AIOU: Research for Practical Solutions to National Socio-Economic Challenges Emphasised

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ):  “Research should focus on practical solutions to the country’s current economic and social problems so that policymakers, business communities and the wider community can be effectively guided and benefited,” said Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood while addressing the first session of the two-day 75th meeting of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR).
Dr. Nasir Mahmood instructed the Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research and the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization to organize a high-level workshop on “Research Methodology and Research Design” so that scholars can become familiar with modern research trends and promote high-quality, effective and productive research.
He further directed that research proposal committees be re-evaluated to include Deans, Professors, and Associate Professors, ensuring decisions are more transparent, high-standard, and effective. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that merit, competence and experience should be the top priority in selecting resource persons. Experts who have obtained national or international research grants, published high-quality research papers or books, and hold a prominent position in their field should be included.
He stated that the purpose of these measures is to promote a research culture and provide scholars with international-standard guidance, enabling them to achieve purposeful and actionable results in their research.
On the first day of the meeting, 18 PhD scholars from the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies presented their research synopses, which were highly appreciated by the participants for their academic quality and research capabilities.
On the second day, 12 research scholars from the Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Faculty of Sciences will defend their research proposals. The meeting agenda was presented by the Director of BASR, Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmed Arshad while the university’s Deans, distinguished faculty and experts from relevant departments participated actively.