'Science must address socio-economic needs'

Addressing a gathering of international and local scientists, Dr Ansar Parvez, Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) stressed the need for converting and focusing the scientific knowledge towards the socio-economic needs and this is especially more relevant for the direly needed development and prosperity in the developing countries.
He said this while addressing the scientists at the concluding session of 36th International Nathiagali Summer College jointly organised by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and National Centre for Physics (NCP) at NCP, Islamabad. Talking about the gains of holding these colleges for the last 36 years, the chairman said that coming together of international scientists at this college always provided a window of opportunity to Pakistani scientists.
Contacts established with the world renowned scientists visiting this college have helped find placements for Pakistani scientists in the internationally renowned laboratories. He also urged organisers on diversifying the subjects being offered in the college and asked for addition of utilitarian aspects in the discourse and deliberations.
The idea of holding International Nathiagali Summer College on "Physics and Contemporary Needs" was initiated by Pakistan's Nobel Laureate, Dr Abdus Salam for breaking the intellectual isolation of the scientists in the developing countries and keeping pace with rapid progress in the science and contemporary needs by promoting higher science education.
During the last 36 years, about 660 eminent scientists including six Nobel Laureates as faculty from developed countries shared their knowledge and experience with more than 950 foreign scientists from 72 developing countries and 6900 scientists from Pakistan. Following the inauguration of this college by Prime Minister Gilani on 27 July 2011, the college has been in session for the last two weeks and covered the topics: "Particle Physics", "Quantum Informatics Systems", "Analytical Techniques for Nanomaterials" and "Photovoltaic's". Dr Syed Javaid Khurshid the executive secretary of the college presented summary of the proceedings during the last two weeks.-PR