ISLAMBAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Science & Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain has said that we have to support and encourage the young researchers if we seek to progress and excel in developing process as a nation.
In his address to the audience of 5th Outstanding Research Awards of Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Islamabad on Friday, the minister urged that science & technology is indeed the first and the foremost element of socio-economic development of the country. He said that flawless academic system and strong research culture are a prerequisite for this purpose.
Rana Tanveer appreciated the initiatives taken by the HEC and encouraged the researchers and awardees to work diligently and devotedly for the progress of the country and for the betterment of their fellow countrymen.
The minister emphasized that the researches should be need based so that they can be as much beneficial and practical for the market and public as they are important for the researchers for their degrees and awards. He reiterated his vision of a prosperous Pakistan by employing Science & Technology as the tools of progress.
Rana Tanveer Hussain chalked out that the researches done in past are more focused on theory and are less focused on public needs and market demands. He said that this has created clear difference between the research and the real time needs of the society.
“If we are to gain from all fields and faculties of natural as well as social sciences, the research scholars must pay more attention towards their practical research activities on real need based problem areas,” he said.
The federal minister for science & technology also appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Science & Technology in funding researches through its various attached organizations that too especially within the given meagre amount of grants available.
The minister also shared the good news as a fruit of efforts of his team at PCSIR and PSF during his address. He shared that during their visit to China for a forum on Science & Technology earlier this month, the Chinese Universities have showed their interest in funding viable and practical areas of research in Pakistan. He said that the Chinese have also agreed to grant scholarships and research funding to scholars coming to China as well as in Pakistan.
Rana Tanveer also shared with the audience that he directed his Chairmen and Heads of Research Organizations to visit Industries and Chambers of Commerce. They should meet the concerned office bearers there and focus on the problem areas identified by them for a more practical and beneficial research program, he said.
While concluding his address, Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the youth is one of the most important assets of our country
“We hope that our young research scholars will direct their energies towards the right direction and contribute to the progress of the country,” the minister said.
