ISLAMABAD: As a step to promote scientific cooperation and innovation across the Islamic world, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (Comstech) on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

A statement issued here said that the agreement aimed to bolster research, capacity building and knowledge exchange among the OIC member states with an emphasis on advancing scientific excellence and technological development.

The MoU was signed by Dr M. Iqbal Chaudhry, Coordinator General of Comstech, and Dr Naseem Irfan, PIEAS Rector, at a ceremony attended by senior officials and representatives from both institutions.

Under the agreement, Comstech and PIEAS will jointly develop and implement a range of scientific and educational programmes. These include international conferences, specialised workshops, training courses and faculty and student exchange initiatives.

PIEAS will also join the Comstech consortium of excellence as an associate member and register with the OIC technology and innovation portal, further embedding its academic and research contributions within the broader OIC scientific network. A standout feature of the MoU was the launch of the Jabar Bin Hayan Scholarship Programme, which will enable students from OIC member states to pursue higher education at PIEAS.

The scholarships will cover undergraduate, master’s, PhD and post-doctoral studies in key areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, engineering, medical physics, and nuclear medicine.

Comstech will act as a strategic outreach partner, helping guide international applicants to opportunities at PIEAS, while the university retains autonomy over admissions and scholarship decisions.

Additionally, the agreement opened doors for PIEAS to host renowned international experts under the Comstech distinguished scholars programme, fostering academic exchange through lectures, research collaborations, and training sessions.

Short-term fellowships will also be supported, enabling visiting researchers to engage in sabbatical visits and academic exchanges with PIEAS providing accommodation for international scholars.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2025