ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Raja Ali Raza Anwar, inaugurated the 48th International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs at the National Center for Physics (NCP) at Quaid-e-Azam University on Monday.
The INSC was conceptualized by the distinguished Nobel Laureate, Professor Abdus Salam, who recognized the importance of communication in transferring and sharing scientific knowledge among the scientific community. Since 1976, PAEC has been organizing the college annually. The event takes place in Nathiagali, a renowned tourist destination, attracting participants from all over the world.
The INSC provides a unique opportunity for young scientists from developing countries to establish and renew connections with globally renowned scientists. Over its history, the INSC has welcomed approximately 1,050 distinguished scientists and speakers, including 08 Nobel Laureates, from prestigious universities, research centers, and industries in developed nations. These eminent individuals have delivered lectures, sharing their valuable knowledge and insights. The audience has consisted of over 1,000 foreign scientists from more than 75 developing countries, along with approximately 11,500 scientists from Pakistani research and development institutes and universities. The INSC has fostered global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of a rich and diverse scientific community.
The 48th International Nathiagali Summer College features a distinguished group of 30 experts from developed countries such as the USA, UK, China, Russia, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Romania, and Chile. They have been invited to deliver lectures on crucial topics throughout the two-week event. Out of more than 1,200 applicants, approximately 250 researchers from universities and research organizations across Pakistan have been carefully selected to participate in the college. This diverse gathering promises to facilitate meaningful exchanges and foster valuable connections among the participants, enriching the scientific community in Pakistan.
The scientific activities of the International Nathiagali Summer College cover a wide range of topics at the forefront of knowledge in Physics and related disciplines. Each year, the college focuses on three to five subjects that are of current interest, emphasizing their applications and relevance to the specific needs of developing countries. The topics covered in the 48th college include ‘Advances in Plasma Physics & Allied Technologies’, ‘Semiconductor Materials and Devices’, ‘Quantum Optics and Devices’, ‘Advances in Pulsed Power Technology & its application’, and ‘New Trends in High Energy Physics’.
In his inaugural speech, Chairman PAEC, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, highlighted the significance of science and technology in the current era of rapidly expanding frontiers of knowledge. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the acquisition and effective utilization of scientific advancements for a nation to achieve genuine progress and prosperity. Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar underscored that the assimilation and intelligent application of technology serve as the driving force behind a modern economy.
As part of the commemoration of 75 years of science and technology in Pakistan since its independence, a series of special seminars were also organized to showcase the development of four key technologies. Eminent scientists in the country elaborated on the progress made and achievements over the years. The keynote speakers included Dr. Ansar Pervez, former Chairman PAEC, who provided an extensive account of the progress and advancements in nuclear technology in Pakistan; Dr. N.M. Butt, former Director General of the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), who offered detailed insights into the development of materials technology within the country; Dr. Manzoor Ikram, Director of the National Institute of Lasers and Optronics (NILOP), who shed light on the advancements in laser and quantum technology in Pakistan; and Dr. Shahid Mehmood Baig, Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), who shared valuable information on the progress and breakthroughs in the field of biotechnology in Pakistan.
The two-week scientific discourse activity, referred to as the ‘scientific spring’, will conclude on July 22.
