Haripur: The University of Haripur has taken a significant step towards fostering practical research collaboration with local industry, following a meeting convened by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC). The gathering, held at the Vice Chancellor's Conference Hall, was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad and included representatives from the Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) and the Hattar Industrial and Traders Association (HITA).

According to the University of Haripur, the meeting was aimed at aligning the University's research initiatives with the practical needs of industry in the region. Prof. Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad highlighted the importance of translating research findings into actionable solutions to aid local industrial growth, economic stability, and job creation. He emphasized the necessity of result-oriented Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners to achieve these goals.

HCCI President Malik Adeel Khan underscored the role of practical research and pledged that HCCI and HITA would act as intermediaries between academia and industry, facilitating industrial trials. Additionally, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Majid suggested forming departmental working groups and a framework for Research and Development (R&D) to further these efforts.

During the meeting, Dr. Kamran Khan shared insights into his project on economic development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, funded by the UK-based Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Dr. Majid Hussain presented his work on locally developed pellet biofuel, which is currently undergoing pilot trials in Hattar.

The meeting concluded with recommendations for regular faculty visits to industrial sites, the creation of departmental working groups, and increased involvement of local administration to bolster university-industry collaboration.