KARACHI: The Ibni Sina Institute (ISI), Turkey, the World Ageing Organization (WAO), and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Ibni Sina Alliance for Science, Research and Innovation, aimed at strengthening long-term scientific and healthcare cooperation.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony held at ICCBS, University of Karachi, providing a framework for sustained collaboration among the three institutions through the establishment and development of the alliance.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS, and Prof. Dr. Kemal Aydın, Founder and Chairman of the Ibni Sina Institute, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions. Scholars and officials representing the participating institutions attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah said the joint initiative to establish the Ibni Sina Alliance for Science, Research and Innovation could serve as a benchmark for promoting science, research and innovation in Pakistan and Turkey.
He said the agreement recognizes the importance of scientific research, innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation for the health and wellbeing of present and future generations, while also seeking to strengthen scientific and healthcare collaboration among institutions in Pakistan, Turkey and the wider Islamic world.
Prof. Shah said ICCBS is among Pakistan's leading centres of excellence in chemical, biological and biochemical sciences and also serves as an international hub for training scholars from different countries.
Prof. Dr. Kemal Aydın described the agreement as a milestone in efforts to promote scientific research, innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation for the health and wellbeing of present and future generations.
Highlighting the work of the Ibni Sina Institute, he said its primary focus includes advancing research and practices in elder care, active ageing, health diplomacy and the historical legacy of Islamic medical civilization.
Under the MoU, the three institutions will establish a joint steering committee tasked with developing a strategic plan, identifying joint projects, coordinating scientific programmes, preparing funding proposals, facilitating international partnerships, organizing congresses and conferences, and monitoring implementation of the agreement.
The Ibni Sina Alliance for Science, Research and Innovation will promote research and collaboration in areas including biomedical sciences, molecular medicine, biotechnology, gerontology and geriatrics, longevity science, preventive and lifestyle medicine, artificial intelligence and digital health, nutrition and healthy ageing, drug discovery and development, traditional and complementary medicine, and knowledge transfer and innovation.
