In pursuit of the vision of our Founding Chancellor, Shaheed Mohtarma Benzair Bhutto, and guided by our current Chancellor, Dr Azra Fazal, SZABIST has taken numerous initiatives over the years for the promotion of research in the areas of academics, technology, and science. SZABIST's emphasis on research is supported by the provision of research-based education in all the academic programs offered at SZABIST.
SZABIST has an extensive research program that runs throughout the academic calendar. To promote research in academics, SZABIST holds biannual National Research Conferences (NRC), where students and faculty present theses, dissertations, and papers. After successfully holding research conferences on the national level, SZABIST held its first International Research Conference (IRC) in December 2011 where national and international researchers from various fields of sciences and technology presented papers. The IRC has now become a regular feature of SZABIST's research program.
In addition, SZABIST regularly holds seminars where speakers are invited from different walks of life to share their professional experiences with the students. This greatly supplements the theoretical knowledge acquired by the students in the classrooms.
Furthermore, SZABIST produces two biannual research journals; Journal of Independent Studies and Research (JISR)-Management, Economics and Social Sciences by the Management Sciences and Social Sciences Department, and Journal of Independent Studies and Research (JISR)-Computing by the Computing Department. These journals are an excellent source of disseminating latest research conducted by SZABIST staff and others in their respective fields.
Majority of the academic programs at SZABIST include research courses as part of their curriculum. This enables students to acquire knowledge of research methodologies, strengthens their analytical skills, and instills confidence in them to independently undertake the study and investigation of various problems.
The faculty members at SZABIST are also encouraged to conduct and publish their research in journals of international repute. SZABIST has a strong system of financial and professional rewards to promote research. Furthermore, in order to maintain the integrity of conducting quality research, SZABIST has zero tolerance policy against plagiarism and uses the HEC subscribed plagiarism detection software, Turnitin.
Apart from promoting research in its academic programs and faculty members, SZABIST has established an Institutional Research Department and Quality Enhancement Cell (IR/QEC). The aim of the IR/QEC is to ensure adherence to the highest standards of academic quality. The analyses performed by the IR department helps the senior management of SZABIST in making informed decisions based on detailed primary and secondary research.
In addition, SZABIST has made significant investments in its Research and Development program. This program comprises of three units; Center for Renewable Energy Research (CRER), Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC), and Sustainable Development Research Center (SDRC). The objective of CRER is to conduct research on and develop indigenous commercially viable, renewable energy technologies in wind, solar, biomass, and wood gas stove. The SCRC aims at understanding how cells program themselves and grow into well-defined tissues and organs from an undifferentiated state. The SDRC focuses on development of sustainable business and rural development policies in collaboration with the local population.
Going forward, SZABIST will continue to strengthen its research programs and hold the national and international conferences regularly in addition to encouraging its students and faculty to produce high quality research publications. I wish all the best to the participants of the conference.