Events/Meetings

On 13th April 2026, a delegation from Solaris Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Islamabad comprising the General Manager (Technical), Dr. Bakht Zaman, and the Manager Life Sciences, visited the ORIC Industrial Linkages office at NUMS-KHINAMS.

The visit was aimed at fostering collaboration and exploring potential areas of mutual interest in research, innovation, and development within the life sciences domain. During the meeting, both sides engaged in constructive discussions on strengthening industry–academia linkages, promoting translational research, and identifying opportunities for joint projects and knowledge exchange.

The ORIC Industrial Linkages office provided an overview of its ongoing research initiatives, institutional capabilities, and support mechanisms for research and commercialization. The delegation from Solaris Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Islamabad shared insights into their organizational expertise, current projects, and potential avenues for collaboration with academic institutions.

The interaction also emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing scientific innovation and addressing emerging challenges in healthcare and life sciences. Both parties expressed keen interest in establishing a sustained working relationship and agreed to explore formal collaboration frameworks in the future.

The visit concluded on a positive note, with a mutual understanding to continue dialogue and pursue collaborative initiatives that align with shared goals of research excellence and innovation.


The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the 6th round of its Institutional Research Fund (IRF), reinforcing its commitment to promoting high-quality research and innovation across its academic and affiliated institutions.

The call for research proposals was announced on 5 December 2025, receiving an encouraging response from faculty members across various departments and constituent institutions. A total of 40 research proposals were submitted by researchers from the Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Psychology, Department of Health Professions Education, Department of Humanities and Sciences, Army Medical College, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP).

Subsequently, 17 proposals were shortlisted by the Scientific Review Panel based on their scientific merit, relevance, and potential impact. These shortlisted projects were presented before the Grants Review Committee (GRC) in three phases held on 6 March 2026, 11 March 2026, and 16 March 2026, under the acting chairmanship of the Dean MDS.

After comprehensive evaluation and deliberation, the GRC approved a total of 11 research projects for funding. These selected projects demonstrate significant potential to contribute to advancements in health sciences, education, and interdisciplinary research.

In light of the GRC’s recommendations, approval from the competent authority has been sought for the release of PKR 9.58705 million to support the execution of the approved projects.

NUMS remains dedicated to fostering a robust research culture and supporting innovative initiatives that address national and global health challenges.


The ORIC (NUMS) through its Industrial Linkages Office (ILO), participated in a joint industrial visit to Qarshi Industries, Hattar, on December 17, 2025. The visit was organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

The forum participants visited various operational units at Qarshi Industries. The visit was held in continuation of the ORIC Forum Meeting which aimed at strengthening academia–industry linkages and promoting collaboration between higher education institutions and industry. Representatives from various ORICs across the region participated in the forum and subsequent industrial visit.

During the visit, the NUMS ORIC delegation engaged with industry representatives to explore opportunities related to research commercialization, technology transfer, and collaborative research. The interaction highlighted the importance of translating academic research into practical industrial applications.

ORIC NUMS acknowledged the role of HEC and ICCI in facilitating this initiative, which provided a platform for constructive engagement between academia and industry. Such activities contribute to aligning academic research with national industrial priorities and fostering innovation within the knowledge-based economy.


The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), NUMS, successfully organized an interactive session with the Chair of IPO-Pakistan on 14th October 2025 at the NIASR Conference Room. The session brought together researchers and faculty from multiple departments to discuss the strategic role of Intellectual Property (IP) in advancing research, innovation, and commercialization in Pakistan.

The Chair provided valuable insights into key national and international initiatives, including the Inventors’ Assistance Program (IAP) and Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), launched by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with IPO-Pakistan. These programs aim to empower local researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs by offering access to technical support and IP-related services.

Participants also explored the importance of integrating IP education into academic curricula, to prepare the next generation of scientists and professionals to operate in a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

Another key area of discussion was the WIPO International Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK). The treaty holds particular relevance for Pakistan, offering new opportunities for the protection and ethical utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge in research and product development.

Researchers from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Psychology, Nutrition NUMS, and the Dental Section of Army Medical College attended the session in person. As per the call for nominations, departments selected researchers whose work demonstrates strong potential for patenting or trademark registration. Additional participants joined remotely via Zoom.

This session underscores NUMS’ and ORIC’s commitment to fostering a robust research culture, while equipping its academic community with the tools and knowledge required to navigate the IP landscape effectively.


NUMS ORIC Industrial Linkages Office actively participated in the joint industrial visit to Faisalabad, organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on May 27, 2025. The visit was aimed at enhancing academia-industry linkages and providing exposure to the industrial landscape of Faisalabad for ORIC representatives from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The event followed the 1st ORIC Forum Meeting held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on May 26, 2025, where heads and representatives from various ORICs across the region convened to discuss strategies for research commercialization, innovation policies, and collaborative frameworks.

During the industrial visit, the NUMS ORIC ILO delegation engaged with key players from Faisalabad’s textile, pharmaceutical, and agro-industrial sectors. The interactions enabled in-depth discussions on joint ventures, research commercialization opportunities, and possibilities for technology transfer. The visit served as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, opening avenues for future collaborations in areas aligned with NUMS's expertise, including biotechnology, phytochemistry, and medical sciences.

The delegation also appreciated the role of HEC and ICCI in facilitating such a productive dialogue platform. This initiative is a significant step forward in aligning academic output with industrial needs, fostering innovation, and boosting the national knowledge economy.

ORIC NUMS remains committed to nurturing sustainable partnerships with industry stakeholders and translating research into practical solutions that benefit both the economy and society at large.


The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), NUMS, successfully organized an interactive session with the Chair of IPO-Pakistan on 14th October 2025 at the NIASR Conference Room. The session brought together researchers and faculty from multiple departments to discuss the strategic role of Intellectual Property (IP) in advancing research, innovation, and commercialization in Pakistan.

The Chair provided valuable insights into key national and international initiatives, including the Inventors’ Assistance Program (IAP) and Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), launched by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with IPO-Pakistan. These programs aim to empower local researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs by offering access to technical support and IP-related services.

Participants also explored the importance of integrating IP education into academic curricula, to prepare the next generation of scientists and professionals to operate in a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

Another key area of discussion was the WIPO International Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK). The treaty holds particular relevance for Pakistan, offering new opportunities for the protection and ethical utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge in research and product development.

Researchers from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Psychology, Nutrition NUMS, and the Dental Section of Army Medical College attended the session in person. As per the call for nominations, departments selected researchers whose work demonstrates strong potential for patenting or trademark registration. Additional participants joined remotely via Zoom.

This session underscores NUMS’ and ORIC’s commitment to fostering a robust research culture, while equipping its academic community with the tools and knowledge required to navigate the IP landscape effectively.


On May 16, 2025, a delegation from the Research and Development (R&D) team of Fauji Foods Pvt. Ltd. visited the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) to explore opportunities for research collaboration and innovation. Fauji Foods, a subsidiary of the Fauji Group with major shareholding by Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited (FFBL), has a notable presence in Pakistan’s food and dairy industry through its brands Dostea and Nurpur.

The visit aimed to foster academia–industry linkages, with a focus on joint research initiatives in the areas of food safety, dairy product innovation, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and quality control. The R&D team expressed particular interest in NUMS’s strong multidisciplinary research base, especially within the departments of biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, phytochemistry, and bioinformatics.

The Fauji Foods delegation discussed industrial challenges and emphasized their interest in developing products supported by scientific validation and innovation.

Both parties agreed on the importance of establishing a dedicated working group to identify specific areas of collaboration. Potential joint activities discussed included product development, student internships, faculty consultancy, and technology transfer. The visit concluded on a positive note, with both institutions expressing a commitment to continued engagement and results-oriented partnerships.

This initiative aligns with NUMS’s vision to contribute to national development through applied research and industry collaboration. The visit by Fauji Foods represents a strategic opportunity to bridge academic research with industrial needs, fostering innovation in Pakistan’s food and dairy sector.


The NUMS ORIC Industrial Linkages Office successfully organized an industrial visit to Qarshi Industries (Pvt.) Ltd, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening academia-industry collaboration.

The visit, held in the last week of May 2025, was conducted in accordance with the partnership between NUMS and Qarshi Research International. It was specifically arranged for students of the BS Human Nutrition & Dietetics (HND) program. Participants included 60 students enrolled in the courses Essentials of Food Science and Technology and Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals.

The primary objective of the visit was to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practices. During the visit, students were exposed to the complete food production cycle, including raw material handling, processing, packaging, quality assurance, and hygiene protocols. They also learned about functional foods, herbal formulations, and nutraceutical product development—core strengths of Qarshi Industries.

The visit allowed students to observe advanced manufacturing techniques, automation systems, and stringent quality control procedures aligned with national and international standards. Students also participated in interactive Q&A sessions with industry experts, which deepened their understanding of nutrition science applications in the herbal and functional food sectors.

ORIC ILO extends its gratitude to Qarshi Industries for their warm hospitality and support of experiential learning. This visit marks another milestone in NUMS’ vision to foster meaningful industry linkages that enrich student learning and contribute to national development.


The NUMS Bioequivalence/Bioavailability Center (BA/BE), in collaboration with ORIC, successfully organized a two-day symposium and hands-on workshop titled “Advances in HPLC and LC-MS in Pharma, Biologics, and Bioequivalence” on April 15–16, 2025, at the NUMS PWD campus. The event brought together national and international experts, attracting researchers, faculty, postgraduate students, and professionals from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors across Pakistan.

The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance participants' understanding of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), with a focus on their applications in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and bioequivalence studies. The sessions addressed method development, validation, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and regulatory compliance aligned with WHO, US-FDA, and EMA standards. Hands-on training provided participants with direct experience using advanced analytical equipment.

Dr. Asghar Khan (Senior Scientific Officer) played a pivotal role in the successful planning and execution of the symposium through his coordination efforts. Distinguished guest speakers enriched the event with their insights: Dr. Mahfooz Ur Rehman (Shaigan Pharmaceuticals) spoke on regulatory challenges; Mr. Rajesh (Waters Middle East) covered LC-MS innovations; and Dr. Adeedia Raza (AFMSL) presented real-world drug application case studies. Mr. Khalid Ghafar (Waters Gulf Region) discussed future trends in mass spectrometry, while Dr. Muhammad Tahseen Ahmed (PCSIR) highlighted the role of institutional collaboration in pharmaceutical research.

Additional contributions came from NUMS researchers Mr. Junaid Abbasi and Ms. Bushra Bilal, who conducted interactive practical sessions. Academic perspectives were shared by Dr. Muhammad Sheraz and Dr. Feroza Watto (PMAS-Arid Agriculture University), while Dr. Zafar Iqbal (National Veterinary Laboratory) discussed veterinary drug residue analysis using LC-MS.

The event was widely praised for its scientific rigor, practical value, and organizational excellence. It significantly enhanced NUMS’s standing in pharmaceutical sciences and fostered valuable academia–industry linkages.


A delegation from the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) visited the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) on 17 April 2025 to introduce and promote Pakistan's first human spaceflight mission, scheduled for late 2026 in collaboration with China's manned space program. The purpose of the visit was to raise awareness and encourage the submission of scientific experiment proposals from Pakistani academia, particularly in biomedical sciences, space biology, material sciences, and microgravity-based technologies.

The SUPARCO delegation comprised Brig (R) Syed Amer Gillani, Mr Tahir Mehmood, Dr Sobia, and Dr Ayesha. They were welcomed by NUMS faculty members, students, and ORIC representatives. During the session held at the Seminar Hall from 0900 to 1015 hrs, the team provided a detailed presentation on the scope of the Pakistan Manned Space Mission (PMSM) 2026 and the partnership with China’s space agency. They informed the audience that, under this initiative, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training in China, with one selected to conduct scientific experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS).

The session focused on the call for innovative and feasible research proposals that can be executed within one week under microgravity conditions. The delegation outlined the thematic areas, proposal criteria, and submission modalities, encouraging participants to contribute novel ideas aligned with the mission’s objectives. The deadline for proposal submission was announced as 30 April 2025. Attendees showed great interest and engaged actively during the Q&A segment of the session.

It was recommended that NUMS ORIC coordinate internally to facilitate timely proposal submissions, especially from departments involved in biomedical and health sciences. A working group to support researchers in aligning their projects with the thematic areas defined by SUPARCO was also suggested.

The visit was well-received and marked an essential step in strengthening institutional engagement with national-level research initiatives. NUMS acknowledges and appreciates the SUPARCO delegation's efforts and looks forward to contributing meaningfully to this historic mission.


NUMS ORIC Industrial Linkages Office actively participated in the joint industrial visit to Faisalabad, organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on May 27, 2025. The visit was aimed at enhancing academia-industry linkages and providing exposure to the industrial landscape of Faisalabad for ORIC representatives from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The event followed the 1st ORIC Forum Meeting held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on May 26, 2025, where heads and representatives from various ORICs across the region convened to discuss strategies for research commercialization, innovation policies, and collaborative frameworks.

During the industrial visit, the NUMS ORIC ILO delegation engaged with key players from Faisalabad’s textile, pharmaceutical, and agro-industrial sectors. The interactions enabled in-depth discussions on joint ventures, research commercialization opportunities, and possibilities for technology transfer. The visit served as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, opening avenues for future collaborations in areas aligned with NUMS's expertise, including biotechnology, phytochemistry, and medical sciences.

The delegation also appreciated the role of HEC and ICCI in facilitating such a productive dialogue platform. This initiative is a significant step forward in aligning academic output with industrial needs, fostering innovation, and boosting the national knowledge economy.

ORIC NUMS remains committed to nurturing sustainable partnerships with industry stakeholders and translating research into practical solutions that benefit both the economy and society at large.


On February 27, 2025, the NUMS Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), in collaboration with the NUMS Department of Biological Sciences, organized a one-day capacity-building seminar titled "Practical Approaches to Identify and Classify Bacterial Strains."

The keynote speaker for the session was Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, PhD, Postdoc, Principal Scientific Officer at the National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP), Land Resources Research Center (LRRI), National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad. Dr. Ahmed's extensive expertise in microbiology and bacterial strain identification provided valuable insights to the diverse audience, which included MS/PhD students, faculty, and researchers from NUMS.

The seminar covered a range of practical techniques for identifying and classifying bacterial strains. Dr. Ahmed began by outlining the systematic identification of novel bacterial strains from clinical and environmental samples. He then discussed morphological and biochemical characterization methods to classify these strains accurately. The session also explored the exploitation of advanced molecular techniques such as PCR, 16S rRNA sequencing, and DNA barcoding for more precise identification. A special focus was placed on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry applications, demonstrating its significance in identifying novel strains.

In addition to these methods, Dr. Ahmed emphasized data analysis and interpretation using statistical tools, highlighting the importance of robust analytical practices in bacterial strain classification. The workshop concluded with a discussion on developing problem-solving skills essential for researchers working in microbiological studies.

This interactive and informative seminar gave the participants practical knowledge and tools to enhance their research skills and improve their understanding of bacterial strain identification and classification.


A pre- study site visit of the clinical study titled "Protocol MB12-C-02-24: Randomized, Multicenter, Multinational, Double-Blind Study to Compare the Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of MB12 (Proposed Pembrolizumab Biosimilar) versus Keytruda® in Combination with Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced Stage IV Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (BENITO Study)" was made by Team Lead (TL) and MCT CRO expert for the Middle East & Africa, Mr. Danish Hassan Khan, on 30 Oct 2024 at NUMS.

During the visit, the site facilities were evaluated to ensure suitability for the study. The pharmacy and laboratory designated for the trial were inspected for investigational product storage, sample analysis, and storage facilities. Equipment appropriateness was assessed, and site personnel involved in the study were identified, with roles and workload reviewed to confirm alignment with study requirements.

Key checks included confirming the study population, reviewing access to both paper and electronic medical records, and verifying that site policies and procedures met the standards outlined in the study protocol. Essential documents from the Site Recruitment packet were collected to enable a smooth activation process if the site is selected.

After the visit, an in-depth meeting was held at the NUMS Research Facilitation Centre (NRFC) at the PEMH campus. Following were the attendees:

S#

Attendees

Name

1

Executive Director Research and Commercialization

Maj Gen Saleem Ahmed Khan, HI(M), (Retd)

2

Principal Investigator

Brig Muhammad Nadeem Paracha

3

Col Mussavir Bangash

Sub-Investigator

4

Dr. Baber Saeed Khan

Director CTU

5

Dr. Shahid Waseem

Director ORIC

6

Mr. Aqeel Yunus

Assistant Director ORIC (Research & Support)

The meeting agenda covered a thorough review of study objectives, design, and methodologies, with a particular focus on safety protocols, data management, and ethical compliance. Each participant contributed insights on their area of expertise to align on strategic elements and ensure collaborative adherence to regulatory and procedural requirements.

The pre-site visit and subsequent meeting were ended with satisfactory remarks by the representative of MCT CRO expert for the Middle East & Africa, Mr. Danish Hassan Khan.


A delegation from NUMS Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), comprising of Dr. Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC, and Mr. Aqeel Yunus, Assistant Director ORIC, visited the office of the President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Mr Usman Shaukat, on 18 Nov 2024.

During the visit, Director ORIC extended felicitation to the newly elected President of RCCI, and acknowledged his pivotal leadership role in driving industry innovation and growth. The delegation engaged in a productive discussion on potential ventures of mutual interest, focusing on initiatives that aim to benefit the community and promote sustainable development through academia and research.

The meeting highlighted the importance of bridging academic research with industry needs to address real-world challenges. This visit underscores NUMS ORIC’s commitment to expanding its network with industry leaders, fostering partnerships that leverage academic expertise for impactful outcomes. At the end of the meeting, the President RCCI was invited at NUMS for executing the DoU signing ceremony.


On 13th September 2024, the NUMS ORIC delegation, including Dr. Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC, and Mr. Aqeel Yunus, Assistant Director (Research & Support), ORIC, met with the team from Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI, represented by Dr. Sumaira Kausar, Director CoE-AI & Head AI Applied Technologies, Dr. Samabia Tehseen, Associate Professor Head AI Applied Technologies, and Ms. Nadia Imran, Assistant Professor Robotics.

The meeting focused on exploring the use of AI for Smart Insulin Management. Key points discussed included the estimated cost and budget of the research, project timeline, regulatory requirements, the role of DRAP, clinical trials, and production capabilities within Pakistan. The team also discussed how end users, such as patients and healthcare providers, would benefit from the project.

Additionally, the team progressed with the discussion about developing a "Portable Heating Block." Moreover, the group discussed ways to reduce errors and considered using Computer-Aided Testing (CAT) models to improve accuracy.

The meeting ended positively, with both teams agreeing to continue working together on these promising projects.


On 25 July 2024, a delegation from NUMS ORIC visited Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI. The primary objective of the visit was to discuss the development of AI-based tools and explore potential collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.

NUMS ORIC delegation included:

1.

Dr Shahid Waseem

Director ORIC

2.

Mr Aqeel Yunus

Assistant Director ORIC (Research & Support)


Representing Bahria University - Center of Excellence in AI Research Team were:

1.

Dr Sumaira Kausar

Director CoE-AI & Head AI Applied Technologies

2.

Dr Samabia Tehseen

Associate Professor Head AI Applied Technologies

3.

Ms Nadia Imran

Assistant Professor of Robotics

The meeting commenced with brief introductions from all attendees, followed by an outline of the meeting's objectives and expected outcomes. Bahria University - Center of Excellence in AI Research Team presented an overview of their current AI projects and research initiatives, highlighting key achievements and technological advancements.

Following this, the NUMS ORIC delegation provided an introduction to their office, detailing its role in fostering research, innovation, and commercialization within NUMS and expressed interest in contributing towards AI-based projects.

Director ORIC shared the idea to develop a "Portable Heating Block" through the mutual contribution of NUMS ORIC and Bahria University—Center of Excellence in AI. Bahria University—Center of Excellence in AI will share the material cost, prototype design, and estimated budget.

The visit was highly productive, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration between NUMS ORIC and Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI. Both parties expressed not just enthusiasm, but a shared vision for the potential transformative impact of their joint efforts in advancing AI research and developing innovative tools beneficial across various sectors.

 


Reference to the announcement of 4th round of call for proposal, under institution research fund (IRF) 2023-24 vide email dated 27 Oct 2023, the Grant Review Committee Meeting was held in NUMS-Research & Facilitation Center, NUMS Secretariat at 1000 hrs on 08 March 2024 under the chair of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academics), Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed, HI(M) (Retd). After welcome and introduction session by chair, 15 x shortlisted project proposals were presented to GRC. Finally, 10 x project proposals have been awarded to the researchers by the GRC. The details of the recommended projects are as follows:

File #

Project Title

PI

24-IRF-038

Circulating Cell free DNA Extraction for EGFR Mutation Detectoin.

Maj Gen Hafeez Ud Din HI(M)

24-IRF-033

Combined m-Health Screening for Vision and Hearing Impairment in Primary School Children-A Community Based Service Delivery Model.

Lt Col Shamaila Mohsin

24-IRF-037

Frequency of serum IgA deficiency in normal healthy population of Pakistan.

Lt Col Muhammad Hussain

24-IRF-028

Synthesis of selenium-doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential for bone tissue engineering.

Dr Hashmat Gul

24-IRF-023

Examining Transdiagnostic Features and Shared Neural Mechanisms of Psychological Disorders Through EEG Microstate Analysis.

Dr Shazia Khalid

24-IRF-007

Whole Genome Sequencing of Core Bacterial Strains from a Healthy Human Gut for Genome Guided Synthetic Microbiome Transplants.

Dr Raees Khan

24-IRF-003

Exploring the wound microbiome in cutaneous leishmania infection to understand underlying mechanism of disease severity.

Dr Shumaila Naz

24-IRF-013

Conjugation of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Monotheca Buxifolia with Vitamic C and its Potential Biological Applications.

Dr Rida Fatima Saeed

24-IRF-002

Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of iron nanoparticles using Ranunulus leatus extrat.

Dr Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti

24-IRF-019

Implementation of Zero Waste Practices in Campuses and Beyond- Fulfilling Social Responsibility through Action Research.

Dr Adeela Bashir

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a shield to the subject expert, Dr. Ghazala Kaukab, followed by a vote of thanks from the Chair.


NUMS-ORIC facilitates faculty and researchers in research management/ operations, capacity building, and research commercialization and is a focal point for providing guidance and support to Constituent/ Affiliate Institutes in conducting high-impact research.

NUMS ORIC Steering Committee (NUMS ORIC-SC) is formally constituted at NUMS following the HEC policy for ORICs, as per notification No. 19/Registrar/NUMS, dated 1 April 2022. The committee's formation includes participation from the private sector (Pharmaceutical industry) and senior university officials, all with the shared purpose of strengthening the university's research and innovation culture.

NUMS ORIC-SC comprises 08 members, as well as the Chairman and Co-Chairman (from industry). The affiliation of the members is as follows: -

S#

Designation/ Affiliation

Role

a.

Vice Chancellor, NUMS

Chair

b.

President & CEO Ferozsons Labs

Co-Chair

c.

Pro VC (Acad), NUMS

Member

d.

Director Bio-Labs Pvt Ltd

Member

e.

Consultant Pharma Bureau

Member

f.

Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Consultant

Member

g.

CEO Focus & Rulz

Member

h.

Dean Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS)

Member

i.

Director ORIC, NUMS

Member

j.

Assistant Director ORIC, NUMS

Member/ Secretary


The 3rd meeting of the NUMS ORIC Steering Committee (OSC) was held at the NUMS-Research & Facilitation Center, NUMS Secretariat, at 1200 hrs on 10th June 2024. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor NUMS, Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed, HI(M) (Retd), welcomed the members of ORIC-SC. Director ORIC, Dr. Shahid Waseem, then apprised the house on the functioning and Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the ORIC Steering Committee. Following the welcome and orientation, Assistant Director ORIC Mr. Aqeel Yunus presented the agenda of the 3rd OSC meeting to the house, which included an ORIC update for FY 2022-23, a review of the progress of five previously awarded projects, a presentation of shortlisted projects to be funded by NUMS under the Technology Innovation Funds (TIF) 2023-24, and closing remarks by the Chair.

First, Director ORIC Dr. Shahid Waseem gave a presentation on ORIC achievements and performance for FY 2022-23. The house appreciated the ORIC performance, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Acad) also expressed pleasant remarks on the ORIC performance for FY 2022-23. Next, a presentation on the progress of the five already awarded projects under the Technology Innovation Funds was given. Additionally, two new projects, each worth 5 million, were awarded to the Department of Biological Sciences from the Technology Innovation Funds 2023-24.

Following this, the Co-Chair of OSC and President and CEO of Ferozsons Labs Ltd, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, suggested enhancing cross-academia collaboration and industry-academia relationships. He also suggested connecting with WHO regarding research projects. Then, Consultant Pharma Bureau, Mr. Nadeem Hussain Alamgir, offered to help seek approvals from DRAP/NBC for relevant projects and further suggested incorporating a commercialization plan in applied projects.

During the closing remarks, the Pro-VC Academics, Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed (Retd), reiterated the importance of incorporating clinical impact while designing research projects. Additionally, he agreed with the impactful suggestions and proposals of the Co-Chair OSC and President and CEO of Ferozsons Labs Ltd, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, regarding pitching research work at PPMA conferences to strengthen research sustainability and the ecosystem.


On 01 Aug 2024, a delegation of the NUMS Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), along with a representative of the NUMS Department of Biological Sciences (NDBS), visited the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR). The visit aimed to explore avenues for collaboration, enhance research and innovation capabilities, and discuss potential partnerships in scientific and industrial research, with the promising prospect of mutual benefits and growth.

NUMS ORIC/DBS delegation included:

1.

Dr Shahid Waseem

Director ORIC, NUMS

2.

Mr Aqeel Yunus

Assistant Director ORIC (Research & Support), NUMS

3.

Dr Shumaila Naz

Assistant Professor, DBS, NUMS

Representatives of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) were:

1.

Dr Sarwat Ismail

Member Science, PCSIR      

2.

Dr Muhammad Tahseen Aslam

Director, PCSIR

Both parties exchanged ideas on potential areas for collaboration. The discussion covered joint research projects, clinical studies, and opportunities for students and faculty. PCSIR, with its extensive experience and resources in research and product development, is keen to leverage NUMS's expertise in clinical trials.

The visit concluded with an enhancement of collaboration in research via product development to bridge with industry. NUMS ORIC will also share a draft of the Document of Understanding (DoU) with PCSIR, along with the key research expertise/areas at NUMS.  

 


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