Report by Tahira Masud

The Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST), Technology Times, National Academy of Young Scientists and Tech TV organized a one-day “Young Scientists Societies Summit 2014” on November 10, 2014 as part of the celebrations of the World Science Day for Peace and Development on the premises of PCST. This was the second consecutive event of this series.

Science organizations are extending a special contribution towards promoting science and technology among the general public. These members of these organizations include individuals with the necessary expertise to help in creating awareness public issues involving science and technology. They also have the ability to examine topics within their areas of expertise and identify what are science issues and hat is scientific society. In many cases, science societies bigger contribution may lie in identifying the limits of current knowledge, which helps put many issues in a better perspective.

The objective behind “Young Scientists Societies Summit-2014” was to bring closer different student science societies with professional science societies who are working in the promotion of science in different areas. It also provided a forum to discuss the experiences, and share ideas which would certainly be helpful for future outcomes.

In the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mudassar Asrar, Chairperson PCST said that this is a positive note that Pakistan has set its vision towards achieving progress in science and technology coupled with initiation of research projects in diverse fields”. Highlighting the theme of this year World Science Day for Peace and Development, she added, quality education is still critical issue our nation is confronting with and that needs to be overcome on an immediate basis.

Dr. N M Butt, renowned Nano Scientists appreciated the holding of the seminar and said that such events should continue in future as it would help a lot in creating an environment where especially young scientists would get encouraged towards research activities.

Sayyed Paras Ali, Editor Technology Times and CEO Tech TV, focused his presentation on applying science and technology in all sectors of production for poverty eradication. He argued that technology not only saves time and labor but also ensures enhanced productivity. “We can apply technology especially in industry and agriculture, the main contributing sectors of the countrys economy, to create more job market.”

As many as fifteen different science societies from nine cities attended this summit. The participants stressed that despite having a science and technology policy, the country has not fully implemented this document which is the main factor that as a nation we are still unable to achieve the desired targets of development.

Hashim Khan from NUST Science Society Islamabad in his presentation focused on promoting the wonders of science at international level; focusing on latest breakthroughs and commercial applications, encouraging students to take interest in and contribute towards science and technology.

Waseem Abbas from the Agrarian Society Faisalabad during his presentation focused on the promotion of exchange of experience by scientific knowledge and ideas and their measures to improve the mutual understanding between students in the field of Agricultural and Related Sciences.

Asad Ali Sial from BASE Pakistan presented an overview of his society that how his society is giving a platform to the students of Biomedical to share their valuable ideas.

Asif Rehim from NAYS presented his views on creating a link of academia and industry which is used for the welfare of society. He also said that his society is developing a link with electronic media and print media of Pakistan for fast spread of information and knowledge.

Mohsin Iqbal from Poultry Science Club presented an overview of his society that his society is working on ostrich farming and carried out many successful research projects on chick farming and quail farming in a balanced and controlled environment.

Later-on a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also held during which the participants took up various matters relating to science and technology policy making, its implementation as well as involvement of all stakeholders through coordinated efforts. On the occasion, the participants interacted with each other with immense zeal and shared their knowledge and experiences of their respective fields. They also discussed that if effective policies are made for transfer of technology it will be helpful for all societies working in every field of life. Moreover, they discussed that media is used as a tool for image set by introducing documentaries packages highlighting different issues of that sector.

The participants of FGD also suggested an ideas platform forum should be introduced on Technology Times newspaper and PCST websites so that creative work is carried out for better communication process among different societies.

Upon the suggestions of FGD, Chairperson PCST Dr. Mudassar Asrar recommended the formation of Federation of Young Scientists Societies. She announced the formation of desk for registration of Young Scientist Societies under the umbrella of PCST to strengthen the working of scientist societies. Dr. Asrar suggested that the young scientists should get their products and patents registered so that their research works are protected legally and regulated effectively.

As a mark of appreciation, certificates were awarded to the participants at the end of the workshop.

The participating organizations as well as scientists were of the strong view that such kind of events should be held in future as they can be helpful in creating awareness among general public. They also suggested to aggressively involve other relevant organizations as well as education institutions for this purpose.

By Web Team

Technology Times Web team handles all matters relevant to website posting and management.