Lahore: Forman Christian College University (FCCU) recently welcomed a delegation from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to discuss opportunities for strengthening research collaborations. The meeting, held by the Department of Environmental Sciences, featured Dr. Suzie Newman, ACIAR's General Manager Partnerships, and Dr. Munawar Kazmi, ACIAR Country Manager for Pakistan, as part of Dr. Newman's eight-day visit to the country.

According to Forman Christian College, the session was initiated by Dr. Derk Bakker, who shared his long-standing association with ACIAR, beginning with a project funded during his first visit to Pakistan in 2000. He also discussed his recent mentorship of Engr. Sadaf Amin from the Punjab Department of Agriculture, who received the ACIAR Meryl Williams Fellowship. Engr. Amin shared insights from her mentorship experience, highlighting the benefits of such international collaborations.

Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton underscored the significance of engagements with global research entities, describing them as essential for fostering international cooperation. Dr. Newman provided an overview of ACIAR's initiatives in Pakistan, focusing on agriculture and water resource management, with further details provided by Dr. Kazmi.

The gathering concluded with reflections from Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Professor Emeritus at FCCU, on the impactful agricultural research conducted at the institution with ACIAR's support. Dr. Malik expressed optimism for future joint efforts between ACIAR and FCCU. The event was attended by faculty members, students, and representatives from FCCU's International Education Office.