LAHORE, Jan 27: The Government College University (GCU) and the Durham University, United Kingdom, have agreed to initiate joint research projects and academic programmes in the field of science, information technology, arts and humanities.

The decision in this regard was made on Friday at a meeting of Durham University International Office Director Sharne Procter with GCU faculty of science and technology dean Prof Dr Ikram-ul-Haq and Research, Innovation and Commercialisation director Prof Dr Zakria Butt at the vice-chancellor’s office.

Prof Butt said that the Durham University had also showed interest in providing scholarships for the deserving students of GCU selected for studying joint-degree programmes in the United Kingdom.

He said the academic experts of both the universities would explore the areas for research and joint-degree programmes. The GCU had also laid stress on enhancing cooperation for cultural understanding of both institutions by organising joint seminars, conferences and faculty exchange programmes. Both the universities also deliberated on sharing information and data with each other for research projects.

Prof Haq expressed his confidence in research and troubleshooting capabilities of GCU faculty. He said Pakistani researchers were highly talented and they just needed resources and opportunities.

Ms Procter said the UK universities’ cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural researches had shaped local, national and international agendas.

She said the quality and influence of Durham University's research was well-recognised and it was ranked among top 30 universities of the world for the ‘citations’ of Durham research by global academics.