Research and universities must promote applied sciences in order to expedite industrial and economic activities in the country and in this connection Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) intends to set up a dedicated centre to identify and resolve the problems confronted by the local industry.
Addressing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) here on Tuesday vice chancellor prof Dr Shahid Kamal said that he has been focusing on research and maximum theses approved during his tenure are related to local industry. He further said that a centre will be created where industrial problems would be identified and resolved under the direct supervision of senior faculty members. He said that government has provided insufficient funds for the research. He said that inordinate delay in releasing funds badly affects the ongoing research projects. The Vice Chancellor stressed the need to strengthen practical relations between industrial and academia so that industrial sector could be upgraded and equipped with emerging technologies. He also hoped that industrial sector should offer internships to the passed out students of GCUF. "It will also help them to understand there genuine and practical problems in addition to giving their valuable input to resolve the same", he said and added that our youth is blessed with best qualities of head and heart and we must take measures to avail from their abilities. He disclosed that government is also going to create a fund of Rs 1.5 billion which will be utilized exclusively for applied research.
Earlier, Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain President FCCI welcomed the VC and other faculty members and said that it is an elected forum of business and trade community which is striving to strengthen national economy through innovative measures. Dr Habib Aslam Ghaba stressed the need of "triple helix" as we could not make a break through without the cooperation of industry, academia and the government.
Dr Khurram Tariq said, "We must evolve crops which are water efficient in prevailing circumstances", he said and added that in this connection we could save at least 1 trillion rupees.
Later Senior Vice President Mian Tanveer Ahmed offered vote of thanks while Jawad Asghar presented FCCI shield to the VC of GCUF.
Mujtina Hasan, Chuadhary Muhammad Boota, Jawad Shafique, Dr.Asim Mansha, Engineer Dr. Muhammad Yasir Javaid, Dr.Syed Asif Ali Naqvi, Dr.Muhammad Imran Arshad, Azhar Rasool and other members were also present on the occasion.