ISLAMABAD: The Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) of International Islamic University, Islamabad, organized a workshop titled “Funding your research: A workshop on writing a winning proposal” (IIUI).
The workshop’s chief guest, Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, praised the efforts of the offices of Vice President Research and Enterprise (R&E) and ORIC, it said that research is the top priority and such activities are necessary. He stated that we are working to make research and academic excellence basic university recognitions. He believes that finding opportunities for research and, ultimately, winning this hunt requires training and guidance and that this activity is a positive step in that direction.
Workshop on modern research funding
He urged university researchers to stay current on the requirements of modern research funding, as this will help the institution attract more research funding and serve as a primary source of improvement in university rankings.
Dr. Hammad Omer, a Commonwealth scholar, and Dr. Farida Anjum, Director Research and Innovation Division of Higher Education Commission presented lectures on funding opportunities with Higher Education Commission and other national and international organizations. They went over the procedures and guidelines for winning various projects and funding in great detail.
Dr. Hammad Omer spoke about Writing Winning Proposals, emphasizing the essentials of a research proposal, common pitfalls to avoid, and improvement stages and techniques during the writing process and before submission. He also presented A Case Study: Self Experience from his research titled “How Holy Quran Memorization Affects Our Memory,” which was well received by the audience.
Dr. Farida Anjum, Director (Research & Innovation Division) HEC, provided information on funding opportunities in this area, including HEC Competitive Research Grants and Evaluation Criteria.
The participants gained sufficient knowledge on the subject and hope that ORIC will organize similar workshops/activities in the future.
Vice President of Research and Enterprise, Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed stated that the Research & Enterprise office has planned such activities to train IIU’s young researchers. He encouraged the participants to get involved and use their skills and expertise in research, innovation, and commercialization. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir, Director ORIC, provided an update on the formation of the ORIC Forum, which began operations under the patronage of the Vice President (Research & Enterprise).
The workshop was attended by 60 nominated faculty and researchers from all faculties, institutes, academies, and centers at IIUI, as well as approximately 18 representatives from other universities and higher education institutions who participated online. At last, VP presented souvenirs to the respected resource person (R&E).