New OWSD National Chapter established in Pakistan

April 18, 2019

The Pakistan National Chapter of OWSD was established in April 2019, hosted at the Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) at the University of Karachi.

The first Executive Committee of the National Chapter is formed by:

Chair: Bina Siddiqui, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi

Vice Chair: Azra Khanum, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi

Secretary: Saima Saleem, Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Treasurer: Sitwat Zehra, Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Other members: Mehreen Lateef, Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex

Saima Hashim, University of Agriculture

Huma Ikram, University of Karachi

Amber Javid, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center

"This is the time for the women in Pakistan to join hands and work for the development and advancement of science in Pakistan," said Chair Bina Siddiqui in a welcome statement to members. "I hope and wish that the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter will take initiative to organize activities on a national and regional level in line with the objectives of OWSD."

The long-term aims of the National Chapter are:

Shape the future of international science, by delivering relevant activities and resources and through strengthening strategic international partnerships;
Enhance the membership experience so it not only meets but exceeds expectations and members feel valued, heard and part of a community;
Strengthen engagement and knowledge transfer, capitalizing on the depth and wealth of knowledge in the National Chapter's diverse membership;
Secure a sustainable supply of the resources needed for the National Chapter to deliver its mission.

It will achieve these aims through strategic activities including organizing conferences, seminars and workshops for knowledge dissemination, developing cooperative projects with universities and instructors, and developing the culture of scientific awareness at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels.

Said National Chapter Secretary Saima Saleem in the welcome statement, "We are looking forward to the women in the scientific community in Pakistan to join hands and work together, to achieve our objectives and enhance our vision for science and its development."

At the time of establishment, OWSD had 239 members in Pakistan. Women scientists in Pakistan who are not already members of OWSD can become members here. Members who are interested in joining the National Chapter are invited to contact Saima Saleem at saima.saleem [at] kibge.edu.pk.