ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) extended its scientific and educational programmes to 54 countries during 2025, training 5,000 scientists and researchers and offering 759 scholarships and fellowships, according to its recent annual report for the year 2025.
The Islamabad-based international body undertook 174 projects and initiatives during the year, awarded 52 research grants and organised 68 training programmes, while expanding its network to more than 80 universities, research centres and academic institutions from OIC member states.
According to the report, scientists, students, researchers and institutions from countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Palestine and Yemen, as well as several African states, benefited from the programmes.
The 759 scholarships and fellowships formed a major part of COMSTECH’s human resource development efforts, providing students and young researchers with opportunities for higher education, research and specialised training at universities and partner institutions in Pakistan and other countries.
The report said 5,000 scientists and researchers received training through 68 programmes covering the use of advanced scientific equipment, biotechnology, health sciences, vaccine technology, information technology and other emerging fields.
Another 52 research grants were awarded to support young and women scientists in biotechnology research, international scientific collaboration and research-related activities. The grants were aimed particularly at researchers in developing countries, where limited access to funding often restricts scientific work.
The report showed that COMSTECH’s activities covered a broad range of sectors. These included 17 initiatives in health and biological sciences, 15 in education, 13 in research, 11 in environment, climate change and water, nine in information technology and nine in development-related fields.
Programmes were also undertaken in agriculture, food security, biotechnology, engineering, humanitarian assistance, energy and science diplomacy.
Moreover, according to the report, COMSTECH conducted free medical and relief camps in flood-affected areas of Punjab during 2025, providing medicines, medical assistance and food rations to around 5,000 affected people in southern Punjab and Chiniot district.
In another major health initiative, COMSTECH, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), LRBT and Al-Shifa Trust, launched an eye surgery campaign across Africa in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat. The programme provides free cataract and retinal surgeries while also building the capacity of local healthcare professionals through advanced training.
One of the report’s major features was the expansion of a network of more than 80 universities and research institutions. The network is being used to facilitate joint research, training, exchange of expertise and academic linkages across OIC member states and beyond.
