The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) have signed a five-year Document of Understanding (DoU) to strengthen their scientific, technical and academic collaboration to help advance the promotion of science and technology in the country. The DoU was inked by NUMS Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Acad) Maj-Gen retired Saleem Ahmed Khan and Chairman PARC Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali at a ceremony held at PARC head office in Islamabad, reports WealthPK.

NUMS Registrar Brig retired Muhammad Azhar Shams and Dean Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies Prof Aisha Mohyuddin were also present. Saleem Ahmed on the occasion briefed PARC chairman on NUMS’s contribution to healthcare and research, while highlighting the areas of collaborative research, including phytochemistry, herbarium development, vaccine development and nutraceuticals. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between NUMS and PARC to capitalise on each other’s strengths and expertise.

Under the DoU, both institutes agreed on exchanging expertise, scientific information, research material, and facilitating internships for research and academic development. They agreed to define areas of collaboration of mutual interest to access knowledge, data, libraries, classrooms, labs, fields, and other facilities at both institutions’ establishments.

NUMS and PARC also agreed to jointly explore funding, development and execution of national/international projects for research and education development in mutually agreed upon areas, including holding joint workshops, symposia and training courses, besides cooperating in mutual participation in the extension and outreach activities.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk