KU and FCCU sign academic pact

Over 180 foreign scholars are studying at KU’s ICCBS.

KARACHI: The Karachi University’s International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) in Lahore for academic and scientific cooperation between the institutions.

ICCBS Director Prof. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry and FCCU Rector Dr James A Tebbe signed the agreement at a ceremony held in Lahore.

The Karachi University is recognised as a premier establishment of higher learning and research in the subcontinent, said Chaudhry. The university is 233rd in the world ranking of universities for natural sciences. In last two years, the ICCBS has become one of the largest and the finest institutions of the region, he said. PhD enrolment has risen from 310 to 480. The centre has expanded its international collaboration with 26 new memorandums of understanding. Over 180 foreign scholars from 50 countries are studying at the centre. More than 600 international research papers were published while 20 new findings were internationally patented in the past two years.

Chaudhry said the basic objective of the agreement between ICCBS and FCCU was to promote cooperation in various fields of sciences. As per the agreement, workshops, seminars and conferences will be organised to develop linkages between academicians and researchers. The contract will be in effect for a period of five years from the date of execution and may be extended by mutual agreement in writing by both parties.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2012.