Pakistan, Sudan universities to collaborate on scientific research
June 15, 2007 (KARACHI) — The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan to enhance cooperation in the field of scientific research based on the exchange of knowledge and facilities between the two countries.
Acting director of the ICCBS, Professor Mohammed Iqbal Choudhary, on behalf of the centre, and Professor Dr E.L. Bushra El Sheikh El Nur of University of Khartoum, in his recent visit to ICCBS, signed the MoU, said an ICCBS communication issued here on Wednesday 13 June.
The objective of the MoU is to accelerate the pace of development in the areas of science and research by enhancing the research cooperation between both the countries, Associated Press of Pakistan news agency reported.
The staff of both the parties would be exchanged as guest lecturers or external examiners or visiting professionals in their fields of specialization.
External examiners will be invited from ICCBS to examine the PhD students registered at the Sudanese institutions.
Sudanese students would also be admitted at the ICCBS, University of Karachi as full-time PhD students in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular medicine, etc. The agreement will create prospects for the students, who will be enabled to acquire postgraduate education, according to the MoU.
By having joint research projects, exchange of scientists, training of young researchers, and exchange of information, will improve scientific and technological teamwork between both the countries. This agreement will not only promote the exchange of scientists and researchers on a regular basis, but also inculcate the joint research projects.
Two parties may invite experts from the institutions for research and educational purposes. Three to four visits of Pakistani scientists could be organized each year for a period of one week; these visits will be utilized for planning, consultancy, and identification of potential research areas.
Both the sides will share information of each other about their seminars and conferences to be organized by them. It was also mentioned in the MoU that both parties will share scientific publications and news. At the end of the fifth year, the heads of the two institutions will meet to discuss and revise the achievements of the agreement, while the MoU would be renewed for another five years if agreed, it added.
(ST)