“Promotion of Science and Rationality” PSF-SPO organize ...CEO, SPO during his key note address s a i d t h a t rationality in science is the dire need of the country as science

September 2014

Vol. 12 No. 9

Editors

Monthly

From the Chairman

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth”. [Al Quran; 41:53]

The Islamic concept of k n o w l e d g e i n v o l v e s i n s p i r a t i o n a l understanding as well as knowledge that are based on sense, perception and o b s e r v a t i o n s . I s l a m emphasizes on beneficial knowledge that advances human welfare and seeks to utilize the resources of the universe for betterment of the mankind.

T h e M a n h a s b e e n

INSIDE

Dr. Khalil Ahmed IbupotoChairmanPakistan Science Foundation

Continued on page 2

Dr. Naushaba NadeemMs. Zaiban Farooq

“Promotion of Science and Rationality” PSF-SPO organize Panel Discussion

Pakistan Science Foundation in co l l abora t ion wi th Strengthening Participatory O rg a n i z a t i o n ( S P O ) organized Panel Discussion on “Promotion of Science and Rationality” on 25 Sep, 2014 at PMNH. Major objective was to enhance the capabilities of the Scientists and Researchers through exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences in the field of Science. PSF has

always tried to join hands with other partners including Government and Non-Government organizations to e x p l o i t e a c h o t h e r s strengthens for mutual collaborative activit ies pertaining to promotion and popularization of science in the country. STI Policy 2012 and various other policy documents have also recognized the PSF programs as very important

and beneficial for researchers and students. The panel of experts include Scientists and Educationists, who made deliberations on the theme on Science and Rationality. PSF and SPO have already inked MoU for cooperation to undertake joint activities for betterment of the society. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF chaired the first session.

Prof. Dr. Khlil Ahmed Ibupoto Chairman PSF, Dr.Naseer Memon CEO, SPO. Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh ,DG. PASTIC, Dr. M.K.Laghari, DG. PMNH and Dr. H.U. Khan CSO. PSF during inaugral session of panel discussion.

“Living With Solar Energy” Science Poster Exhibition at PSF

3

A Huge Potential for Agriculture liesat Haripur: Says Chairman PSF

4

MNA visits PMNH Display Centre

8

1st Workshop on “Developing IndustryDriven Technologies “Organized at Lahore

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From the Chairman

designated as custodian of the earth and has the responsibility to build the earth and explore its resources for himself, the f e l l o w h u m a n s , t h e environment and its other inhabitants.

Scientific observation, experimental knowledge and rationality are the principal tools that can be e m p l o y e d i n p ro p e r fulfillment of this mission. Religion and science are close allies in the search for truth and reality. There has never been an established s c i e n t i f i c f a c t t h a t contradicted the teachings of Islam.

Scientific knowledge is based on two important factors; 1st observation and 2nd reflection. The former involves the use of senses, and the latter is concerned with the exercise of theoretical reasoning. Whatever modern science discovers, increases our knowledge about the u n i v e r s e a n d i t s belongings. In our society, there is a dire need of creating awareness about scientific findings among the masses.

In this regard, PSF is one of the leading organizations of the country, continuously s tr iv ing for creat ing science awareness in the society by undertaking programs for research fund ing and sc ience popularization.

Quote of the MonthQuote of the Month

Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto delivering Welcome Address in the inaugural session

The Chairman highlighted that the Rationality required reasoning strategies that are effective for achieving goals, in the same way, the rationality of science must consider what science is supposed to accomplish. Promotion of Science can have two major goals i.e. epistemic and practical. Epistemic goals include truth, explanation and empirical adequacy, whereas possible practical goals include increasing human w e l f a r e t h r o u g h technological advances. The aim of science is the achievement of truth and the avoidance of error. Basically science promotion means putting forward the benefits of science by motivating and engaging non-scientists. We a r e a l l awa re o f t he sociological argument that science is open to social influences and constraints, and it is worth bearing when thinking about whether the benefits of science are necessarily the same for everyone, as public is not a homogeneous mass with un i form in te res t s and understandings. He said, “I

wish to thank the collaborator and my team for their valuable contribution to the success of this event. I pay my sincere gratitude to the panelists whose presence in the event will make it successful and a step forward towards S&T development and promotion of science”.Mr. Naseer M e m o n , C E O , S P O during his key note address s a i d t h a t rationality in science is the dire need of the country as science is serving for the benefit of mankind. Promotion of science is necessary outside the laboratory work so that masses may become aware of the scientific facts and can take part in the war of rationality. He added that peoples have sacrificed their whole lives in search of scientific knowledge and rationality of science. Now, it's our responsibility to work hard and devote ourselves towards study for the survival of rationality and to cope with the biggest

challenges ahead.The technical session was chaired by Dr. Anwar Nasim, Secretary General, Pak is tan Academy of Sciences. There were three speakers namely Dr. Aslam Baig, Dr. N. M. Butt and Shamsa Aziz in panel discussion. Dr. Anwar N a s i m thanked PSF for giving the opportunity to speak on the important a s p e c t o f science. He said we all believe that for science, most important thing is to share with the society. In this regard, PSF is playing major role in popularization of science, arranging panel discussion by PSF and SPO is very positive and constructive initiative to address this issue. He stressed that rational approaches are of v i ta l importance . Our country is facing challenges, c o n t r o v e r s i e s , a n d differences in opinion, so rationality is key to resolve the matters. Addressing the young generation he said, everyone should contribute in the society and make efforts to extend the impact o f s c i e n c e t o w a r d s rationality. He emphasized that what we have discussed, at this forum must be followed by a defined mechanism.

Scientific thought and its creation is the common and shared heritage of mankind.Abdus Salam

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In religion we believe while science always needs proofs. He elaborated his talk by giving different examples from science. He further a d d e d t h a t s c i e n t i f i c k n o w l e d g e k e e p s o n c h a n g i n g w i t h s o m e reasoning/ , until and unless it is accepted by scientific community, as for as religion is concerned, it remains the same. He stressed to avoid irrational thoughts and concluded that continuous process of curiosity is basically the science.

Dr. N. M. Butt, F o r m e r C h a i r m a n , PSF brought a t t e n t i o n t o w a r d s remote areas of country and e m p h a s i z e d that Science should reach in the remote areas of the country. He appreciated the role of PSF for having very effective p r o g r a m m e “ S c i e n c e Caravan” for this purpose. During his discussion with the audience, he said that many scientific aspects are there in The Holy Quran. In his opinion no controversy exists in science and religion. Such contradictions occur due to lack of education and ignorance. He also shared his life experiences with the

audience. He added that rationality is also related to Education not only to Science. Our young generation has lot of potential and it is the duty of our youth to work with honesty in a rational way. T h e y s h o u l d d e v o t e t h e m s e l v e s t o t h e i r a s s i g n m e n t s i . e . learning/seeking knowledge. Nation can't develop unless youth does not play its role. He ended his talk with the message for youth “Get knowledge in a right way and serve nation in right way too”. T h e l a s t speaker of the t e c h n i c a l session was Dr. Shamsa A z i z , A s s i s t a n t P r o f e s s o r ,

IIUI. She thanked the organizers and she defined the rationality and then science in a very simple way. She said rationality means reasoning, logical thinking while science m e a n s k n o w l e d g e s o science involves reasoning and searching for truth through an analytical and sequential manner. She said if we want to promote rationality in science, we must consider our teaching methodologies. We have to develop skills and train ourselves to get answers of all question. At the end, there was open discussion and all speakers gave valuable answers to the questions raised by the audience.

“Living With Solar Energy”: Science Poster Exhibition at PSFScience Poster Exhibition / 23rd Inter Board Science Poster Competition held at PSF auditorium on 18th September. Organizing Science Essay and Poster Competitions among the students are regular and very successful activities of P a k i s t a n S c i e n c eF o u n d a t i o n . P S F i n collaboration with Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) of the country has been organizing Intra and Inter Board Science Competitions among the students of high schools since last 23 years. Major objective is popularization of science among the young g e n e r a t i o n , w h i c h i s mandatory function of PSF. For the year 2013-14 the theme was “Living with

Solar Energy”. In this regard PSF received 42 posters from the educational boards across the country. Who were the winners of Intra Board Competitions from all over the Pakistan A panel of three judges included two artists and one scientist namely Mrs. Farhat

Kazami, Assistant Professor, Fine Arts , Govt. Post G r a d u a t e C o l l e g e , Rawalpindi; Mr. Zia Zaidi, National College of Arts, R a w a l p i n d i a n d D r . Muhammad Rafique, Deputy Director General/Director (ZSD), PMNH respectively. Very interestingly, the first

position was secured by a special child. Detail of the winners of the winners is given below; 1. Mr. Muhammad Fahad S/O Mr. Jamil Ahmed , I d a R i e u W e l f a r e Association School for Blind & Deaf, Karachi2. Ms. Zunaira D/O Muhammad Ashfaq, APWA excellent World School APWA Complex, Sukkur3. Mr. Muhammad A k r a m S / O M r . IftikharAfzal Khan, Jinnah Basic School and College, MansehraProf. Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Chairperson, PCST was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF, Dr. H. U. Khan, CSO, Heads of PMNH and PASTIC and a

Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Chairperson PCST alongwith Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF inaugurating Poster Exhibition

Dr. M. Aslam Ba ig , NCP, during his talk s a i d t h a t r a t i o n a l i t y comes when we separate the religion from science.

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number of officials attended the event. The Chairperson, PCST announced cash prizes for the winner students specially the first position holder, who was a special child. The Chairman, PSF informed that the winners will be invited to Islamabad in November for award of medals & cash prizes on the occasion on World Science

for Peace & Development. The winner students also shared their views with the scientists through live calls. All the guests visited the pos te r exh ib i t ion and appreciated the efforts of the students. The honorable guests and judges also gave valuable remarks on the posters especially top three posters. Chairman, PSF giving remarks on top three posters

Jury Member busy in Posters Evaluation

A Huge Potential for Agriculture lies at Haripur: Says Chairman PSF

Chairman, PSF, Dr Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto inaugurated the two days' workshop on project formulation held on September 17-18, 2014 at University of Haripur, Pakistan Science Foundation under its Natural Sciences L i n k a g e P r o g r a m m e o r g a n i z e s P r o j e c t

Formulation Workshops all over the country to enhance the capacity building of researchers across the country. The workshops was aimed to increase the research proposal writing skills of scientists, working in different public sector univers i t ies and R&D

.

organizations in Haripur and adjoining areas.Proceedings of the inaugural s e s s i o n s t a r t e d w i t h recitation of Holy Quran. Addressing the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, University of Haripur, welcomed the

Chairman PSF, worthy guests and thanked PSF for organizing the workshop at University of University of Haripur.Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF explained the role of PSF and emphasized the participants to take

Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmad Ibupoto addressing inaugural session of the workshop

Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmad Iboupoto, Chairman, PSF receiving Shield from Prof. Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Haripur

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guidance from the PSF experts and speakers to formulate fund winning quality proposals. He added that this area carries huge potential for agriculture production; by properly guiding the researchers through these workshops will bring a positive economic impact on the area. Earlier Dr. Mirza Habib Ali, Principal Scientific Officer, Natural Sciences Linkages P r o g r a m m e ( N S L P )

explained the role of PSF for the promotion of S&T in the country and main objectives

Group Photo of Prof. dr. Khalil Ahmad Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF, Prof. Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Haripur with participants of the Workshop

of the workshop. He added that the workshop is aimed to train the researchers in good

proposal writing, create awareness about PSF-NSLP f u n d i n g p r o c e s s a n d procedures to encourage scientists to prepare need based research proposal within the NSLP's priority areas. He also informed that Workshop will be helpful in r a i s i n g t h e s k i l l s o f researchers about formulating research proposals before submitting to PSF and elevating standards of research in the country.

IBSE Introductory Sessions Arranged at Murree & Wah Cantt.Science Caravan Federal Unit arranged orientation sessions on IBSE

for the teachers of Murree and Wah Cantt on 11 Sept, 2014 at Govt. Elementary School, Murree and at Ghandhara Public School & College, Wah Cantt. on 18.09.2014 respectively by Federal Unit. In these sessions 35 teachers participated alongwith 60 students. Ms. Zaiban Farooq, AD and Mr. Asadullah briefed the teachers about PSF activities and IBSE programme. Hands on activities related to science curriculum of Primary and Secondary level were also performed during these sessions. The

Principal and the teachers took great interest and appreciated the activity.

Students performing hand on activities in an IBSE Session held at MurreeTeachers during IBSE Session at Wah Cantt

Vice Chancellor, SAU,Tandojam visited PSF

Prof. Dr. Memon Mujeeb-u-ddin Sahrai, Vice Chancellor Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam visited PSF on 17.09.2014. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman PSF welcomed the honorable guest and thanked for providing the place for Science Center at Campus, and Office for the Science Caravan unit in Sports Complex SAU Tando Jam. PSF seniors officers, Dr. H.U. Khan, CSO, PSF and Dr. Darakhshanda Kokub, Director (P&D) along with other PSF officers also attended the meeting. Mr. Abdul Rauf, SSO gave a brief presentation on various PSF activities. Chairman, PSF discussed mutual collaborative activities with the worthy Vice Chancellor. Dr. Memon assured his best possible cooperation for promotion and popularization of science in the society. He also appreciated the valuable efforts of PSF for developing science culture in the society.

PSF-Pak Turk collaboration for ISMOPSF as part of its science popularization activities collaborates with educational institutes for sponsoring scientific activities. In this regard, PSF is collaborating with PAK-TURK International School for organizing Inter Schools Maths Olympiad A meeting was held between Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman PSF and Mr. Mustafa Yilmaz, Deputy Director Education Pak-Turk International School & Colleges on 11.09.2014 in PSF at Chairman's office. Some senior

officers of PSF were also present. Mutual c o l l a b o r a t i v e activities of both organizations were discussed in field of S c i e n c e & technology. In the m e e t i n g , c o l l a b o r a t i o n regarding holding of 10th Inter School Maths Olympiad-2014 was discussed in detail.

Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman PSF and Mr. Mustafa Yilmaz, Deputy Director Education Pak-Turk International School & Colleges alongwith Seniors Officers

present in a meeting

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Science Caravan Activities

Science Caravan Federal Unit organized Science Caravan Exhibitions at Govt. Elementary School, Murree w.e.f. 8-13 Sept, 2014 and Gandhara Public School & College, Wah Cantt w.e.f. 15-19 Sept 2014. In these exhibitions more than 4100 students f r o m 1 9 s c h o o l s participated.Science Caravan Tando Jam Unit arranged Science e x h i b i t i o n a t G o v t Boys/Girls High School Matli District Badin. About 3774 students, 121 Teachers

Glimpse of Walk for Science at Sibbi An inside view of Planetrium Show at Wah Cantt.

and 20 schools visited the science caravan exhibition.Science Caravan Sukkur Unit arranged Exhibition at Govt. (Boys) high / higher secondary Schools of taluka Gouspur and Kandhkot District Kashmor from 09-to-25 September, 2014. More than 2835 students, teachers and other staff of 17 schools visited the science exhibition.Science Caravan Exhibition was also arranged by Khyber Pakhtun Khuwa Unit in GHS- Thakot district Battagram from

15.09.2014 to 27.09.2014. During this exhibition some 1566 students and 48 t e a c h e r s 1 4 s c h o o l s participated.Science Caravan Jaffarabad unit arranged Exhibition in Govt. Model School, Sibbi w.e.f 18- 29 Sept, 2014. During these exhibitions 3458 students and 154 teachers from 14 schools participated. A walk about Science Awareness on Biotechnology in Pakistan was also arranged on 18.09.2014 in which 285 students, teachers and

general public participated.Science Caravan Punjab unit arranged Exhibition in Govt. Higher Sec. Bhawana w.e.f. 2-8 Sept, 2014. 2200 students and 7 schools visited the exhibition. Two days planetarium show on 17-18 Sept, 2014 was also arranged at Jinnah Cadet High School, Faisalabad. 500 students benefited from the activity. Another Exhibition was arranged at, at Govt. High School (Boys /Girls), Lalian w.e.f 22 Sept to 02 Oct, 2014. 4000 students from 6 schools participated.

Students being briefed about scientific models at Badin Students busy with studying scientific models at Lalian Distt. Chiniot

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Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Chairman, PSF attended the following important meeting and events during the month of Sept, 2014;?Meeting at PMNH in connection with Construction of Six New Blocks on12.09.2014?65th Convocation of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad Campus on 22.09.2014?Extra Ordinary Meeting of the BoG of the National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology at University of Punjab,

Lahore on 24.09.2014.?Meeting of the BoG of the Center of Excellence in Gender Studies, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad on

29.09.2014.?Inaugural Session of National Workshop on Groundwater Management in the Indus Basin at Islamabad on 30.09.2014.

Important Meetings/Events Attended

SAARC Documentation Centre (SDC), a regional centre of SAARC organized a five weeks training course on “Office Automation” which w a s m e a n t f o r t h e professionals working in A d m i n i s t r a t i o n / H u m a n R e s o u r c e s / F i n a n c e /

Training on “Office Automation” at SDC, New Delhi, India.

Twelve New Projects for Funding Approved by Fund Management Committee The 15th meeting of Fund Management Committee of NSLP was held on Sep 11, 2014. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman PSF, and attended by members of the Fund Management Committee. Twelve new projects at a total cost of Rs.51.8 million were approved for funding. The afore mentioned projects were recommended by the NSLP technical Committee. These projects will run in different Universities and R&D organizations across the country. PSF-NSLP Funds Management Committee Meeting

Accounts Section. This training was held at SDC,

thNew Delhi, India from 4 thAugust to 5 September,

2014. This five weeks training course was attended by two officers of PSF and PASTIC . Ms . Mad iha Rafique, Assistant Director,

PSF and Mr. Akhtar Ali Shah, Accounts Officer, PASTIC. This training opportunity was provided to Pakistan under the human resource

Visit of Chairman to Defence Day Exhibition

Chairman PSF, being welcomed by Saleem and his team

Brig Adnan

On the occasion of Pakistan Defence Day, an exhibition was arranged at

Army Heritage Museum on 6th September, 2014. Chairman PSF, Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto was also invited and visited the exhibition. Brig (R) Zaman Nasrullah Khan Niazi, S.I. (M), D.G. Army Heritage Foundation, Brig. Adnan Saleem, Director and Mr. Tahir Khan, Curator, Pak Army Museum welcomed and briefed about various exhibits of the Museum. Digital Mosaic designed by Ms. Hina Mahboob and her

husband G. Sultan Shah caught special attention of the visitors.

Group photo of the Chairman with organizers in front of the Mosaic developed from 100,000 pictures

development programme of SDC in capacity of PASTIC as National Focal Point of SAARC Documentation Centre in Pakistan.

PSF and PASTIC Officers during a training session of Office Automation Course at SDC, New Delhi, India.

Ms. Madiha Rafique, and Mr. Akhtar Ali Shah, of PSF and PASTIC Officers with other participants of Office Automation course at SDC, New Delhi, India.

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Sixth SACAM Meeting to be held in NovemberThe 6th South and Central A s i a M A B N e t w o r k (SACAM) Meeting is going to be held in Islamabad, in 1st week of December, 2014 as decided in the meeting by S A C A M C h a i r m a n , UNESCO representative and M A B f o c a l p e r s o n . Participants from SACAM

m e m b e r s t a t e s i . e . Afghanistan, Bangladesh, B h u t a n , I n d i a , I r a n , Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, will share their views on “Impact of Climate Change on Natural Ecosystems”. In this regard,

MAB secretariat has already forwarded invitations to m e m b e r s t a t e s f o r nomination of participants on behalf of the Chairman SACAM/ Chairman, PSF Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed I b u p o t o . F i r s t a n n o u n c e m e n t o f t h e meeting has also been

uploaded on Man and B iosphe re P rog ramme website www.mab-pak.org. This event is going to be j o i n t l y o r g a n i z e d b y Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Pakistan Science Foundation, Ministry of Science and Technology and UNESCO, Islamabad.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH)Editor: Dr. Saleem Ahmad, Curator

Member, National Assembly paid visit to PMNHMr. Mian Azher Munir, Member National Assembly, from Chicha Watni, Punjab, visited the Display Centre of Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad, on the evening of 10th September. Dr. H.U. Khan, Chief Scientific Officer, PSF, accompanied him. The distinguished guest was received by the Director General, PMNH Dr. M. K. Leghari, Directors of Earth Sciences Division and Public Services Division, and Curator of Zoological Sciences Division. The guest was shown the model of PMNH building and was told that out of eight blocks, only two have been completed so far. The guest was explained about the various exhibits and dioramas of

the Display Centre by the scientists of PMNH. He took keen interest in these exhibits and asked many questions as he walked past the various galleries. The PMNH officers kept on answering to his queries. After completion of the visit, the honorable guest had an informal discussion with the Director General, PMNH, CSO, PSF, and other senior officers of PMNH in the office of the Director General. In the visitors' book, the guest appreciated the efforts of PMNH in developing such informative and attractive exhibits and dioramas. At the end the Director General, PMNH presented gifts and souvenirs to the distinguished guest.

Mian Azher Munir, MNA, visiting the Display Centre of PMNH Mian Azher Munir, MNA writing on the visitors' book during his visit to the PMNH

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PMNH Zoologist conducts Field work in Gilgit-BaltistanMr. Mishkat Ullah, Research Associate, Zoological Sciences Division, PMNH carried out field work for collection of ground beetles fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan region from 29th August to 11th September. During the tour localities of Chilas, Rama, Astore, Chilam, Sheosar, Deosa i ,Barapani , Chi torkhand , Gahkuch, Gupis, Phander, Nalter and Hunza were thoroughly searched for the collection of Ground beetles (Carabids) collection. Ultra violet light trap was also installed at a number of places. This field work helped in capturing a number of important species of beetles which comprised of 430specimens that have been added in the repository of PMNH. Collecting ground beetles at Deosai plains, Gilgit-Baltistan.

DG, PMNH and colleague attend Conference at GC UniversityDr. M. K. Leghari, Director General, Pakistan Museum of Natural History and Dr. Syed Aneel Gilani, Associate Curator, BSD, attended 3 d a y s ' I n t e r n a t i o n a l

C o n f e r e n c e o n P l a n t Sciences w.e.f 22nd to 24th September at Government College University, Lahore. Dr. M. K. Leghari delivered keynote address of the

Conference, acted as judge for evaluation of poster presentations and chaired t w o s e s s i o n s o f t h e Conference. Dr. S. Aneel Gilani presented a paper

Curator ESD attends Workshop in ItalyDr. Ghazala Roohi, Curator ESD, attended and presented research work entitled “Dental hypoplasia in Siwalik Rhinos: additional information on Neogene climate of South Asia” in the 29thHimalayan-Karakorum-Tibet (29 HKT) Workshop, Lucca, Italy, on September 2-4.

Group photo of the participants of the 29 HKT Workshop, Lucca, Italy

entitled “Floral Diversity of Changa Manga Forest and surroundings with special reference to the species having medicinal and socio-economic benefits.”

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Horse Dung Fungus added to PMNH collection During the month of June and July in the Pae Forest of Sakrand District, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh under the periphery of Eucalyptus tree, one often sees what look like a bit of horse dung. Closer inspection shows shiny round yellow domes that are about to erupt of the ground. These are actually fungi, botanically named Pisolithustinctorius, that belong to the same family to w h i c h m o r e f a m i l i a r puffballs belong. In Australia this fungus is known as the

Horse Dung Fungus in Europe as Bohemian Truffle. The people of California call it Dead Man's Foot.P. t inctoirus grows in m u t u a l l y b e n e f i c i a l associations with the roots of

more than 50 plant species, c a l l e d a M y c o r r h i z a l association which benefits the trees as well as the fungus. Horticulturalists can vaccinate the roots of their landscaping plants with this

fungus to strengthen them for t r a n s p l a n t i n g i n a n inhospitable new home, especially in hot, dry, and nutrient-deficient fields.This is an excellent dyeing fungus and it has been also used as aromatic seasoning w h e n u n r i p e a n d medicinally as well. This fungus was reported for the first time by Dr. Muhammad Ismail for PMNH and the specimen is available in the Mycological Herbarium, B o t a n i c a l S c i e n c e s Division.

Students of University of Poonch, Rawalakot andBeacon House School System visited PMNH

A group of 25 M. Sc. (Botany) students and 3

teachers from the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK,

visited PMNH on 24th September. The study trip was part of a regular activity of the university to make the students famil iar with PMNH and enhance their capacity. The botany students visited the Display Galleries and Herbaria of Lower and H i g h e r P l a n t s o f t h e Botanical Sciences Division. T h e o f f i c e r s o f B S D explained the guests about the Herbarium and answered questions raised by the students. The group of students was headed by Dr.

Nazia Nazar, Assistant Professor, Miss Ani ta Maqbool and Mr. Abdul Qadir Khan, Lecturers of B o t a n y D e p a r t m e n t , University of Poonch.Another group of 155 junior students along with their seven teachers from Beacon House School System, F-7/2, Islamabad, visi ted the PMNH Display Centre on 2 3 r d S e p t e m b e r. T h e children were explained about the exhibits by the PMNH experts and shown documentary films.Students and teachers from University of Poonch, Rawalakot visiting PMNH Display Galleries

Group photo of the students of Beacon House School System visiting PMNH Students and teachers from University of Poonch being briefed about the PMNH Herbarium.

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1st Workshop on “Developing Industry Driven Technologies “Organized at Lahore

Pakistan Scientific & Technological Information Centre (PASTIC)Editor: Ms. Rahila Khurrm

Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre (PASTIC), Islamabad, Institute of Research Promotion (IRP), Lahore have planned to organize a series of workshops on “Developing Indus t ry Dr iven Technologies” at universities across

Pakistan to orient researchers about approaches and practices used in industry driven technologies as well as to train them how technologies are being planned, developed and commercialized. In this Series 1st One-day Training

Workshop was o rgan ized on “Developing Indus t ry Dr iven Technologies “in collaboration with ORIC-UMT and IRP at the University of Management Technology, Lahore on September 22, 2014.Director General PASTIC, Prof. Dr. M. Akram Shaikh, CEO, IRP, Dr. Abid Sherwani, Rector University of Management Technology, Lahore, Dr. Hasan Sohaib Murad, Director ORIC, U n i v e r s i t y o f M a n a g e m e n t Technology, Lahore, and 30-35 participants from Universities/R&D organizations participated in the workshop.The workshop was based on case studies of industrial projects developed through identification, planning, lab works, pilot testing and production scale of different industrial products. Competent resource persons from academia and industry delivered talks and presentations.DR. Muhammad Akram Shaikh Director General PASTIC attending the Workshop on Industry Driven Technologies

2nd Workshop of the series on “Developing Industry Driven Technologies” at FaisalabadThe second training workshop of the series was organized at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad on September 27, 2014 in collaboration with the ORIC, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.The Chief Guest in the Inaugural

Ceremony was Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (S.I) Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad whereas Dr. M. Akram Shaikh, D.G. PASTIC was the Guest of Honour. In the Closing Ceremony the Chief Guest was M. Amjad Khawaja, President Pakistan

Hosiery Manufacturing Association (PHMA).In addition to Director General PASTIC, Prof. Dr. M. Akram Shaikh and Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan Director ORIC,

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan V.C. UAF, Prof. Dr. Akram Shaikh, D.G. PASTIC and Dr. Khurram Tariq,CEO KAY and Emms at the Inaugural Ceremony of Workshop on Industry Driven Technologies at UAF

PSF NEWSLETTER 12

Pakistan Science FoundationConstitution Avenue, IslamabadPhone: 9201887, Fax: 9202468www.psf.gov.pkE-mail: [email protected]

PASTIC National CentreQ. A. University Campus, Islamabad

Phone: 9248103-04, Fax: 9248113www.pastic.gov.pk

E-mail: [email protected]

Pakistan Museum of Natural HistoryGarden Avenue,

Shakarparian, IslamabadPhone: 9252086, 9252087

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University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali Khan and about 50 faculty members and Researchers from v a r i o u s u n i v e r s i t i e s / R & D organizations also participated in the workshop.The participants of the workshop learned how technologies are planned, developed and commercialized. They

also learned about processes, fabrication and pilot test trials of market driven products. The workshop also included significant learning for research managers in terms of technology development process, transfer framework and enabling f a c t o r s f o r s u c c e s s f u l commercialization. Researchers

finally have number of ideas (projects) with viable potentials as take away for their universities to develop and commercialize. The workshop was based on case studies of industrial projects developed through identification, planning, lab works, pilot testing and production scale of different industrial products.

PASTIC Services StallMuzaffarabadPASTIC services stall was organized at University of Poonch, Rawalakot during “ I n t e r n a t i o n a l S c i e n c e Conference on September 09-11, 2014.FaisalabadPASTIC services stall was organized at the main Library, Universi ty of Agriculture, Faisalabad on September 24, 2014. A large number of students / researchers and faculty members visited PASTIC stall. Stall at Main Library University of Agriculture Faisalabad

?Prof. Dr. M. Akram Sheikh, Director General, PASTIC attented a meeting for Re-accreditation B.Sc. Computer Engineering of Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mirpur as Expert Computer Engineering on September 30 to October 1st , 2014.

?Mr. Akhter Ali Shah, Accounts Officer from PASTIC and Ms. Madiha Rafique, Assistant Director, PSF attended the short term course on” Office Automation” from August 5 to September 5, 2014 at SDC. India.

?Dr. Maryum Ibrar Shinwari, SSIO attended a training course on "Project Preparation /PC I-V / Monitoring & Evaluation Techniques /Development of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)" during 22 to 26 September, 2014 at Pakistan Planning & Management Institute, Islamabad.

Meetings/Workshops attended

Group photo of participants of the workshop on “ Office Automation”