Workshops

The University of Sargodha, in collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Islamabad, successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop titled “Enhancing Academic Competencies Building in Research Proposal Development and Grant Writing.”
The concluding ceremony was held at the Malik Feroz Khan Noon Business Auditorium, with Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, Professor Dr. Muhammad Akmal, attending as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, Professor Dr. Muhammad Akmal emphasized that research is a continuous process that drives innovation, discovery and informed decision-making. He observed that Pakistan's research landscape is increasingly shifting towards quality-oriented and impact-driven projects, with particular emphasis on originality, innovative thinking and contributions to societal development.
Highlighting the standards for securing research grants, he remarked that an exceptionally well-designed and professionally written research proposal should be capable of demonstrating its own merit without relying on personal references or recommendations. He further explained that the Pakistan Science Foundation is prioritizing the quality of research proposals over their quantity, encouraging researchers to develop distinctive ideas that address meaningful societal challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, Professor Dr. Tasawarr Hayat (Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz), underscored the responsibility of higher education institutions in promoting a sustainable research culture alongside teaching and academic development. He stated that universities must go beyond conventional education by creating an environment conducive to new knowledge, scientific discoveries, inventions and intellectual advancement.
He also highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and practical research training for senior researchers and faculty members, describing the two-day workshop as a valuable initiative towards strengthening Pakistan's research capabilities and supporting sustainable national development.
Member Sciences, Pakistan Science Foundation, Dr. Mirza Habib Ali, appreciated the academic potential of the University of Sargodha's faculty and encouraged researchers to develop proposals grounded in regional priorities and local challenges. In particular, he highlighted the citrus sector as an important area requiring focused scientific investigation and innovative research interventions.
Sharing their experiences, Dr. Iram Aima from the Department of Zoology and Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Zafar from the One Health Centre discussed the workshop's academic value and its contribution to enhancing their understanding of research project development and grant writing.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among workshop participants by the chief guest. In recognition of their visit, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Tasawar Hayat presented commemorative souvenirs to the chief guest and the guest of honour on behalf of the University of Sargodha.
The event was attended by Dean Faculty of Agriculture Professor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Dean of Sciences Professor Dr. Amir Ali, Dean Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Professor Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, along with chairpersons of various academic and administrative departments.
The workshop marked a significant step towards strengthening research-oriented academic practices, encouraging innovative project development and bridging the gap between academic expertise and practical societal needs.