Islamabad, January 15, 2024 – COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) hosted Professor Dr. Zhaohui Lin, Director of the International Centre for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES), China on January 15, 2024, to explore collaborative opportunities in climate change and environmental sciences.

Key officials from CUI including the Rector, Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar, Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head, International Office, Dr. Muhammad Imran Shahzad, Head Department of Meteorology, Dr. Zahid Ali, Tenured Associate Professor, Department of Biosciences and Dr. Jabir H. Syed, Tenured Associate Professor, Department of Meteorology and In-charge China Study Centre, engaged in discussion with Dr. Lin on potential collaborations. The Centre, which is under the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializes in earth system modelling, meteorology, and environmental research.

At the onset of the meeting, the Rector extended a warm welcome to the Director ICCES, paving the way for insightful discussions on potential collaboration. The Head of the International Office provided an extensive overview of CUI, showcasing its rich academic prowess, milestones as well as global standings. The Rector expressed eagerness to leverage ICCES’ expertise, proposing joint research proposals. The In-charge China Study Centre highlighted the Department of Meteorology’s readiness for collaboration. Dr. Zahid Ali proposed joint research on climate change’s impact on allergenic pollens, aligning with ICCES’ research on asthma. The Head of Meteorology Department recommended a strategic approach and the creation of working groups for effective collaboration. Mr. Farhan Ansari, Deputy Director Programs, COMSATS Headquarters, assured full support of the Commission and unveiled funding opportunities for joint research through ANSO.

Dr. Lin highlighted ICCE’s research focuses on main areas aligned with UN SDGs, earth system model development, meteorological and environmental forecast, data assimilation, and earth system theory. He concluded by emphasizing collaboration between CUI and ICCES for joint publications and joint proposals, expressing ICCES’ openness to data sharing too.

The Director delivered an engaging lecture on the “Earth System Numerical Simulator and its Applications for Climate Studies”, drawing an attentive audience from the distinguished faculty and eager students of the Department of Meteorology of Islamabad Campus. The visit concluded with lab tours of Biosciences and Electrical Engineering Departments and China Study Centre.

The collaboration signifies a transformative step in addressing global challenges, marking a new era of joint research and innovation between CUI and ICCES China.

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