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ECOSF initiates first scientific collaboration among the ECO Member States

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ECOSF initiates first scientific collaboration among the ECO Member States ICCBS, University of Karachi and the Institute of Chemistry of Republic of Tajikistan agree to collaborate under the auspices of ECO Science Foundation


ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), an intergovernmental specialized agency of 10 countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region mandated to promote science and technology for economic development has initiated the first research collaboration. The collaboration agreed upon between Pakistan and Tajikistan will be among the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) of the University of Karachi and Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences, Republic of Tajikistan. The collaboration was agreed upon in a meeting coordinated and co-sponsored by ECOSF the other day at ICCBS, said President of ECO Science Foundation, Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro. The two sides were led by Prof. M. Iqbal Chaudhary Director of ICCBS and Prof. Zayniddin Kamarovich Muhidinov, Director of the Institute of Chemistry of Academy of Sciences, Republic of Tajikistan.

Dr. Soomro informed that the two sides have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding for joint research projects as well as exchange of scientists and students between the two brotherly members of ECO under the auspices and patronage of ECO Science Foundation.

Under the agreed upon programme, three important areas of research will be focused;


1. Natural Product/medicinal plant chemistry
2. Pharmacology of herbal medicine, and
3. Drug delivering system (hydrogels emulsions, etc).

ICCBS offered 10 studentships/fellowships for a period of 1-6 months each to Tajikistan annually; five students will be from the university side, while other five from the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. The students/scientists nominated by Tajikistan collaborators and endorsed from ECOSF will be accepted for the hands-on training on special equipment or to work as a M.S./Ph.D students at ICCBS Karachi.

Dr. Soomro further informed that the trainings can be imparted on to technicians, students and/or faculty members to gain knowledge on sophisticated equipment that ICCBS has in their laboratories. Faculty members from the ICCBS or Tajikistan institute can jointly supervise students at both institutions. The experimental expenditures and accommodation/meals will be provided by ICCBS for Tajikistan students/visiting scientists and Tajikistan side will reciprocate and provide local hospitality to visiting students from ICCBS Pakistan under the collaboration. While, travelling side will bear the costs of international travel. Or ECO Science Foundation may facilitate and take care of the international travel cost of the travelling scientists. Moreover, under the collaboration, Bi-national workshops between Pakistan and Tajikistan will be organized and conducted in each country alternatively.

Dr. Soomro informed that the Ambassador of Tajikistan would soon visit the ICCBS Karachi to expedite the collaboration. He said that once this bilateral collaboration gets going, it can be expanded to other ECO member states as well.

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