September 08, 2007	Saturday	Sha'aban 25, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: The 10th international symposium on ‘advanced materials’ concluded here on Friday, with the world’s scientific community resolving to foster closer ties for the progress and development of humanity.

The four-day moot, organized by KRL, was attended by 33 foreign scientists and researchers representing 20 countries and 200 local participants.

Speakers called for close networking and sharing of knowledge between scientists and researchers and stressed the need to focus on research work for technological advancement.

They were of view that advancement in materials offered great opportunities and the IT revolution had facilitated the production of products made from complex materials.

The close integration of design and production functions had made it economically viable to produce substances that were difficult to conceive in the past, they said.

The chairman fo the symposium, Karim Ahmad, said advanced materials played a vital role in the technological supremacy of nations.

He said today’s needs and opportunities for research in the development of new materials called for contributions from, and close interactions between, universities, industry, and research and development organizations.

Their past belonged to defence and space programme and their future growth mainly depends upon the development of civil infrastructure, transportation, information and communication sector, he added.

The symposium secretary, Dr Muhammad Farooque, said the biennial symposium had now been established itself as a recognized forum on the international scientific arena.

It has kept on attracting participants in increasing numbers during the last 18 years, he added.—APP