Lahore, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):To strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation between Pakistan and Argentina, The Ambassador of Argentine to Pakistan, His Excellency Ambassador Leopoldo Franciso Sahores and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Camilo Ernesto Silberkasten, visited LUMS on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
Cutting edge research at LUMS is geared towards tackling the grand challenges of the world, and multiple research exchanges are currently underway at the University. This collaboration with Argentina will further the untiring efforts of faculty to make headway in diverse areas, particularly agricultural biotechnology.
Also in attendance were LUMS Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad; Provost, Dr. Farhat Haq; Vice Provost, Dr. Tariq Jadoon; Dean Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), Dr. Sabieh Anwar; and Director, Office of Advancement, Ms. Nuzhat Kamran.
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Leoplodo Franciso Sahores expressed interest in the project by Dr. Khurram Bashir, Associate Professor, SBASSE, titled ‘Establishment of automated non-invasive plant phenotyping system and screening cotton germplasm for drought and/or heat stress tolerance.’ The proposal explains how optimising chemical application methods could improve stress tolerance and enhance crop production. The aim is to establish a plant phenotyping facility in Pakistan to enhance crop yield under challenging environmental conditions.
Connections between research and industry are essential, explained H.E. Mr. Sahores. “There is a lot of potential for collaboration between academic and research institutions in Argentina with Pakistan. We would like to explore and connect labs, institutions and universities to come together to help make agriculture in Pakistan more efficient.”
Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ahmad gave an overview of the University and the path forward. “Through our strength drawn from the diversity and excellence in teaching, we want our presence to be felt in South Asia in the next 3 decades.”
He explained that indigenous solutions are needed to solve the big issues facing the world. “We need expertise from other areas to solve complex issues. At LUMS, we are trying to direct the productivity of our greatest asset – our faculty. We cannot work in silos with regards to our disciplines, and so we promote interdisciplinary programmes.”
After the visit, the Department of Biology at SBASSE also hosted a webinar “Cooperation in Agriculture Biotechnology between Argentina and Pakistan”, in collaboration with the Argentine Republic Ministry of Science and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.
For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk