Building Bridges: CUI and D-8 IU Explore Joint Academic and Cultural Initiatives

An online meeting of focal persons on D-8, Dr. Hammad Omer T.I., Head, International Office, CUI and Dr. Mazaher Ahmadi, Advisor to D-8IU’s Chancellor, from D-8 IU, was held on February 11, 2025. The meeting sought to identify possibilities for strengthening academic, research, and cultural collaboration.

Dr. Hammad Omer T.I, highlighted the potential of joint initiatives like the PhD Bridge Initiative and proposed expert talks in fields such as engineering, biosciences, and humanities. Dr. Usman Khurshid, In-Charge sub-office, International Office, CUI Lahore Campus, supported these ideas and suggested organizing expert talks involving researchers from CUI’s Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), who have previously collaborated with D-8IU.

Dr. Mazaher Ahmadi, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with CUI and proposed hosting CUI PhD students for research exchanges at D-8IU. Ms. Samira Shah, In Charge Iran Desk at the International Office, proposed reciprocal expert lectures and cultural events. Mr. Abbas Baloch, Senior Program Officer at the International Office, suggested sharing lists of experts from both institutions to identify common research interests for initiating joint research projects. Ms. Ayesha Masood, Coordinator of the Iran desk, shared details of the past successful cultural performances organized by CUI and the Iranian Cultural Consulate, highlighting the potential for further joint cultural events. Mr. Motahari from the Iranian Cultural Consulate welcomed these ideas and offered full support for joint cultural initiatives.

Both institutions agreed on next steps to set the stage for enhanced academic and cultural partnerships between the two institutions.