LAHORE: The Punjab University Department of Botany and the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Faisalabad, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for research and development joint ventures in the field of environmental biotechnology for wastewater treatment.

According to the MoU, both institutions will jointly work on wastewater treatment, establish industry-academia linkages to promote demand-driven applied research and provide customised solutions of municipal sewer treatment for bringing its pollution load in compliance with the permissible limits set by the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards.

Addressing the meeting, Vice Chancellor Dr Zaffar Moeen Nasir said there should be collaborative research to facilitate people and make joint efforts to improve Pakistan’s water and sanitation situation for the benefit of the community.

Wasa Faisalabad Managing Director Syed Zahid Aziz said it would facilitate field surveys to selected sewage collection centres, facilitate strategically for installation of constructed wetland treatment (CWT) prototype design developed by the botany department at Chakera disposal station of Wasa Faisalabad. It would also facilitate establishment of an extension treatment unit of CWT at botanical garden research station.

Department of Botany Chairman Prof Dr Firdaus-i-Bareen said there would be complete support for research collaboration in the field of applied phytotechnologies for wastewater treatment for installation of CWT design, research expertise of mentors and mentees of PhD, MS and BS level.

UVAS: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) signed an MoU with the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for cooperation in educational and research projects.

The MoU was signed by UVAS Vice Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and UPM Vice Chancellor Prof Datin Paduka Dr Aini Ideris at the varsity here on Monday.

According to the agreement, the varsities would exchange faculty members, researchers, scientists for lectures and short-term visits and students for higher studies and scientific research. They would also cooperate and jointly conduct research projects.

IAP: The Institute of Applied Psychology (IAP) of PU organised a farewell dinner for graduates and newcomers.

The programme included skits depicting everyday life of a psychologist, singing by students and mimes. The students gave titles and presented souvenirs to their seniors.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2017