KU VC calls for focusing on research that addresses industrial and social issues

We have failed to establish a connection between industries and academia because we cannot solve their problems. We often talk about individual excellence instead of institutional excellence.

There is a need to focus on institutional excellence rather than individual brilliance. Our prime responsibility and duty is to provide quality education and nurture our student’s abilities, and we must assess how successful we have been in promoting our students’ professional growth.

These views were expressed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, while addressing the DCS-UBIT Career Connection ‘24 held on Tuesday on the lawn of the Department of Computer Science.

“As educators, we must reflect on whether we are fulfilling our duties. The best standard of individual training is self-accountability because a society enriched with trained individuals forms the foundation of a healthy nation and a prosperous society.”

He highlighted that our dilemma is that we still conduct research not to solve social and industrial problems, but to add to our research papers. We need to change this mindset and focus on research that addresses industrial and social issues. Dr Khalid Iraqi mentioned that industries seek collaboration with academia, but for that we need to find solutions to their problems.

He said the time has gone when only a degree was supposed to be enough, it used to be 23 years ago, but now we are facing a vibrant market, and the dynamics of business have changed a lot. So, we need people with innovative ideas, creativity, and the will and confidence to excel in the market. He added that educational institutions and faculty members have to play a very important role in shaping the product that can be utilized in the market.