Universities have three major challenges in the 21st Century including building economy; building communities and building leadership, said Dr Javaid Laghari chairperson Higher Education Commission (HEC). While addressing the concluding ceremony of the two-day workshop on "Research Ethics" organised by the Isra University here on Tuesday, chairman said that academics and researchers have an important role to play in the development of the country.
Significance of ethics for strengthening research culture in the institutions of higher learning is inevitable, said chairman, adding that there is dire need of technology transfer by the universities. Dr Ghulam Qadir Kazi vice Chancellor, Isra University said that ethical lapses in research could significantly harm the human and animal subjects, students and public and therefore, it need to be avoided. Dr Altaf Ali G Shaikh, Pro-Vice Chancellor Isra University lauded the role of HEC in promoting research culture in Pakistan.
The workshop covered the areas of ethical concerns in research process and enabled participants to address ethical issues which arise during their research activities. Resource persons gave insight into the historical background and current issues in the research ethics. They also sensitised the participants to basic elements of informed consent.