Pakistani professor: Scientific communication between universities can significantly strengthen Islamic nations
The Pro-Rector of Academics at the National University of Sciences and technology (NUST) of Pakistan Osman Hasan says scientific communication between universities in Islamic countries can significantly strengthen these nations by leveraging complementary strengths.
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Osman Hasan said, "Even though there are some success stories but, in my opinion, the overlap and communication among academics in Islamic universities are not at optimal levels, and there is significant room for improvement. To enhance collaboration, it is essential to improve the quality of higher education systems and governance by considering global best practices while respecting diverse backgrounds and geographical contexts."
"Additionally, developing mechanisms to fully maximize opportunities for global talent and facilitating exchanges among students, staff, and faculty of top universities in Islamic countries is crucial. Similarly, establishing university consortiums within the Islamic region can enhance research and development by leveraging the expertise and resources of partner institutions. These steps will significantly bolster collaboration and innovation across universities in the Islamic world."
The Pakistani figure has highlighted that holding scientific conferences and visiting scientific circles in Islamic countries can be highly effective in strengthening academic communication. These conferences provide an excellent platform for researchers to learn about their peers' work and establish new linkages. Faculty and researcher connections formed during these events often serve as the foundation for collaborative research.
"In my career, many of my publications have involved collaborators from both within and outside my university, stemming from discussions initiated at scientific gatherings. Additionally, organizing travel funds for Muslim scientists is crucial, as it allows them to gain new insights and expand their scientific networks, further enhancing collaboration and innovation in the region," Hasan noted.
The Pro-Rector of Academics at the National University of Sciences and technology (NUST) of Pakistan elsewhere went on to say, "The creation of university networks like the Organization of Virtual Universities (OVU) and the International Union of Universities (IUU) has significantly contributed to fostering inter-university relations across different countries, particularly among Islamic nations."
"These networks facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research projects", he said, noted, "enhancing academic standards and research output. By promoting academic collaboration, member universities engage in faculty exchanges and share resources such as libraries and online courses, providing broader access to educational materials."
Hasan said, "Capacity-building initiatives through workshops and training sessions further benefit faculty and students, while collaborative curriculum development improves education quality. Joint research on issues like technology, healthcare, and sustainable development strengthens scientific foundations, and regular exchanges of knowledge and best practices advance innovation."
"Moreover, these networks enhance intercultural understanding and serve as a form of soft diplomacy, fostering peaceful relations between countries. Overall, networks like OVU and IUU play a crucial role in building inter-university relationships, thereby strengthening the scientific and educational foundations of Islamic countries through collaboration, capacity building, and cultural exchange and we should try to have more networks on the same lines," he concluded.
