The universities have three major challenges in the 21st century, which include building economy, building communities and building leadership, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairperson Dr Javaid R Laghari said on Tuesday.
The HEC chairperson was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the two-day workshop on “Research Ethics” organised by the Isra University. The vice chancellors of local universities and principals of medical colleges of the twin cities were also present on the occasion. Dr Laghari said that the academics and researchers have an important role to play in the development of the country. He stressed on the urgent need of technology transfer by the universities.
He appreciated the Isra University for organising a workshop on research ethics, underlining the significance of ethics for strengthening research culture in the institutions of higher learning. He said that the university has set an example by establishing campuses within the communities and reaching farthest parts of the provinces, which would help more people benefit from the university. Isra University Vice Chancellor Dr Ghulam Qadir Kazi said that the ethical lapses in research could significantly harm the human and animal subjects, students and public and therefore needed to be avoided. Isra University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Shaikh appreciated the role of HEC in promoting research culture in Pakistan, while Isra University Health Sciences Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Umar Ali Khan highlighted the importance of promoting ethics in research. The workshop covered the areas of ethical concerns in research process. The resource persons gave insight into the historical background and current issues in the research ethics. They also sensitised the participants to the basic elements of informed consent.
There was a detailed discussion about conflict of interest at various levels and how to avoid it. The challenges and pitfalls in the ethical review and pharma-physician interaction were also discussed. The participants were trained through relevant videos and small group discussions.
