COMSTECH and University of Sargodha join hands to launch 'Science in Exile Fellowship Programme'

Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, and Prof Dr Qasir Abbas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, a member institution of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence, announced the launch of the COMSTECH Science in Exile Fellowship Programme, a press release said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Iqbal emphasised the pressing need for this initiative, stating: "Conflicts around the world have displaced millions of individuals, significantly disrupting research and higher education. This fellowship program aims to provide displaced and refugee scholars who have not yet secured a safe, long-term host country the opportunity to continue their research at institutions within the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence."

This collaborative program invites applications from scholars, researchers, and scientists from conflict-affected regions, including Afghanistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. It aims to foster academic resilience and support displaced researchers in continuing their valuable work. The selected researchers and scholars will be provided round-trip air tickets, tuition fee waivers, and on-campus accommodation. 

Prof Qasir thanked the Coordinator General of COMSTECH for spearheading this important initiative. He assured his full cooperation in ensuring its success, highlighting that the University of Sargodha already offers state-of-the-art hostel facilities for international students and researchers on its campus.

This partnership represents a vital step toward addressing the challenges faced by displaced scholars and advancing research and education in conflict-affected regions.