Chinese, Malaysian and NCP Delegation Explores Collaborative Research Opportunities at COMSATS University Islamabad
A three-member delegation from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, University Technology Malaysia, and the National Centre for Physics, Islamabad, visited CUI on March 5, 2024 at Islamabad Campus. The visitors included Professor Jie Yang, Professor, Director at the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China; Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad 'Athif Faudzi, Director at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIRO), Faculty of Engineering, University Technology Malaysia; and Dr. Hassan Shahzad, Head of Collaborations, National Centre for Physics, Islamabad.
Officials from CUI, including Prof. Dr. Shahzad A. Malik, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Professor Sohail Asghar, In-charge of the Islamabad Campus; and Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head of the International Office, participated in the meeting to explore avenues for scientific and research collaboration in mutual research areas.
The session commenced with an informative presentation by the Head International Office, providing insights into CUI's rich academic heritage, research prowess, and global collaborations. Following this, the Medical Image Processing Research Group (MIPRG) within the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at CUI Islamabad Campus was highlighted. The group's commendable achievements, spanning research areas such as Parallel MRI, AI in MR Image Reconstruction, and ASIC, were duly acknowledged, along with its collaborations with prestigious institutions and significant contributions to medical imaging research.
Subsequently, the visitors shared insights into their respective institutions' endeavours in medical imaging and artificial intelligence. Professor Jie Yang emphasized the robust research infrastructure and collaborations with leading hospitals at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad 'Athif Faudzi elaborated on collaborative opportunities in healthcare and robotics at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Moreover, Dr. Hassan Shahzad shed light on ongoing efforts to establish a Shanghai University Innovation Centre at Islamabad, highlighting the potential for fruitful collaborations.
Additionally, the In-charge CUI Islamabad Campus presented a briefing on the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) in Pakistan. Discussions revolved around scholarship opportunities for CUI faculty members and students pursuing PhDs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Positive responses were received from Professor Yang regarding the availability of scholarships offered by the Chinese Government. Plans were made to streamline the collaboration process between CUI and the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition. Furthermore, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering expressed interest in establishing a robotics program and lab within the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at CUI. Proposals were made for faculty exchange programs between CUI and University Technology Malaysia to facilitate collaboration.
Professor Yang extended Post-Doc opportunities to CUI faculty members, enhancing collaborative prospects. Professor Asghar expressed gratitude for the offer, further cementing the burgeoning partnership. He urged the Head of the International Office to pursue collaboration opportunities and MoUs with NCP, CAIRO and the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Emphasis was placed on collaborative activities over MoUs to expedite the process and ensure effective partnerships.
The meeting concluded with a visit to the HAIER-CUI International Smart Education Experience Centre for a detailed presentation about NCAI and at the Junaid Zaidi Library, symbolizing the beginning of a promising partnership. Group photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion.
Click here for pictures
|
CUI Meets Hungarian Embassy to Foster Collaboration
Islamabad, Pakistan - March 1st, 2024: Officials from COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) met with representatives of the Hungarian Embassy today to discuss potential collaborations in academia, research, and cultural exchange.
The meeting, held at the Hungarian embassy was aimed to build on the existing connection established during the concluding event of the B-International project in November 2023.
CUI officials, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid and Dr. Hammad Omer showcased CUI’s internationalization efforts, including research collaborations and patents. Dr. Istvan Grafjodi, the Hungarian Embassy's Commercial Counsellor, acknowledged their efforts but emphasized the importance of identifying specific areas of collaboration with commercial benefits and practical impact. He suggested focusing on three specific areas like transport, healthcare, or IT, and conducting thorough research on potential Hungarian partners.
CUI representatives expressed their appreciation for the guidance and offered to continue the dialogue. They also shared project ideas and literature related to possible future collaboration, which were reviewed in depth by Dr. Grafjodi.
The meeting concluded positively, paving the way for further exploration of collaborative opportunities.
|
HECAP Call for Short-term Visits (July to December) Apply by 15 March
Description:
The ICTP High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (HECAP) Section offers every year a number of grants for short-term visits. The purpose of the visits is to perform theoretical studies in HECAP's areas of expertise and in close interaction with the Section's resident staff and visiting scientists.
Short-term visits may be for a maximum period of 3 months.
Scientists working in and nationals of developing countries are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to requests for visits outside the summer period.
A short research plan for the expected visit at ICTP should also be added and at least one letter of recommendation is required for junior scientists, postdocs and graduate students. The letter is to be sent separately by the referee after submission of the application.
Application deadline: 15 March 2024 for visits to take place from July to December 2024.
|
University of Gloucestershire Explores Collaborative Opportunities with CUI
Islamabad, January 31, 2024 – Exciting developments unfolded as Dr. Mathews Andrews, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Governance and Students Affairs of the University of Gloucestershire (UoG), United Kingdom visited CUI on January 31, 2024. He was accompanied by Global University Systems (GUS) officials including Professor Ashraf Jawaid OBE, CEO of International Partnerships, Professor Faisal Azeem, Managing Director of International Business, and Ms. Sabahat Khan, CEO Pakistan.
The meeting – attended by CUI officials included Professor Sohail Asghar, In-charge, Islamabad Campus, Dr. Tahir Naeem, Director (P&D/HRD), Prof. Dr. Saqib Gulzar, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head, International Office, Mr. Ali Tawab Baloch, Senior Manager, International Office and Dr. Inayat Kalim, HoD, Department of Humanities, Islamabad Campus – set the stage for potential collaborations.
The Head IO CUI provided an overview of CUI through a detailed presentation. He proposed future collaborations between CUI and UoG, which included academic exchange programs (for both students and faculty), joint supervision of PhD students, dual/ double/ joint degree programs, joint research initiatives like UK grant, post-doc fellowships for CUI faculty, joint convening of workshops, conferences, seminars, and training sessions, admission of CUI graduates in MS/ PhD, and resource and support.
Dr. Mathews expressed a keen interest of the UoG in collaboration with CUI, particularly in the vibrant arts and design programs. Both the institutions considered the possibility of launching short-term training programs, drawing inspiration from successful such initiatives that CUI had with the University of Bedfordshire UK in the past. Discussions on 3+1 and 2+2 models highlighted the need for approval from the HEC. In the event of a 3+1 program, UoG committed to providing a significant fee concession of £5,000, adding an appealing incentive for CUI students. The Pro-Vice Chancellor also expressed openness to exploring potential collaborations regarding a three-month certification courses for CUI students.
The delegation called on the Rector CUI, Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar, and was given a tour of the campus. Emphasizing a preference for direct engagement, CUI expressed enthusiasm for fostering collaborations without involving intermediaries. The meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting a shared vision and ambition for the future higher education collaboration.
Click here for pictures
|
German Ambassador Honors Special Meetup with German Alumni at COMSATS University Islamabad
Islamabad, January 17, 2024 – H.E. Mr. Alfred Grannas, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Islamabad added distinction to a special meeting with German alumni here at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) on January 17, 2024. The event was also graced with the presence of Ms. Yasmin Paracha, Interim Director of the DAAD Information Centre, Islamabad.
Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar, Rector CUI, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and highlighted the significant contributions of German alumni of the university, illustrating the lasting bonds between the two nations. The university forged academic, cultural, research and scientific connections with Germany in 2005 under the leadership of the founding Rector, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, H.I., S.I., who was also present during the event. “The university features one of the longest and most extensive partnerships with Germany”, Dr. Qamar revealed.
The Head of the International Office of CUI, Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., presented a detailed briefing to the envoy on CUI’s achievements and 25-year milestones, showcasing its extensive engagement with Germany. Currently, operating in seven campuses in Pakistan having over 1,100 PhD faculty members, the university offers more than 100 degree programs, with a student population exceeding 34,500, including 360 international students. Over 93,000 students, including 846 PhDs, have graduated from the university. CUI is ranked by THE World University Rankings 2024 holding a position in the band of 601-800 globally, securing the 6th position in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Jamshed Iqbal, T.I., Head of CUI’s Centre for Advanced Drug Research, serving as a focal person for CUI German Alumni, detailing the university’s collaborations with Germany, presented current and past collaborations. He acknowledged Ms. Yasmin for providing tenacious support of the DAAD.
During the gathering, the Ambassador witnessed a transformative impact of quality education on the lives of German alumni. The university sought valuable guidance and support from the Embassy in various areas, including establishing further connections with top German universities, hosting cultural activities, offering German classes, facilitating research collaborations particularly facilitating the German alumni to secure funding from DAAD and participating in faculty exchange programs.
Expressing admiration for CUI’s achievements, Ambassador Grannas commended CUI’s network with Germany and assured Embassy’s advice and assistance in strengthening ties with German institutions. Emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations, the Ambassador encouraged effective communication through DAAD Islamabad to facilitate further collaboration. He emphasized that building bilateral relations are a two-way street and the DAAD Islamabad can bridge the gap in establishing meaningful connection with Germany. In closing, the Ambassador stated, “the more you know what you want and who you need, the easier it is for us to help you find the right match for you.”
Click here for pictures
|