A delegation from Brock’s Faculty of Mathematics and Science (FMS) recently travelled abroad with the goal of showcasing the University on the world academic stage.

Five members of the Faculty were invited to visit the University of Karachi and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan to share Brock research and attend a COMSTECH event through the Organization of Islamic Co-operation. With international research and recruitment in mind, the trip aimed to build strong relationships with complementary institutions overseas while also attracting talented international students.

“Supporting science and technology through the OIC member countries creates opportunities for students both in their home country and here in Canada,” said FMS Dean Ejaz Ahmed, who was part of the delegation alongside Chemistry Chair and Professor Georgii Nikonov, Biological Sciences Professor Ping Liang and Physics Professor Kirill Samokhin. Assistant Professor of Physics Ali Emami attended virtually.

A Brock University delegation was presented with a plaque bearing the crest of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, to commemorate the group’s recent visit to Pakistan. From left: Director of Research Dr. Hamood Ur Rahman, NUST; Brock Biological Sciences Professor Ping Liang; Air Vice Marshal Dr. Rizwan Riaz, NUST; Brock Faculty of Mathematics and Science Dean Ejaz Ahmed; Brock Chemistry Chair and Professor Georgii Nikonov; and Brock Physics Professor Kirill Samokhin.

COMSTECH’s mandate is to strengthen co-operation among OIC member states in science and technology, enhancing their capabilities through training in emerging areas, undertaking follow-up actions and implementation of resolutions of the OIC, and drawing up programs and proposals in support of the cause.

“The trip was very fruitful. It was eye-opening to see the excellent research programs and educational institutions in Pakistan,” said Liang. “We helped promote Brock University in Pakistan and other countries of the OIC via the COMSTECH-organized symposium broadcasted to OIC members, and I was able to identify a few opportunities for collaboration.”

The delegation also met with Mike Lazaruk, Counsellor (Commercial) and Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan, in Islamabad. They spoke about collaborations with other institutes in Pakistan and upcoming international expositions.

“I too was impressed by the breadth and quality of research at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi and NUST in Islamabad, and the hospitality was unforgettable,” said Samokhin. “I hope that our presentations and meetings at the ICCBS, COMSTECH and with the representatives of the Canadian High Commission will help to promote our programs and attract students from Pakistan and other OIC countries to FMS and Brock as a whole.”