ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) has announced ten postgraduate scholarships for candidates from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The scholarships have been announced through the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) which provides a platform for enhancing science and technology activities collaboration between OIC countries.

Pakistan has been playing a leading role in promoting science and technology in the OIC member countries as host of COMSTECH.

The scholarship program has been launched with the objective to assist OIC member states in the development of their science and technology human resources.

It will provide full support to outstanding young students from the OIC member states to pursue two-year MS studies in fields including Medical Physics, Radiation Physics, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation and Medical Oncology.

International cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has assumed greater significance in view of the scientific dimensions of the contemporary global challenges.

With its rich human resource and expertise, Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening its science and technology partnerships at the international level for socio-economic development and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also designated a focal point for science diplomacy which will act as a liaison between national stakeholders and international partners.

The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents with a collective population of 1.8 billion people.

The organisation states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.”

The objectives of COMSTECH includes the assessment of human and material resources of OIC member states and determination of science and technology needs and requirements.

It also aims to build the capability of member states in the fields of science and technology through cooperation and mutual assistance.

It also envisages creation of an effective institutional structure of planning, research and development and monitoring of science and technology activities in high technology areas.

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