Lahore: Punjab University’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB-PU), organized a seminar titled "From HEC Directions to Impact: Advancing the Applied Research Initiatives" at Al Razi Hall. The event, held on Thursday, targeted PhD faculty members to discuss research funding opportunities, challenges in Pakistan's research ecosystem, and ways to increase the societal impact of university research.

According to University of the Punjab, the seminar featured prominent speakers, including PU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Former Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, and other distinguished academics. Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem emphasized the need for a shift in focus from publication to practical impact, highlighting Punjab University's vast human resource and its work on national challenges like climate-resilient crops. He stressed the role of ORIC in fostering entrepreneurship and urged researchers to address local problems and collaborate with industry.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig discussed the history of research funding in Pakistan, noting that the country invests only a small fraction of its GDP in science. He encouraged networking and collaborations to access funding. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Syed Habib Ali Bukhari provided insights into HEC initiatives, stressing the importance of aligning research with societal needs and measuring its impact.

The seminar also addressed the need for better evidence from universities on commercialization and job creation. Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik advocated for greater independence for the scientific community and called for a review of regulatory matters. The event concluded with a panel discussion that highlighted the importance of collaboration in attracting international funding.