Government College University Faisalabad hosted an international collaboration meeting today, reaffirming its commitment to advancing global academic and research partnerships. The session was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam and organized by the Directorate of International Linkages.
The event marked a major step toward strategic engagement with two esteemed international institutions:
🔹 National Research Tomsk State University (TSU), Russia
🔹 Technical University of Crete (TUC), Greece
A key highlight of the meeting was the visit of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amjad Nawaz, Professor & Program Manager (Bioinformatics) at TSU, Russia. He also serves as a Senior Researcher at the Centre of Research in the Field of Materials and Technologies.
Prof. Nawaz gave a comprehensive presentation on TSU’s academic distinction, international standing, innovative research, and existing collaborative networks. He emphasized the potential for deepening bilateral ties in the areas of joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, mobility programs, and the establishment of collaborative research centers.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam underscored the strategic importance of launching joint degree programs and strengthening international cooperation aligned with global academic standards. He acknowledged the efforts of the Directorate of International Linkages and advised the team to prepare a detailed roadmap for formalizing collaborative frameworks including MoUs, joint-degree initiatives, and shared research infrastructure.
The meeting was actively attended by key academic and administrative focal persons including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Riaz – Director, Directorate of International Linkages, Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar – Deputy Director, International Linkages, Dr. Tanvir Shahzad – Director ORIC, Prof. Dr. Asim Mansha – Director QEC and
Dr. Muhammad Arslan Ashraf .
Discussions focused on identifying mutual strengths, securing international funding opportunities, advancing technology transfer, industrial linkages and promoting research with high societal impact. The session concluded with a shared commitment to long-term, impactful international engagement.
As part of this vision, GCUF also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technical University of Crete (TUC), Greece. The agreement, coordinated by Dr. Muhammad Arslan Ashraf, sets the foundation for faculty and student exchanges under the Erasmus+ program, thereby enhancing academic mobility, capacity-building, and cultural exchange between the two institutions.
This collaborative event marks a significant milestone in GCUF’s ongoing journey toward internationalization. It reinforces the university’s mission to evolve as a globally engaged institution committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation.
