Lahore, The Government College University Lahore and Durham University, United Kingdom have agreed to initiate collective research projects and joint academic programmes in the field of science, information technology, arts and humanities. The decision in this regard was made on Friday at a meeting of Durham University, UK International Office Director Sharne Procter with GCU Dean Faculty of Science and Technology Prof. Dr. Ikramul Haq and Director Research, Innovation and Commercialization Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zakria Butt at the GCU Vice Chancellor Office.

Talking about the meeting, Prof. Zakria Butt said that the Durham University have also showed interest in providing scholarships for the deserving students of GCU selected for studying joint-degree programmes in UK. He said that the academic experts of both universities would explore the areas for research and joint-degree programmes. The GCU also laid stress on enhancing cooperation for the cultural understanding of both institutions by organizing joint seminars, conferences and faculty exchange programmes. Both the universities also deliberated on sharing information and data with each other for research projects.

Speaking on the occasion, GCU Dean Prof. Ikram-ul-Haq said that research is at the core of GCU which shapes and inspires the disciplinary structure of its departments, several of which lead Pakistan in their fields. He expressed his confidence in the research and troubleshooting capabilities of faculty at GCU where, he said, new processes and working solutions are being developed for the local industry. He said that Pakistan researchers are highly talented and what they all need are resources and opportunities.

Talking about the research culture in UK, Sharne Procter said that in UK, universities cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural research shapes local, national and international agendas. She said that that the quality and influence of Durham University's research was well-recognized and it was ranked among top 30 universities of the world for the 'citations' of Durham research by global academics.