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:

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

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 4^th 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:

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: -

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:

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

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.  

On August 10, 2023, a delegation from the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) visited The Diabetes Centre with the aim of exploring potential collaborations between the two organizations in the areas of research and development. The visit was centered around the exchange of expertise and knowledge to advance the field of diabetes research and treatment. Both parties expressed a strong willingness to establish a formal partnership and signed a document of understanding to solidify their commitment to future collaboration.

Team from NUMS Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization visited Focus & Rulz Pharmaceutical (PVT) Ltd (Humak Industrial Zone, Rawalpindi). The team comprised of: -

a. Director ORIC, Dr. Shahid Waseem

b. Deputy Director Business Development and Marketing, Mr. Amjad Mehmood

c. Assistant Director ORIC (Industrial Linkages), Mr. Zahoor Khan

The purpose of the visit was to gain understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing process and to learn about the latest advancements in the industry. Additionally, exploring industrial collaboration opportunities between National University of Medical Sciences (ORIC) and Focus & Rulz Pharmaceuticals (pvt,) remained the core objective. Detailed discussions were held with the Company’s Quality Assurance team. This visit was a valuable learning experience and ORIC team would like to express its gratitude to the team of Focus and Rulz for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise.

NUMS believes in fostering culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and industrial partners at local and international level to achieve sustainable and fast paced progression in every field of research and innovation which NUMS offers. Keeping the same objective in mind, a delegation from NUMS-ORIC comprising Director ORIC, Deputy Director (BD&MKT) and Assistant Director (Research facilitation) visited PMAS-Arid Agriculture University’s Veterinary Department on Friday 21st July, 2023. Dr. Irfan Yousaf Dean Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences PMAS-Arid Agriculture University hosted the visit. Several areas of mutual interests were explored for potential collaboration specifically in the field of veterinary sciences.

NUMS Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization has organized a Pharmaceutical industry visit for faculty of NUMS Department of Biological Science on 30 March, 2023.

1. Following delegation of NUMS and faculty of Biological Sciences accompanied the visit to Focus & Rulz Pharmaceutical (PVT) Ltd (Humak Industrial Zone, Rawalpindi):

1. Associate Professor Dr Aman Karim
2. Assistant Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem
3. Assit Director ORIC (Industrial Linkages) Mr Zahoor Khan

2. The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and to learn about the latest advancements in the industry. Also the purpose of the visit is based on NUMS intends to offer training and degree programs related to pharmaceutical formulation and quality assurance, and the scope of collaboration. 

3.   During the visit, we also had the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration opportunities with the company's Quality assurance team. We believe that this visit was a valuable learning experience for all of us and I would like to express my gratitude to the team of Focus and Rulz for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise. We believe that the knowledge and insights gained from this visit will be of great benefit to our faculty and students, and I look forward to exploring future collaboration opportunities with the company.

NUMS Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization has organized a Pharmaceutical industry visit for faculty of NUMS Department of Biological Science on 22 Feb 2023. Following delegation of NUMS and faculty of Biological Sciences accompanied the visit to WISE Pharmaceutical Industries (RAWAT Industrial Zone, Islamabad:

1. Associate Professor Dr Aman Karim
2. Assistant Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem
3. Assit Director ORIC (Industrial Linkages) Mr Zahoor Khan

This visit was mainly focused on to understand the procedures involved in drug manufacturing process and the technology and the equipment used. Also the purpose of the visit is based on NUMS intends to offer training and degree programs related to pharmaceutical formulation and quality assurance, and the scope of collaboration.

Plant Manager Shoaib Nizami explained about the facilities available at WISE Pharma, methods of drug making process, the equipment used for the manufacturing tablets and injections, and storage processes. He also explained about the maintenance of the equipment and ethical measurement in drug manufacturing.

A delegation from the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), led by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on November 21, 2023. The primary aim of this visit was to strengthen collaborative ties between the two institutions, and the outcomes were highly productive.

The delegation, consisting of Director ORIC Dr. Shahid Waseem, Mr. Amjad Mehmood (Deputy Director Business Development & Marketing - ORIC), and Mr. Aqeel Yunus (Assistant Director - ORIC), engaged in fruitful discussions with the President of RCCI, Mr. Saqib Rafiq. Both parties recognized this interaction as the initial step towards fostering a lasting collaboration. The envisioned collaboration includes establishing industry-academia linkages, conducting joint applied research projects involving relevant industries, participating in industrial expos/fairs, and collaboratively executing community awareness campaigns related to waste management and recycling.

Director ORIC extended a warm invitation to President RCCI to address NUMS students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of industry-driven research and fostering an entrepreneurial culture in higher education. The invitation was graciously accepted, signifying the commitment of both institutions to promoting a symbiotic relationship.

The next steps involve formalizing the collaboration through in-depth discussions, outlining joint initiatives, and creating a roadmap for impactful endeavors aligned with the shared goals of NUMS and RCCI. This collaboration is anticipated to pave the way for innovative projects and contribute significantly to the development of both institutions and the community at large.

In conclusion, the industrial visit to RCCI proved to be a pivotal moment in establishing a robust partnership between NUMS and RCCI, setting the stage for future collaborations that will undoubtedly bring about positive outcomes for both entities.

On October 10, 2023, NUMS ORIC delegation visited TEMAR Diagnostic Center (Said Pur Road, Rawalpindi) to explore collaborations in research and development. The visit focused on knowledge exchange for advancing medical diagnostics research and healthcare. Both parties are eager to formalize their partnership through a document of understanding.

NUMS ORIC Delegation:

Dr. Shahid Waseem (Director, ORIC)

Mr. Amjid Mehmood (Deputy Director, Business Development & Marketing)

Mr. Zahoor Muhammad Khan (Assistant Director, Industrial Linkages)

TEMAR Diagnostic Center Representatives:

Dr. Bilal Ahmed Sethi (Chairman, TEMAR Diagnostic Center)

Key Highlights:

Welcome and Introduction: Dr. Bilal Ahmed Sethi introduced TEMAR Diagnostic Center and its healthcare contributions.

ORIC Presentation: Dr. Shahid Waseem presented NUMS ORIC's research initiatives, emphasizing collaboration between academia and industry.

Exploration of Common Interests: Both parties identified shared interests, including research, data analytics, and diagnostics.

Collaborative Potential: Both parties discussed mutual interests, such as healthcare research and data analytics. They explored collaborative projects, internships, joint studies, and knowledge-sharing. Genomics profiling of diseases emerged as a potential collaboration, with NUMS offering expertise, genetic counseling, and data interpretation services. The discussions were enthusiastic and open.

Document of Understanding: The upcoming signing of a DoU will formalize the commitment to collaborate on research, technology transfer, and expertise exchange.

Potential Outcomes:

• Strengthens NUMS commitment to impactful medical diagnostics and healthcare research.
• Provides access to cutting-edge research opportunities and enhances the university's reputation.
• Fosters knowledge exchange and innovation in diagnostic techniques and healthcare solutions.
• Elevates NUMS' recognition in medical diagnostics, benefiting healthcare nationwide.

On December 29, 2023, a delegation from Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Karachi, Pakistan, embarked on a collaborative visit to the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), marking a significant stride in fostering partnerships between academia and industry. The esteemed delegation, led by the NUMS Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), comprised the following distinguished members:

1. Dr.Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC
2. Mr. Amjid Mehmood, Deputy Director Marketing & Business Development
3. Mr. Zahoor Khan, Assistant Director of Industrial Linkages
4. The Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan delegation featured notable figures, including:
5. Hakeem Abdul Bari, Head of HRC
6. Prof Dr. Syed Faisal Haider, Associate Dean Faculty of Eastern Medicine
7. Mr. Shahzad Afzal Kayani, Director QEC

The agenda for the visit was multifaceted, incorporating an enlightening demonstration by the Director of ORIC, showcasing NUMS' research capabilities and ongoing projects. Subsequent discussions delved into potential collaborations in research and development, with the Hamdard team providing insights into their pioneering initiatives. The ORIC team presented NUMS' strategic approach to industrial linkages, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaborative projects.

A comprehensive tour of NUMS facilities, tailored to the delegation's interests, offered a firsthand look at the university's cutting-edge infrastructure. The visit concluded with an informal networking session, during which both parties expressed a shared commitment to exploring future collaborations.

As a testament to the positive rapport established, ongoing discussions are set to formalize potential partnerships and define the scope of collaborative projects. This reflects a robust and capable cooperation between Hamdard Laboratories and NUMS in advancing medical research and innovation.

On January 16, 2024, a delegation from PharmEvo (Pvt). Ltd. Karachi, Pakistan, embarked on a collaborative visit to the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), marking a significant stride in fostering partnerships between academia and industry. The esteemed delegation, led by the NUMS Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), comprised the following distinguished members:

1. Dr.Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC
2. Mr. Zahoor Khan, Assistant Director Industrial Linkages

The PharmEvo (Pvt). Ltd. Karachi, Pakistan delegation featured notable figures, including:

1. Dr. Masood Jawaid Director Medical Affairs
2. Mr. Shahid Khan HOD NTL/BUH

The visit's agenda was diverse, encompassing an illuminating presentation by the Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), highlighting NUMS' research capabilities and current projects. Subsequent conversations explored potential collaborations in research and development, with insights from the PharmEvo Pvt Ltd team on their groundbreaking initiatives. The ORIC team outlined NUMS' strategic approach to fostering industrial linkages, underscoring the mutual advantages of joint projects. A comprehensive tour of NUMS facilities, tailored to the delegation's interests, provided a firsthand glimpse into the university's state-of-the-art infrastructure. The visit concluded with an informal networking session, during which both parties affirmed their shared commitment to exploring future collaborations. As evidence of the positive rapport established, ongoing discussions aim to formalize potential partnerships and delineate the scope of collaborative projects. This signifies a dynamic and capable collaboration between PharmEvo Pvt Ltd and NUMS, dedicated to advancing medical research, capacity building, and innovation in a new paradigm.

A team from the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) visited Solaris Life Sciences (Pvt.) Ltd. located in the Industrial Estate Rawat, Rawalpindi.Discussions with Solaris' management provided insights into their operations and future prospects. Dr. Bakht Zaman from Solaris expressed interest in joint research, internships, and capacity-building initiatives. This visit sets the stage for a promising partnership between NUMS and Solaris.