SARGODHA: The University of Sargodha (UoS),in collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Islamabad on Friday successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing academic competencies in research proposal development and grant writing.
The concluding ceremony was held at the Malik Feroz Khan Noon Business Auditorium with Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Professor Dr.Muhammad Akmal attending as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants,Professor Dr.Muhammad Akmal said research was a continuous process that drove innovation, discovery and informed decision-making.
He observed that Pakistan’s research landscape was increasingly shifting towards quality-oriented and impact-driven projects,with a focus on originality,innovative thinking and contributions to societal development.
He said a well-designed and professionally written research proposal should demonstrate its merit without relying on personal references or recommendations.
He added that the PSF was prioritizing the quality of research proposals over their quantity and encouraging researchers to develop innovative ideas addressing key societal challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, University of Sargodha Vice Chancellor(VC) Professor Dr.Tasawarr Hayat underscored the responsibility of higher education institutions in fostering a sustainable research culture alongside teaching and academic development.
He said universities must go beyond conventional education by providing an enabling environment for knowledge creation,scientific discoveries,inventions and intellectual advancement.
The VC highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and practical research training for senior researchers and faculty members.
He termed the workshop a valuable initiative towards strengthening the country’s research capabilities and promoting sustainable national development.
Member Sciences,Pakistan Science Foundation,Dr.Mirza Habib Ali,appreciated the academic potential of the university’s faculty and urged researchers to develop proposals based on regional priorities and local challenges.
He particularly highlighted the citrus sector as an important area requiring focused scientific investigation and innovative research interventions.
Sharing their experiences,Dr.Iram Aima of the Department of Zoology and Dr.Muhammad Shahbaz Zafar of the One Health Center highlighted the academic significance of the workshop and its role in improving participants’ understanding of research project development and grant writing.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among the participants by the chief guest.
On the occasion,VC Professor Dr.Tasawarr Hayat presented commemorative souvenirs to the chief guest and guest of honour in recognition of their visit.
The event was attended by Dean Faculty of Agriculture Professor Dr.Muhammad Ashraf,Dean of Sciences Professor Dr.Amir Ali,Dean Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Professor Dr.Muhammad Ilyas, and chairpersons of various academic and administrative departments.
The workshop was aimed at promoting research-oriented academic practices,encouraging innovative project development and bridging the gap between academic expertise and practical societal needs.