal Chaudhry 9th May 2017 Director, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Pakistan Mr. Parvez Hassan 10th May 2017 Member National Assembly, Government of Pakistan Mr. Jia Wei 12th June 2017 First Secretary, Embassy of China in Islamabad Mr. Muhammad Ashraf 14th June 2017 Additional Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan
Mid Year Report 2017 25
Foreign Interns at COMSATS Secretariat
This year, a group of 8 students from 6 developing countries, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Nepal and Nigeria, was inducted as interns at COMSATS Secretariat, Pakistan. The group received an orientation on 14th March 2017 at COMSATS Secretariat in Islamabad. These students had been pursuing their Ph.D (Biosciences and Mathematics); M.S. (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Mathematics); B.S. (Management Sciences, and Telecom Engineering), and post- doctoral fellowships in the fields of bio-sciences and physics. The students from four Member States are availing graduate and post-graduate scholarships offered by CIIT. Tajammul Hussain. The former also Excellence (CoEs) under the umbrella mentors the foreign interns. of COMSATS. On June 3, 2017, a review meeting was held with these talented students The amount of work done by the Encouraging the interns on their to assess the outcomes of the efforts interns during a short period of performance, the Executive Director made by them for establishing links just two months was appreciated. tasked them to: (i) document their between various member countries During this time, they had activities at the Secretariat so far, and of COMSATS and its Secretariat. The identified new research institutions (ii) develop country-specific projects meeting was chaired by the Executive for collaborations, suggested to make a comprehensive S&T Director COMSATS, Dr. S.M. Junaid improvements in the working of profile and develop concrete linkages Zaidi. Among others, the meeting was International Thematic Research of COMSATS with the reputable attended by Advisor (International Groups (ITRGs), and created new research centres working in those Coordination), Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan, inroads through highlighting the countries. and Advisor (Programmes), Mr. work being done by various Centres of
Mid Year Report 2017 27
Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Biotechnology
The 3rd International Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and International Speakers of Conference on Agriculture, Biotechnology was jointly organized Food Security and Biotechnology by COMSATS, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization • Dr. Shadman Namazov, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, (ISESCO), and Pakistan Agricultural Uzbekistan Research Council (PARC), from • Dr. Zihni Demirbag, Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey 26th to 27th April 2017 at National • Dr. Mohsen Vaez, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Agricultural Research Centre Iran (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. NARC • Dr. Radhika Samarasekara, Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka is the largest research centre of the • Dr. Ghazi H. Badawi, University of Khartoum, Sudan Pakistan Agricultural Research • Dr. Majid Javanmard, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Council (PARC). Technology, Iran • Dr. Mazahib Adam, Industrial Research and Consultancy Center (IRCC), The 2-day conference was organized Sudan under the biennial cooperation • Dr. Manal Eid, Suez Canal University, Egypt agreement 2016-2017 between • Dr. Hanen Falleh, Biotechnology Centre of Borj Cédria (CBBC), Tunisia COMSATS and ISESCO. Recent developments and emerging trends in included guests from Egypt, Turkey, by 130 participants from different food security based on technical and Tunisia, Sudan, Iran, Sri Lanka, backgrounds, including academicians, scientific inputs from relevant subject and Uzbekistan, made technical students, scientists, media personnel experts were shared and discussed presentations on variety of topics and researchers. during the conference. relating to the theme of the event. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. The event comprised of a total of 7 The Conference was inaugurated by Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Member sessions including inauguration, 5 the Federal Minister for Food Security Coordination and Monitoring/ Sr. technical sessions and a concluding and Research, Pakistan, H. E. Mr. Director NIGAB, Pakistan Agriculture session. The five technical sessions Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, on 26th Research Council (PARC), welcomed constituted 32 talks and presentations April 2017 at National Agricultural the participants and guests of the and poster presentation contest. The Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. inaugural session and considered resource persons of the conference, The inaugural session was attended it important to take measures
The Minister for Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan at the Headtable of the Inaugural function of Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Biotechnology
Mid Year Report 2017 29 towards food security and safety appreciated that organizations resources. through effective use of science and like ISESCO and COMSATS were technology. He considered the event taking keen interest in agricultural Dr. Yusuf Zafar, Chairman PARC, a platform for fostering research biotechnology. in his inaugural address opined that linkages, scientific collaborations and for achieving productivity as well as capacity-building. The Executive Director COMSATS, sustainability of agricultural systems, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, in his message it is crucial to remain up-to-date In the keynote speech titled ‘Role of noted the strong influence of about new technologies that might Biotechnology in Agriculture for Food biotechnology on food production have potential to change production Security’, delivered by Prof. Dr. Kauser and agriculture is undeniable, and consumption concepts, standards A. Malik, Department of Biological especially for countries like Pakistan and paradigms. Sciences, FC College Lahore, Pakistan, with fertile lands and suitable weather it was noted that it is the fear of conditions. He encouraged scientists, The Chief Guest, Federal Minister for unknown that keeps the human farmers and extension specialists to Food Security and Research, Pakistan, beings away from adopting the new come forward and create a regular His Excellency Mr. Sikandar Hayat technologies and advocated openness forum meant to discuss issues related Khan Bosan, stressed upon the need to the use of genetically modified to theme of the Conference. Dr. to encourage and support smart (G.M)crops to address hunger and Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director agricultural practices. His Excellency malnutrition. He asserted that the General ISESCO, in his message assured full support of his Ministry GM foods are no more harmful to stressed that the world is facing towards initiatives for sustainable food the environment and biodiversity multiple challenges in achieving food production and food security. than commercial agriculture. He sustainability while conserving natural
30 Mid Year Report 2017 The deliberations of the conference agricultural biotechnologies for Peshawar; Agricultural Biotechnology were spread over five technical achieving Sustainable Development research Institute (ABRI), Faisalabad; sessions and a parallel poster contest, Goals related to hunger and nutrition. Institute of Biomedical And Genetic covering issues, research and findings A few distinguished local speakers Engineering, Islamabad; and Centre related to: from the event included Dr. Zabta for Agriculture and Bioscience Khan Shinwari, Quaid-i-Azam International (Rawalpindi). • genome sequencing methods; University (Islamabad); Dr. Johar • marker-assisted breeding for crop Ali, PARC (Islamabad); Dr. Tayyab The 35 posters covering a wide improvement; Hasnain, Centre of Excellence in range of subjects in agricultural • microbial bio-pesticides and bio- Molecular Biology (Lahore); Dr. biotechnology were displayed stimulants; S. M. Saqlain Naqvi, PMAS Arid throughout the event. Relevant • antimicrobial treatment for food Agriculture University (Rawalpindi); Universities, R&D institutions and safety; and Dr. Aftab Bashir, Forman industries participated in the poster • bio-products in plant protection; Christian College (Lahore). contest. • technologies of the agro-food products processing; Presentations were made on research The Conference was concluded with • environmental risk assessment of initiatives by scientists from various closing remarks and vote of thanks transgenic plants; and academic and research organizations by the co-organizers of the event, • impact of development of in Pakistan, including COMSATS Dr. Yusuf Zafar (PARC) and Mr. agricultural biotechnology Institute of Information Technology Tajammul Hussain (COMSATS). research on food and economic (CIIT), Islamabad; National Institute The international speakers, Dr. Zihni security. for Genomics and Advanced Demirbag, Karadeniz Technical Biotechnology (NIGAB), Islamabad; University (Turkey), and Dr. Majid The technical sessions of the Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry Javanmard Dakheli, Iranian Research conference covered a total of 32 and Biotechnology (CABB), Organization for Science and lectures on multi-sectoral approach, Faisalabad; University of Gujrat; Technology (Iran) also spoke at the encompassing the crop, livestock, National Institute for Biotechnology concluding session. Certificates were forestry and fishery sectors, as well and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), distributed among the participants. as the use of microorganisms in Faisalabad; Punjab University, these sectors. The conference also Lahore; Institute for Biotechnology underscored the importance of and Genetic Engineering (IBGE),
Mid Year Report 2017 31
COMSATS Tele-Health Programme
During the reporting period, HQ) and Asst. Proff. Public Health The technical and civil surveys have COMSATS continued its tele-health Department (SZABMU). been carried out to determine the programme by strengthening its requirements for the establishment collaborations with relevant partners. Realizing the need for integration of the Centre at PIMS. The surveys of Tele-health into the conventional will help better financial planning for In connection with the Tele-health healthcare delivery system to provide optimum benefits from the project. project of COMSATS, a meeting its benefit to the people living in between the Executive Director remote areas, both the organizations It is hoped that the PIMS Tele-health COMSATS and Vice Chancellor of agreed to join hands to establish a Centre will be established in a few Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical Tele-health system at PIMS hospital months and then linked to CIS Tele- University (SZABMU-PIMS) was for patients from far flung areas health clinics around Islamabad in held on 6th June 2017 at SZABMU. of Pakistan, including Gilgit and the initial phase for testing. Later In the meeting both the officials Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and on, remote clinics in other areas of were accompanied by the relevant Kashmir regions. Pakistan will be established and linked officials from their institutions, which with Tele-health Center at PIMS. included Advisor Health (CIIT), The preliminary work and survey Principal Medical Officer (COMSATS to establish the Centre have started.
A Tele-Consultation in progress between the Resource Centre at COMSATS Secretariat and Tele-Health Clinic in Skardu
Mid Year Report 2017 33 34 Mid Year Report 2017 Other Activities at COMSATS Secretariat
Lecture at COMSATS In his opening remarks before the economy in the World and has the Secretariat by Brazilian lecture, Dr. Zaidi welcomed the highest GDP in Latin America. He Ambassador honorable Ambassador and noted informed that Embrapa is undertaking the excellent relations of COMSATS very interesting work of both with its Brazilian Centre of Excellence, practical and theoretical significance. His Excellency Claudio Raja Embrapa Agrobiologia. Based on Research at its Agrobiology centre, Gabaglia Lins, Ambassador of Brazil this experience, he showed his desire he further informed, is helping to in Islamabad, visited COMSATS to have more of similar synergies increase agricultural productivity, as Secretariat, on April 12, 2017. The between COMSATS and institutions well as research capacity of Brazilian Ambassador was received by the in the South and the North. He scientists in related fields. The Executive Director COMSATS, Dr. underscored the social and cultural sustainable agriculture research made S.M. Junaid Zaidi, and senior officials strengths of Brazil and also noted the Brazil the largest producer of coffee, of COMSATS. On the ocassion, Mr. country’s contribution to Science and soya bean, sugarcane and oranges. Lins delivered a lecture on ‘Pak- Technology. Brazil Relations’ that was attended by The Brazilian Ambassador informed officials of COMSATS Secretariat, and He noted that Brazil is the 9th largest that his country’s R&D has gained CIIT. a lot of prominence internationally during the last few decades. Sharing some statistics, in this regard, he apprised that Brazil has 2,300 higher education institutions, produced 16,700 Ph.D and Brazilian scientists published 40,500 papers during 2016.
At the end of his informative presentation, the Ambassador responded to a number of questions from the audience that related to BRICS block, education sector of Brazil, cultural and academic
Mid Year Report 2017 35 exchanges, and common socio- In his lecture to the faculty members Professional Development Workshop political issues. attending the workshop, Dr. Zaidi for COMSATS Officers comprised of shared his view of an ideal teacher five lectures on: COMSATS’ History The Executive Director – dedicated, compassionate and a Present & Future Prospects by Mr. COMSATS Delivers a Lecture dynamic role model. For him, such Tajammul Hussain; Cultural Diversity a teacher is not only an effective & Sensitivities by Ambassador to CIIT Faculty facilitator in imparting knowledge, but Saeed Khalid; Representing Pakistan is also a catalyst of change at a larger Internationally- What you ought On March 8, 2017, Dr. S. M. Junaid scale. He also shared several examples to know by Prof. Farooq Dar; Zaidi, Executive Director COMSATS of passionate teachers, mentors and Self-Branding by Dr. Anil Salman; Secretariat, delivered a lecture at selfless leaders, and asserted that and Protocols of visits to Foreign workshop conducted at Faculty good teaching cannot be reduced to Countries by Ambassador Fauzia Development Academy, COMSATS a technique, as good teaching comes Nasreen. Institute of Information Technology. from the identity and integrity of the The 5-week long workshop was held th st teacher based on his observation and The agenda of training workshop for from February 27 - March 31 2017 experience. Dr. Zaidi’s lecture was staff comprised of five lectures on for the young faculty of CIIT at FDA. followed by a brief Q&A session. the following themes: Grooming and The objective of the workshop was Appearance by Mr. Umar Chaudhry; to help teachers grow as competent Civic Responsibilities and Rights as professionals, both as reflective Training of COMSATS’ Officials and Staff Citizens by Mr. S. M. Junaid; Leading practitioners, and applied researchers. Change by Mr. Khurhseed Yusuf; Workplace Ethics by Mr. Khursheed The Director FDA, Mr. S. M. Junaid, In view of the significance and nature of official engagements of Yusuf; and Noting and Drafting by Mr. welcomed Dr. Zaidi and introduced S. M. Junaid. FDA as the latter’s brainchild. FDA COMSATS workforce according to was created in 2005 as a training wing the organization’s mission, a five- th day training workshop was held for The workshop was concluded on 7 of CIIT and was given the mandate to April 2017 with a concluding note arrange series of training programmes COMSATS’ officials and Staff, from rd th by Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Executive for newly inducted teachers as well 3 April 2017 to 7 April 2017 by Faculty Development Academy (FDA) Director COMSATS and distribution as existing faculty of CIIT and other of certificates to the participants. higher education institutions of the of CIIT. country.
36 Mid Year Report 2017 Publications
During the reporting period, 2016’, was also created for a quick and Proceedings of International COMSATS’ publications continued convenient reading. Symposium on Light and Life to serve their purpose of information dissemination. A glimpse at those COMSATS jointly organized an event published during the reporting period with UNESCO’s International Year of is as follows: Light and Light-based Technologies under the title International COMSATS Newsletter Symposium on Light and Life. The proceedings of this event were As a regular information-sharing finalized and printed in collaboration tool of COMSATS, publication with COMSATS Institute of and dissemination of COMSATS Information Technology. Newsletter continued with Issue 6 of Volume 8, and Issues 1 and 2 of Volume 9 published during the reporting period.
Science Vision (Volume 21)
During the first half of 2017, the composite Volume 21 (issue 1 and 2) of Science Vision was finalized and printed. This volume touches upon the themes of environment, sustainable development goals, innovation, and material science.
Annual Report 2016
COMSATS Annual Report 2016 was finalized with a completely new outlook in April 2017 duly covering COMSATS’ activities, including those of its Centres of Excellence. A brief version of the same, entitled ‘An Overview of COMSATS Activities in
Mid Year Report 2017 37 38 Mid Year Report 2017 Cooperation Agreements
Cooperation based on common South cooperation. The broad areas President IPD for joining hands interests and strengths are formalized of cooperation stipulated in the with COMSATS and ensured her of among COMSATS, its CoEs and other agreement include: full cooperation for promoting joint relevant institutions, every now and activities in the field of Science and then. Some of such agreements for the • Exchange of Expertise and Technology. reporting period are given below: Intellectual Resources; • Capacity Building in various MoU between NETDZLY, MoU between COMSATS areas relating to Sustainable China, and ICCBS, Pakistan and Institute of Peace and Development; • Promotion of Programmes and Diplomatic Studies The International Center for Activities; Chemical and Biological Sciences • Policy Advice and Strategy nd (ICCBS), Karachi, Pakistan, signed On 22 June 2017, an MoU was Formulation. signed between COMSATS and an MoU with the National Economic and Technical Development Zone Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Mr. Bilal Chouhan, Director (A&E), Studies (IPD), Islamabad, Pakistan. in Liuyang (NETDZLY), Hunan COMSATS and Muhammad Asif Province, China, on June 21, IPD is an independent, non- Noor, Director, IPD, signed the MoU. governmental and not-for-profit 2017. The MoU aims to facilitate The Executive Director COMSATS, cooperation in Research and think-tank that aims to strengthen Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, and President global peace through dialogues and Development (R&D) in the field of IPD, Mrs. Farhat Asif, also witnessed drugs, health, and food, with respect diplomacy by knowledge-sharing, the signing. research and analysis, and policy to their efficacy and safety evaluation, development in the areas of peace, quality control, as well as registration In his remarks after the signing, in both Pakistan and China. conflict, development and diplomatic the Executive Director COMSATS studies. praised the efforts of IPD for The MoU was signed in a special developing different informative The MoU was signed to formalize ceremony held at Dr. Panjwani Center capacity-building programmes and for Molecular Medicine and Drug cooperation between COMSATS and strengthening relationship within IPD for organizing various events to Research (PCMD) of ICCBS. Director diplomatic community through ICCBS, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, promote South-South and North- various means. He also thanked the
Mid Year Report 2017 39 and protection of environment. By signing the protocol, both the parties pledged to work on new areas of scientific research to sort out issues related to environmental sustainability and development.
The protocol stipulates cooperation on environmental issues, like danger of solid and liquid wastes; climate change; preservation of biodiversity; preservation of natural reserves; and studies of environmental impact assessment.
Intent of Cooperation between COMSATS Institute of Information Technology and and Chairman Administrative and educational activities through China University of Petroleum Committee of NETDZLY, Mr. Guo collaboration between the two Lifu, signed the agreement on behalf institutions. Beijing (CUPB) of their institutions. Prof. Atta-ur Rahman, former Federal Minister On April 20, 2017, CIIT hosted a Cooperation Protocol between delegation from China University for Science and Technology, and Egyptian Environmental former Chairman Higher Education of Petroleum (CUPB), Beijing, Commission of Pakistan, Vice Affairs Agency and NRC, comprising of Mr. Sun Xudong, Vice Chancellor Hamdard University, Egypt Principal of CUPB, Karamay Campus; Prof. Dr. Ahsana Dar, and Chinese Mr. XieOingbin, Dean, Faculty th delegates, including Mr. Chen Zhigao, On 8 January 2017, Mr. Ahmed of Petroleum; and Ms. Liu Pan, Prof Liu Xinmin, Mr. Wang Dahui, Soud, Chief Executive, Egyptian International Admission Officer. and Prof Jiang Dejian, were also Environmental Affairs Agency; present on the occasion. and Dr. Ashraf Shaalan, President, A highlight of the visit included the National Research Center (NRC), signing of Intent of Cooperation According to the MoU, both the signed a cooperation protocol on between CUPB and CIIT that includes parties will endeavor to encourage, behalf of their organizations. The significant collaboration between the promote, and facilitate collaborations protocol was based on promotion two universities relating to: among the institutions and of technical and applied research interested research groups within the capacity in the field of conservation • Exchange of students and faculty; institutional set-up. Cooperation for exchange of scientists, technicians and students, and organization of joint workshops are also included as activities of cooperation under this agreement.
Intent of Cooperation between the ICCBS and Al-Quds University, Palestine
An Intent of Cooperation (IoC) was signed between Al-Quds University, Palestine, and International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), for promotion of scientific
40 Mid Year Report 2017 • Joint research activities and detector that was designed to CERN for achieving their strategic publications; and operate as an external module on the targets. • Participation in conferences and International Space Station. They also academic meetings. had meetings with CERN officials to MoU between ICCBS and discuss possible cooperation areas. South African Authority on Cooperation Framework Halal Affairs Agreement between TUBITAK The officials of both organizations discussed the infrastructure and and CERN workforce potentials of CERN and International Center for Chemical and TUBITAK in detail and negotiated the Biological Sciences (ICCBS) signed TUBITAK and the European route for Turkey’s attainment of the an agreement with the South African Organization for Nuclear Research accelerator technology infrastructure National Halaal Authority (SANHA) - (CERN) signed a ‘Cooperation to become a technology leader in Halal Associates Pakistan, to enhance Framework Agreement’ in its region. Within this scope, they the scope of Halaal testing services Switzerland, inter alia, to allow scrutinized the creation of new in Pakistan. Both the institutions Turkish research community to make support programmes for increasing agreed to jointly work on the testing better use of the resources in CERN. the number of Turkish students and and R&D activities at Halaal Testing researchers in CERN along with the Laboratory (HTL) at the Industrial In this connection, a delegation from establishment of a hadron therapy and Analytical Center - ICCBS. TUBITAK MAM, headed by its center and development of electronic President, Dr. Orkun HASEKİOĞLU, systems and new software. The Director ICCBS, Prof. M. Iqbal visited CERN and got information Choudhary, and CEO SANHA about the ATLAS Experiment The agreement is expected to make Halal Associates, Mr. Yousuf Abdul conducted by 1,800 physicists from a contribution to knowledge-sharing Razzaq, signed the agreement on 35 countries. The delegation also and further development of the behalf of their institutions in a signing examined the experiment with the cooperation between TUBITAK and ceremony held at ICCBS. state-of-the-art particle physics
Mid Year Report 2017 41 42 Mid Year Report 2017 Activities of Centres of Excellence
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Pakistan
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) has achieved phenomenal growth since its inception in 1998. According to the rankings (2016) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, CIIT stands at number three in General Category and at number six among all universities within Pakistan.
Faculty Strength CIIT diplomats then under training at the Learning is a US-based education 25th Advanced Diplomatic Course of and training company with a mission Advisors 55 Foreign Service Academy Pakistan to empower people and strengthen Professors 52 visited CIIT. These diplomats institutions through education, Associate Professors 104 represented Europe, Latin America, sustainable development, and Assistant Professors 1249 Asia and Africa. exchange programmes. Lecturers 1298 Afghan Delegation: On February 9, Delegation from Macquarie Research Associates 475 2017, the International Office (IO) of University: On April 25, 2017, a two- Total 3,233 CIIT in coordination with the Higher member delegation from Macquarie Education Commission (HEC) of University, Australia, comprising Pakistan, hosted a visit of five (05) of Mr. Abizer Merchant, Director, A total of 34,103 students were Vice Chancellors from Afghani South Asia and Middle East, and Mr. enrolled in the Institute in Spring Universities; namely Kabul Medical Tanveer Shaheed, Regional Director, 2017 while a total of 44,371 have University, Herat University, Balkh South Asia and Middle East, visited graduated in 2017. Moreover, CIIT University, Nangarhar University, and CIIT. The university promised to offer acquired a total of 3 patents during Kandahar University. special bursaries for CIIT students the reporting period. to avail the wonderful opportunities Head of World Learning: On 12th being offered by the university. Visits January 2017, the Head of World Learning (WL), Ms. Nadya Karim French Delegation: A 21-member Foreign Diplomats: On February Shaw, visited CIIT for a meeting delegation from France visited CIIT 23, 2017 a delegation of 25 senior with its senior management. World on March 15, 2017. The delegation was led by officials from the French Embassy in Islamabad and Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Jordanian Cultural Counsellor: The Jordanian Cultural Counsellor, Mr. Mahmoud Oglah Baniata, visited CIIT on 23rd May 2017 to explore possibilities of collaboration between CIIT and Jordanian Universities. Mr. Mahmoud expressed the intention of taking full advantage of the different
Mid Year Report 2017 43 academic opportunities offered by the CIIT.
Delegation of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, China: A six- member delegation from Hainan Tropical Ocean University, China, visited CIIT on 9th May 2017.
World Bank Country Representative: The Country Representative of the World Bank in Pakistan, Mr. Patchamuthu Illangovan, visited CIIT on 11th May 2017. • International Seminar on technologies were developed and Delegation from British Council ‘Environmental and Climate 18 technologies were leased out to Pakistan: A delegation of 20 from Change’, May 9, 2017; different entrepreneurs. various UK Higher Education • IRCBM Journal Club Lectures: Institutions and British Council The Journal Club Seminars of BCSIR also organized 12 national and Pakistan visited CIIT Islamabad Interdisciplinary Research Centre international seminars, symposia and campus on 26th April 2017 as part of in Biomedical Materials (IRCBMs) conferences. the official event programme of UK held talks by the following – Pakistan Partners’ Event from 24th - speakers during the reporting Industrial Center for th 26 April 2017. period: Chemical and Biological Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan: -- ‘Fabrication of nano-materials Sciences (ICCBS), Pakistan H.E. Mr. Suchart Liengsaengthong, (Metal oxide, Metal oxide/ The International Center for Chemical Ambassador of the Kingdom of grapheme/C-dot/CNT and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Thailand in Pakistan, visited CIIT, composite with divergent th Pakistan, is one of the leading on 5 January 2017, accompanied by shapes to design)’ by Dr academic research institutions in Ms. Marisa, Counselor at Royal Thai Naeem Akhtar; Pakistan, and has an international Embassy in Pakistan. -- ‘Finite element analysis repute. ICCBS has been a UNESCO of healing of long bones Category II institution since 2015. Events fractures’, by Dr. Ali Mehboob; The Center also serves as the Centre -- ‘Nanomaterial-based of Excellence of COMSATS, TWAS, Some events that took place at CIIT programming of stem cells for WAITRO, OIC and UNCSTD. ICCBS during the reporting period are as regenerative medicine’, by Dr. focuses on: research and training follows: Saeed ur Rehman. for high quality professionals; and
• Workshop on ‘How to write a extending diagnostic, analytical and Bangladesh Council for clinical testing services to local and Research Proposal’ (February 23, Scientific and Industrial 2017); regional clients from private and • ‘Bosnian Focus Day’ (February 22, Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh public sectors. 2017); • Talk on ‘How to Lead a Successful Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Appointment of Director ICCBS as a Career’, by Vice President and Industrial Research (BCSIR) is a non- Member of NCST, Pakistan Chief Human Resources Officer profit multidisciplinary public-sector Telenor (February 17, 2017); research organization. The main task Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, • Webinar on ‘Simulating of BCSIR is to foster the R&D sector Director ICCBS, was appointed as the optimization of energy in the country. a member of Pakistan’s National consumption in homes’ in Commission for Science and Collaboration with Belarus From January 2017 to June 2017, Technology (NCST ) for a period State University of Informatics BCSIR scientists have published of three years in recognition of his and Radioelectronics (BSUIR) 103 research papers in different meritorious scientific research and (February 15, 2017); journals. For commercialization, 13 services in the field of chemistry.
44 Mid Year Report 2017 accordance with the requirements of the management system standards of ISO 9001:2015.
Three-day Workshop on DNA- Sequencing Data Analysis at ICCBS
Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research of ICCBS organized a three-day workshop on “Next Generation DNA Sequencing Data Analysis” at L.E.J. National Science Information Center of ICCBS, from March 27-29, 2017. NCST is the highest scientific advisory Accreditations and Certifications commission to Pakistan. The main International Center for focus of NCST is to promote scientific ISO 17043:2010 Accreditation for Climate and Environment and technological capacity-building IAC, ICCBS for sustainable economic growth of Sciences (ICCES), China Pakistan. The Industrial Analytical Center The International Center for Climate (IAC) of ICCBS got its ISO and Environment Sciences (ICCES), Institutional Capacity-Building 17043:2010 accreditation from the China, originated from the former Pakistan National Accreditation Center for Climate and Environmental Sino-Pakistan Ethno-medicine Council (PNAC), Federal Ministry of Prediction Research (CCEPRE). Research Center Science and Technology, Government Since its establishment, ICCES has of Pakistan, on June 10, 2017. The been supported by the Institute of Pakistan’s first Sino-Pakistan IAC is the only analytical entity in the Atmospheric Physics (IAP), Chinese Ethnomedicine Research Center country offering a range of analytical Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the established at ICCBS, was and consultancy services to more than Ministry of Science and Technology inaugurated on 10th February 2017. 500 industries and other private and (MoST), Government of China. It is a joint effort to serve the people public sector organizations. of Pakistan and China. Chinese Participation in 20th Meeting of and Unani (Greek) are the ancient ISO 9001:2015 Standard COMSATS Coordinating Council medicine systems of holistic and Certification natural healing. Among the participants of the 20th ICCBS also acquired ISO 9001:2015 Council Meeting was the Director of Chinese Council General, His for its all five research units, according ICCES, Prof. Zhaohui Lin. He made Excellency Mr. Wang Yu, and to which Bureau Veritas Certification a presentation during the Meeting as Vice Chancellor of ICCBS’ parent Pakistan Branch has certified that the the Council member from China. As institution, University of Karachi, management system of the ICCBS the group leader of the International Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan, has been audited and found to be in inaugurated the research center, and also delivered key lectures.
Prof. Dr. Yuhui Qin, President Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), China, former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, and former Chairman Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, and Director ICCBS also spoke on the success. Prof. Hubiao Chen and other Chinese officials and Pakistani scholars were also present on the occasion.
Mid Year Report 2017 45 Thematic Research Groups and Industrial Research Organization flood. Prof. Zhaohui Lin also invited (ITRGs) on ‘Climate Change and (CSIRO), Australia. The workshop more and more students from CIIT to Environmental Protection’, Prof. Lin deliberated upon research progress apply for the CAS-TWAS President’s presented the progress report covering under ongoing CAS-CSIRO Fellowship and other scholarships the research progress, joint-applied international bilateral cooperation offered by the University of Chinese international projects, capacity projects, and discuss as well as select Academy of Sciences. building activities, and international new initiatives for collaboration cooperation activities among the and the way forward. More than 20 Honorable State Minister for ITRG group members. scientists and experts from CAS and Science, Technology and Research, CSIRO attended the event. Team Sri Lanka He highlighted the “Belt and leaders from both sides of the five Road Science, Technology and ongoing international cooperation H.E. Lakshman Senewiratne, Innovation Cooperation Action research projects presented the Honorable State Minister for Science, Plan”, which consisted of People to research progress and the expected Technology and Research, Sri Lanka, People Exchange Initiative, Joint results, covering varying aspects of visited ICCES on April 20, 2017. Laboratory Initiative, Science Park climate change, with a particular Prof. Lin Zhaohui presented the Cooperation Initiative, Technology emphasis on extreme events. During cooperation activities between ICCES Transfer Initiative, and the funds for the discussion session, scientists and Sri Lanka for the last three years, developing countries and international from different projects talked about which included S&T collaboration, organizations. This Action Plan will potential collaboration opportunities scientists exchange and training provide support to COMSATS and its and possible funding sources. The activities, with a particular emphasis network for seeking opportunities for network was further enhanced during on the international joint research on international collaboration. this workshop. Prof. Lin urged all the extreme hydrological events over participants from China and Australia the Mahaweli river basin of Sri Lanka. Capacity-Building Events to build closer links between different research projects and seek for Honorable Lakshman Senewiratne Participation in Workshop on cooperation with others to foster new expressed his appreciation of the Monsoon Climate and Marine initiatives. statistical analysis and predicted Environment Change, Sri Lanka results of Sri Lankan extreme events Foreign Visitors presented by ICCES, and sought Third China-Sri Lanka Joint bilateral cooperation to meet the local Workshop on ‘Monsoon Climate and Delegation from CIIT, Pakistan challenges in the field of extreme Marine Environment Change’ was meteorological and hydrological held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from May On April 18, 2017, ICCES facilitated events including rainstorm and flood. 24th to 25th 2017. This meeting was visit of a delegation from COMSATS hosted by the China-Sri Lanka Joint Institute of Information Technology Vice-Chancellor of University of Center for Education and Research (CIIT), Pakistan. Prof. Xiaodong Ruhuna and Director of China-Sri (CSL-CER). Prof. Xiaodong Zeng, Zeng, Deputy Director ICCES, Lanka Joint Center for Education Deputy Director, ICCES, attended this briefly introduced the history and and Research meeting and gave a presentation titled main research focuses of ICCES, as ‘Changes of Precipitation Extremes in well as the international cooperation Prof. Gamini Senanayake, Vice- the Mahaweli River Basin’, Sri Lanka, activities with Pakistan in recent Chancellor of University of Ruhuna, from 1975 to 2014. years. Prof. Bueh Cholaw showcased and Prof. Tilak Priyadarshana, the short-term climate forecast Director of China-Sri Lanka Joint Climate Themed Workshop with system. Prof. Javaid Anwar and Prof. Center for Education and Research Commonwealth Scientific and Muhammad Shahzad presented (CSL-CER), visited ICCES on June Industrial Research Organization the main research fields of CIIT. A 29, 2017. Prof. Lin informed that (CSIRO), Australia discussion was carried out on joint Sri Lanka has always been actively research projects, data-sharing and involved in the international scientific ICCES hosted the CAS-CSIRO capacity-building. It was agreed that and research activities of ICCES, with Climate Themed Workshop from June both parties should actively apply for the University of Ruhuna and CSL- 27th to 28th, 2017, in Beijing, China, international collaboration projects CER standing out among others. Prof. sponsored by the Chinese Academy under the “Belt and Road” initiative, Lin proposed scientific collaboration of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration and conduct joint researches on in greater depth, with focus on the with the Commonwealth Scientific extreme events, dust-storms and training of young scientists. The Sri
46 Mid Year Report 2017 Lankan delegates expressed their and days of extreme high temperature as well as the earth system model. heart-felt gratitude to ICCES for its in China, and made further analysis The IMO Prize, which is the most efforts on bilateral cooperation and of model biases. The simulation and prestigious award in meteorology, is showed their determination to take evaluation of cloud and its short wave awarded annually to scientists that concrete measures. radiation effect in East Asia by CAS- have made outstanding contributions ESM, and simulation and prediction to meteorology, hydrology and ICCES’ statistical analysis in climate of Eurasia snow water equivalent by geophysical sciences. disasters and its prediction results CMIP5 were also executed. will be of great value to Sri Lanka Industrial Technology considering the constantly increasing ICCES made headway towards further Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka numbers of meteorological and improving real-time numerical hydrological disasters in recent years. climate prediction system as well as The Industrial Technology Institute the research of predictability and (ITI), Sri Lanka, comprises of research Graduate Students and Post-doc methodology of forecasting. and development divisions, technical Programme services divisions and offers different ICCES developed a new module for supporting services. The Institute Based on the existing international plant establishment in the dynamic conducts multidisciplinary scientific collaboration network, ICCES global vegetation model IAP-DGVM, and industrial research to transfer continued to attract students and studied the forest ecosystem’s response the technology for rapid industrial young scientists from the developing to climate change, and completed development and provide technical countries to enroll in the Ph.D. or the simulation for global fire model services. Post-Doctoral study through the CAS- comparison project and relevant TWAS PIFI Programme. In 2017, analysis. Research and Development Mr. Alireza Kamal (Iran) was granted the scholarship, while Farhan Saleem The Center also made great progress • The two major research sections (Pakistan), Kritanai Torsri (Thailand), on the development of ocean of the ITI, Sri Lanka, Food Victor Nnamdi Dike (Nigeria) and circulation model, land surface model, Technology Section and Herbal Sherly Selton (Sri Lanka) continued and the interaction between land and Technology Section, which their PhD programme in ICCES. Ms. atmosphere. shifted from Colombo premises Kalpana Hamal from Nepal is to join to Modern Research and ICCES as the awardee of the CAS On May 16, 2017, World Development Complex at Malabe “Belt and Road” Master Fellowship Meteorological Organization (WMO) st started its operations from January Programme. awarded its 61 International 2017. Meteorological Prize (IMO) to • R&D sections of ITI initiated Dr. Bushra Khalid from Pakistan, Prof. Qing-Cun Zeng, founding international collaborative who joined ICCES as a Post-Doctoral director and member of ICCES, research projects with Korean researcher under PIFI program in academician of the Chinese Academy Food Research Institute on 2015, completed her research report of Sciences. He won the award endemic fruits and Indo-Sri Lanka on the relationship between climate for his contributions to satellite research programme on spices change and dengue transmission meteorological remote-sensing theory, during the year. in Pakistan in February 2017. Dr. numerical weather prediction theory, • A joint research project with Worachat Wannawong from Thailand meteorological disaster prevention, Medical Faculty of University of also finished his Post-Doctoral research on coupled data assimilation in June 2017, and became a lecturer at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China.
Some Scientific Achievements
ICCES finished thirty-year numerical experiments of ensemble hind casting of IAP-AGCM 4.1, evaluated (Preliminary) the model’s forecast ability on summer climate anomaly
Mid Year Report 2017 47 Sri Jayawardanepura, Sri Lanka, inorganic fertilizers by ICP/MS committee for the prohibition of on bioactivity studies of Eclipta at newly established Residual weapons, Iran (21st – 23rd February prostrate and another project to Analysis Laboratory. 2017); carry out clinical trials on Coccinia • Application Training workshop on grandis with Medical Faculty, Events and Conferences Milestone Neos - GR Microwave University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, System organized by M/S also commenced during the year. Following workshop and seminars Milestone, Italy (27th – 29th March • A project to develop a National were conducted during the reporting 2017); Mercury Release Inventory for the period: • 3rd International conference on industrial sector also commenced Agriculture, Food Security and during January 2017 with an • Total Solution for Trace Level Bio Technology organized by awareness programme to the Analysis: using AAS, GC, GC-MS, COMSATS (26th – 27th April 2017); Industry. LC, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS (15th • 5th National Laboratory Equipment • Discussions were held with the – 17th February 2017); & chemical Exhibition Iran Lab Ministry of Health, Nutrition • Certificate course on Herbal Expo 2017, Iran (24th – 27th April and Indigenous Medicine, Drugs & Cosmetic Value Addition 2017); Sri Lanka, on developing Techniques (February – April 2017 • 3rd Meeting of Medicinal Plants specialized nutritious food for the – 10 Saturdays); focal points of Indian Ocean Rim management of Moderately Acute • Training programme on Association (IORA) member Malnutrition (MAM) in children Dehydration of Fruits, Vegetables, states, the IORA Regional Centre between 6 -59 months of age. Culinary Herbs and Spices (29th for Science and Technology • A study on air-quality and noise March 2017); Transfer (IORA RCSTT), & vibration impacts for an • Hands-on Training on Advanced Indonesia (10th – 12th May 2017); Environmental Impact Assessment Scientific Instruments for Material • International Training Workshop on development activities and Characterization (18th and 19th on Advanced Technology of infrastructure facilities within the May 2017); Herbal Medicine for South and reclaimed land area for proposed • Workshop on Troubleshooting South East Asia, China (11th – 30th Colombo Port City was submitted in Cottage based Herbal Drugs & June 2017); to relevant authorities. Cosmetics Industries (18th May • 20th Meeting of COMSATS • Fourteen research articles were 2017); Coordinating Council, Cairo, published in refereed journals and • Exhibition and Sale to Empower Egypt (14th – 15th May 2017); a patent application was submitted. Cottage Level Entrepreneurs (18th • 2017 South and Southeast Asia May 2017); Technology Transfer Matchmaking Technical Services • Awareness Programme for the Conference, Kunming, China (12th Stakeholders on Residue Analysis – 16th June 2017); • At the request of the Ministry of (30th May 2017). • 2017 Seminar on B and R Education, Sri Lanka, ITI tested Governance Corporation for and issued a report on the quality Capacity-Building Events China, Southeast Asia, China (5th - of the paper and printing ink on 18th June 2017). one of the text books issued by the ITI scientists/engineers and Ministry to the students. technologists participated in the TUBITAK Marmara Research • A rumor on plastic rice in the following events to enhance their Center (MAM), Turkey local market raised fears in Sri knowledge and to share their Lankan consumers. Therefore, on experience and expertise: TÜBITAK Marmara Research Center the request of Consumer Affairs (MAM), Turkey, is an internationally Authority of Sri Lanka, ITI tested • Sakura programme for recognized organization involved in the samples submitted by the government officials organized research on conventional technologies Authority and issued a test report. by Japan Science & Technology th th for enhancing Turkish industry and • A Sri Lanka Accreditation Agency, Japan (19 - 25 February solving technological problems. Board audit was conducted to 2017); obtain accreditation for analysis • Seminar on chemical weapons Collaborations of pesticides residues, Sudan convention and chemical safety & dyes, Histamine and antibiotic security management for member Collaboration with Pakistan in residues by GCMS-MS techniques states of the OPCW in the Asian Seismological Research and heavy metals in water and Region organized by National
48 Mid Year Report 2017 TUBITAK MAM received Participation in Events Ministerial Conference on a delegation from Pakistan Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean Meteorological Department (PMD) in 20th Meeting of COMSATS Cooperation through Research and May 2017 to follow up developments Coordinating Council: During Innovation - PRIMA Initiative: in the joint ‘Reverse Linkage Project the 20th Meeting of COMSATS The Ministerial Conference on between Pakistan and Turkey on Coordinating Council held in Cairo, Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean Earthquake Seismological Research’ Egypt, the President of TUBITAK Cooperation through Research and in collaboration with Turkish MAM delivered a presentation on the Innovation was held on 3rd and 4th Cooperation and Coordination structure and activities of TUBITAK May 2017, in Valletta, Malta. In Agency (TİKA); and Islamic and explored the possibilities of the event, TUBITAK MAM was Development Bank (IDB). The cooperation with COMSATS’ Member represented by its President, Dr. project aims to eliminate three States. Orkun HASEKİOĞLU. He delivered main deficiencies in the field: a speech on migration in a session (1) data collection on seismic MENA Region Workshop of attended by the Ministers of Research activities in Pakistan, (2) analysis Mansoura University in Egypt: and Innovation and the officials of of seismological data, and (3) As part of the ‘Higher Education the European Commission. In his conversion of seismological data into Excellence in Development speech, he expressed that migration useful information for governmental Cooperation (EXCEED II)’ posed more challenges than ever on institutions. Programme, the representatives of national policies and international TUBITAK MAM’s Environment and relations and that Turkey participated Meeting with Officials of TNO Cleaner Production Institute took in the PRIMA Mediterranean part in the Workshop on ‘Solutions to Environmental Research Initiative to Officials from Netherlands Water Challenges in MENA Region’ help making use of natural resources Organization for Applied Scientific that was held by Mansoura University, reasonably and protecting them for Research (TNO) and TUBITAK on 25th - 30th April 2017, in Cairo, next generations. MAM had a meeting on the scientific Egypt. The Workshop allowed the and technological cooperation participants to discuss major water 4th International Nuclear Power opportunities and events as part of problems in the Middle East-North Plants Summit: The 4th International the 2017 Turkey-Netherlands Science Africa Region and to exchange Nuclear Power Plants Summit Year. The meeting was attended by knowledge and experiences on that brought together Turkish and the President of TUBITAK MAM, sustainable urban water management, international companies operating in Dr. Orkun HASEKİOĞLU, and the water challenges in the region and nuclear energy sector was held on 8-9 Business Development Director of solutions to these challenges. March 2017, in Istanbul. The President TNO, Dr. Sühendan ADIGÜZEL. of TUBITAK MAM participated in the opening ceremony of the Summit
Mid Year Report 2017 49 and delivered a speech. the Accelerated Mass Spectroscopy promotes research and capacity- (AMS) Laboratory of the Earth and building in mathematical sciences. Expo Turkey by Qatar: TUBITAK Marine Sciences Institute, made a It was established, inter alia, to MAM took part in the ‘Expo Turkey presentation on “Recent Technologies train and develop a high quality of by Qatar’ exhibition that was held in in Dating Analyses by Carbon-14 and human resource in Mathematical Doha, Qatar, from 19th to 21st April Turkey’s Position”. Sciences (for the purpose of 2017. The expo had a participation enhancing performance of students of more than 200 Turkish companies Visitors in Mathematics and Mathematical with a view to making Qatar and Sciences at all levels of Nigerian Turkey two economic attraction Consul General of the Slovak education system). centers of the region. Republic in Istanbul Capacity-Building In Mathematics The exhibition was opened with the Consul General of the Slovak Republic opening remarks of the Ambassador in Istanbul, Dr. Jozef ŠESTÁK, visited During the period under review, of the Republic of Turkey in TUBITAK MAM. He was welcomed NMC successfully organized a Doha, Mr. Fikret ÖZER, and the by the President MAM, the Vice competition for Mathematics students Vice President of the Chamber of Presidents and the Directors of the from Universities across the Nigeria. Commerce and Industry of Qatar, Mr. Affiliated Institutes. Discussions were The competition was held at the Mohammed Bin Ahmed Bin Towar Al held on developments in the existing Centre from 1st to 6th April 2017, and Kuwari. TUBITAK was awarded the projects between TUBITAK MAM students from 35 Nigerian Universities “Innovation Prize of the Year” during and Slovak Academy of Sciences participated in the event. the event. (SAS) and emerging cooperation potentials, based on the scientific, The Centre also hosted a Conference 13th International Defence Industry technological and innovational of ‘Mathematical Sciences Students Fair 2017: The 13th International relations that were established with Association’ of Nigerian Tertiary Defence Industry Fair (IDEF-2017), the Protocol dated 02 February 2002 Institutions for three days from 17th to which has been held biennially and with joint support programmes 21st April 2017. since 1993 by Turkish Armed Forces since 2003. Foundation, was held in Istanbul from The selection process for the 2017 9th to 12th May 2017. More than 800 Technical Services to the USA International Olympiad started in companies from over 50 countries February this year (2017) and the participated in the Fair. TUBITAK After having catered to requests Centre had already selected candidates MAM was represented in the Fair from China, TUBITAK MAM is that will represent Nigeria in the through the product and project now providing test and analysis following Olympiads competitions: exhibitions by the Center’s Energy services to the United States of Pan African Mathematics Institute, Materials Institute and America. The number of countries Olympiad (PAMO) in Morocco; Institute of Chemical Technology. served has reached 17 along with the International Mathematics Olympiad “implantation and subacute toxicity (IMO); International Physics Heritage Istanbul 2017: Restoration, test” requests from the private sector Olympiad (IPHO) in Indonesia; Archeology, Museum Technologies of the USA. and International Olympiad on Fair and Conference was held in Informatics (IOI), Iran. Istanbul, on 27-29 April 2017 with The list of the comprehensive R&D a view to bringing together public and test & analysis services offered The nationwide States Development servants, academics, sector suppliers, by TUBITAK MAM can be found at Goals of NMC on Mental Arithmetic institutions and organizations who the institution’s web address “http:// and Mathematics Improvement work for the protection, conservation mam.tubitak.gov.tr/en/content/test- Project on training of students and and transfer of Turkey’s cultural analysis-services”. teachers across the states of the heritage assets to next generations. federation was held from January to National Mathematical Centre May 2017. The Mathematics training Officials from the Earth and Marine (NMC), Nigeria showed different methods of teaching Sciences Institute, Industrial Services and learning Mathematics with the Unit and Business Development Unit The National Mathematical Centre use of teaching aids. represented TUBITAK MAM in the (NMC), Nigeria, is an inter- Fair. On the first day of the Fair, Dr. university organization, which Turhan DOĞAN, who is in charge of
50 Mid Year Report 2017 income and welfare of small and medium entrepreneurs in the cassava sub-sector in Tanzania through innovative processing technology.
Publications
Following manuscripts were published by TIRDO scientists during the period:
• Anselem P. Moshi and Ivy Matoju. The status of research on application of bio-pesticides in Tanzania. Review. Crop Protection 92 (2017) 16 – 28; Collaborations analyzing the inorganic content (trace • Anselem P. Moshi and Nges Ivo metals) from materials. To date, the Achu. Sustainable Management In the period under review, NMC laboratory has analyzed over 60 coal of Cassava Processing Waste for initiated collaboration with Professor samples from mining companies in Promoting Rural Development Nkechi Agwu, Carnegie and an Tanzania. in Cassava: Production, African Diaspora Fellow on Ethno- Consumption and Potential Uses Mathematics under a capacity In recognition of this capacity, the for Nova Publishers Inc. USA (In building framework in Science, Minister for Energy and Minerals Handbook on Cassava Production, Technology, Engineering and declared the TIRDO Coal Laboratory Potential Uses and Recent Mathematics (STEM). as the National backstop reference Advances, Chapter 7, Ed. Clarissa laboratory for coal quality assessment Klein, ISBN: 978-1-53610-291-8); The outcome of this joint project for Tanzania. • Mihayo Musabila Maguta, will improve the performance of YngveStenstrom and Claus J. students in mathematical sciences, ICT Department to Launch Nielsen. ‘Kinetic and Theoretical especially participation of women in e-Learning Platform Study of the Nitrate (NO3) Radical STEM related fields and creation of a Gas Phase Reactions with N – better teaching methodology for the TIRDO ICT Department plans to Nitrosodimethylamine and N teachers. soon launch an e-learning platform –Nitrosodiethylamine’. Journal of for practical science subjects for Physical Chemistry A (2016), 120, Tanzania Industrial secondary school students who have 6970 – 6977. DOI: 10: 1021/acs. Research and Development no access to educational materials as jpca.6b05440; compared to urban schools. Organization (TIRDO), • Cecilia China & Mbwana Suleiman Ndaro. ‘A review Status on Tanzania Research Activities Tanzania Leather value chain – A review’. African Journal of Science Capacity-Building Greener Cassava Processing System and Research, 2016, (5)4: 55 – 60: Leading to Zero Waste for Enhanced ISSN: 2306-5877; Coal Resource Quality Assessment Market Access • Cecilia Rolence China. ‘Adsorption studies on water hardness removal The TIRDO Energy Division has The system consists of a grating by using cashew-nut shell activated acquired state-of-the-art equipment machine with a pressing unit, a carbon as an adsorbent’. African (including CHS Analyzer and hybrid solar-biogas tunnel drying Journal of Science and Research, Bomb Calorimeter Parr 6400) for system for drying cassava grits, 2016, (5)4:78 – 81, ISSN:2306 – analyzing coal (and other energy yeast fermentation system for 5877; materials) quality. The energy bioethanol production and bacteria • Alex Chang, Nick De Souza, Division’s Coal Laboratory is capable fermentation system for production John Muya, Julius Keyyu, Angela of analyzing materials with respect to of oligosaccharides, and anaerobic Mwakatobe, Lucas Malugu, proximate, ultimate and heating value digester for biogas production. The Humphrey Ndossi, Jonathan parameters. It is further capable of aim of this project is to improve Konuche, Raphael Omondi,
Mid Year Report 2017 51 Aloyce Mpinge, Nathan Hahn, Suzanne Palminteri and David Oslon. ‘Scalling –Up the use of Chilli Fences for Reducing Human – Elephant Conflict across Landscape in Tanzania’. Open Access Journal - Tropical Conservation Science Journal vol.9 (2) 921 – 930, 2016; • George S. Oreku and Fredrick J. Mtenzi. Book Chapter ‘Cybercrime: concerns, Challenges and Opportunities’. Published by Springer in the Book Titled Alferes. The day was carried out at the “Information Fusion for Cyber- (EAC) Renewable Energy experimental station of Pesagro-Rio in Security Analytics: Pages: 129 – and Energy Efficiency Status Avelar, district of the municipality. 153; Report. Supported by the United • William Gomera, George S. Nations Industrial Development Seeds of two cowpea varieties with Oreku. ‘Mobile Technology in Organization (UNIDO) and potential for grain production were Training Micro Businesses: User’s implemented by the Renewable st distributed to the participants and Requirements and Architectural Energy Policy Network for the 21 Century (REN21). Available online their use was demonstrated. The Design’. International Journal of at http://www.ren21.net/status- researchers conducting the field ICT Research in Africa and Middle ofrenewables/regional-status- day also told the participants about East (IJICTRAME) Pages: 25 – 40; reports/. biological nitrogen fixation and seed • Anselem P. Moshi. inoculation. ‘Characterization of Spent Bleaching Earth and Improvement Embrapa Agrobiologia, Brazil Some farmers took keen interest in of biogas through supplementation the field day as they were interested of manure’. Biotechnology Journal Capacity Building Activities in utilizing their land for producion International 17(4): 1-13, 2017; other than vegetables and fruit, while • Raheli Elibariki and Mihayo Farmers of Paty do Alferes others eager to test the inoculation. Musabila Maguta. ‘Status of Participate in Field Day on The two types of seeds were planted, pesticides pollution in Tanzania Cowpea Co-organized by Embrapa some with inoculation and some –A review’, Chemosphere. Volume Agrobiologia without. The planted seeds would 178, (2017), pp 154 – 164. DOI: be observed for their growth and http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. About 30 farmers in the vicinity of productivity of plants. chemosphere.2017.03.036; Paty do Alferes, a municipality in the • Mbwana Suleiman Ndaro, Josephat center-south of the state of Rio de Research Projects Igadwa Mwasiagi, Lodrick Janeiro, participated in a special field Makokha Wangatia. ‘Tearing day on ‘the cowpea culture and its Research to help Cheapen Degraded Strength of hydro entangled non- potential for the region’. The day was Land Recovery woven fabrics’. Material Science, organized to show the potential of An Indian Journal MSAIJ,14(12) cowpea culture to the local farmers, A simple and cheap technique, which 2016 (509 – 513); as despite the high location of Paty do can help the recovery of degraded • George S. Oreku and Fredrick Alferes, the culture develops very well areas at half the cost of traditional J. Mtenzi. Book Chapter there. methods has been developed by ‘Cybercrime: concerns, Challenges Embrapa Agrobiologia scientists. and Opportunities’. Published The day was organized by Embrapa According to the report, the method by Springer in the Book Titled Agrobiologia in partnership with involves use of cardboard to control “Information Fusion for Cyber- Pesagro-Rio, Emater-Rio, the Cedro weeds by crowning (removing weeds Security Analytics: Pages: 129 – Institute, the Institute for Community by cutting through below their 153; Development and Action (Idaco), “crown”). Material as abundant as • Lugano Wilson, Contributor the Rio de Janeiro Biological Farmers pizza boxes can be used to apply this (Tanzania) for the first edition Association (Abio), and the Rio Rural technique in activities. The technique of the East African Community Program of the City Hall of Paty do
52 Mid Year Report 2017 as well as using progressive teaching methods that seek not only to adapt to but also to initiate social change.
While the University encourages purely scholarly and research activities, where the end is “knowledge for its own sake,” the institution balances its support for the pursuit of pure knowledge with its dedication to a strong interactive role in society, whether through: practice- oriented degrees it offers; practical credit-hours students are required can make pasture recovery financially Al-Quds University (AQU) was to invest in their given industry or possible for smallholders. Brazil founded in 1984. The main campus profession; University’s research today has about 21 million hectares of the University is located in Abu activities in public health, social of Permanent Preservation Areas Dis with four further campuses science, environment, agro-chemicals, and Legal Reserves that need to be in Jerusalem, Sheikh Jarrah, Beit etc.; or its outreach programmes and rehabilitated, most of which have been Hanina and Rammalh (al-Bireh). institutes. used as pastures. AQU provides higher education and community services within Jerusalem Academic Achievements The traditional methods to control as well as the neighbouring towns, weeds require too much labour villages and refugee camps in the West AQU ranks top in the entire Arab with low operational income, which Bank. world in the number of peer-reviewed burdens environmental rehabilitation publications per faculty members per projects. The new method, which has With over 13,000 students, AQU year. Among its many faculties and already been used in croplands, is a has outreach to the members from departments are the first Palestinian novelty for reforestation with native all over the West Bank. With fifteen schools of law and medicine; species. In forest recomposition academic faculties including Arts, museums of mathematics, science, projects, most costs are associated Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Qur’an and and prisoners’ affairs; research centers with the control of weeds that Islamic Studies, and Engineering, in nanotechnology, biotechnology, endanger the seedlings’ growth and AQU offers huge academic diversity. information technology, and survival. About two thirds of the AQU is a hub of creativity and offers environmental sciences, as well investment are destined to control the a vibrant learning environment as centers for community action, so-called weed competition. by encouraging exchange of ideas legal aid clinics, and an educational and freedom of expression, as well television station and media as leading innovative research to Al-Quds University (AQU), laboratory. Palestine encourage students to be active and engaged citizens, who are open and AQU employs approximately 1,300 cooperative, as well as well-informed Al-Quds University, Palestine joined staff which provides educational and interested in different cultures of COMSATS Network of Centres of services for almost 12,000 students up st the world. Excellence as its 21 member during to the master’s degree level. Each year, the 20th Coordinating Council approximately 1,700 undergraduate The mission of AQU is to equip Meeting. A brief profile of Al-Quds students and a transfer class of students with the tools to shape a University is given. about 30 students are admitted to successful future through promotion programmes at Al-Quds University. of academic research and professional More than 45 departments and excellence. programmes offer post-graduate education. The University comprises of over 30 centres and institutes with committed Research faculty members, which have earned a reputation for high-quality and The Deanship of scientific research innovative research and development at Al-Quds University (AQU) is
Mid Year Report 2017 53 committed to excellence in academic As part of this strategy to nurture a Contact Details: research, which constitutes a major research-friendly environment for the component of the University’s mission University’s researchers and academics Al-Quds University as an institution of higher education. and to enhance AQU’s participation Main Campus, P.O. Box 89 The University’s strategic priorities in research activities worldwide, Abu Dis, Palestine are to proactively connect with funded research projects are being local, national, regional, and global implemented through collaboration Tel: 02-2790606 educational sectors by enhancing its with other national and international Fax: 02-2794180 academic work both at home and institutions. Email: [email protected] abroad.
54 Mid Year Report 2017
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ICENS-Jamaica RSS-Jordan KazNU-Kazakhstan NMC-Nigeria ICCBS-Pakistan CIIT-Pakistan UCAD-Senegal
Al-Quds University ITI-Sri Lanka IRCC-Sudan HIAST-Syria TIRDO-Tanzania CERTE-Tunisia TÜBITAK MAM-Turkey
COMSATS Headquarters Shahrah-e-JamhCuOriMatS, ASTecSt oHre Gad-q5u/2a,r tIesrlsamabad - Pakistan Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad - Pakistan PhP:h :( +(+9922--5511)) 921144551155-7-,7 F, aFxa: x(:+ 9(+2-9521-)5 912)1 96523196539 URULR:L w: wwwww.c.coommsattss..oorrgg, ,E Emmaial:i lp:r opgroragmras@[email protected]