SWABI, Jan 28: The Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology and the East-Ukrainian National University (EUN) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate and launch joint research programmes in the field of engineering education.

The MoU was signed thanks to efforts of Prof Mykola Bannikov of Ukraine, who is presently professor at the faculty of mechanical engineering (FME), GIK Institute.

The MoU was inked by Prof Mohammad Abid, dean FME, and Prof V Mogila, dean faculty of rail system communication. Under the programme, mutual international cooperation will be promoted in engineering education, research, and scholarship between FME of GIK Institute and department of internal combustion engines of Volodymyr Dahal East Ukrainian National University.

All programmes and activities shall be subject to availability of funds and the specific approval of the rectors of the respective universities.

Both the universities will encourage cooperation in mutually beneficial programmes and activities such as exchange of faculty and scholars to conduct research, technology transfer, promotion of collaborative research, cosponsoring of seminars, technical conferences and short-term academic programmes; exchange of scientific, technical, and teaching information on all forms such as printed documents, microfilms and microfiches, videotapes, and computer software.

The collaborative research includes heat-and-power engineering devices, energy saving technologies and improvement of performance and emissions of internal combustion engines and joint preparation and publication of research papers and textbooks.

Meanwhile, the institution of engineering and technology (IET), and the GIK Institute’s students society organised a three-day All Pakistan Engineering Conference, comprising competitions of speed wiring, paper presentation, project exhibition, Matlab programming and engineering drawing and industry sessions. Students from various universities participated in the conference.

Renowned scientists Dr Pervez Hoodboy, Dr Jamel-ul-Nabi and Dr Momin Uppal also graced the conference.

The teams which displayed extraordinary performances were awarded prizes and trophies. The overall outstanding position was won by the team of University of Technology, Lahore.