Key Takeaways
- PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar urged young scientists to become creators of technology.
- The 51st International Nathiagali Summer College concluded after two weeks of scientific deliberations.
- This year’s program focused on emerging technologies like AI, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology.
PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar has called upon young scientists to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers of innovations developed elsewhere. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC), he emphasized the importance of sustained investment in science, research and human resource development for securing Pakistan’s future competitiveness.
The Summer College, which concluded after two weeks of scientific deliberations on emerging frontiers of science and technology, brought together leading scientists, researchers, and young scholars from Pakistan and around the world. Organized by PAEC from July 6 to 18, it aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking among participants.
Dr. Anwar highlighted that the world is undergoing a defining technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and clean energy technologies. He stated that nations increasingly compete through ideas, innovation, talent, and technology rather than natural resources. Pakistan, he said, possesses the talent, institutions, and determination to emerge as a knowledge-producing nation capable of developing indigenous technologies.
The Chairman noted that the International Nathiagali Summer College has played a vital role in nurturing scientific culture by connecting young researchers with world-renowned scientists for over five decades. Many former participants now serve in leading research institutions, universities, industries, and strategic organizations, reflecting the College’s enduring contribution to Pakistan’s scientific development.
This year’s academic program focused on technologies directly relevant to Pakistan’s future, including AI and machine learning, advanced manufacturing techniques, nuclear techniques in agriculture and biotechnology, nuclear techniques in health and environment, and advances in plasma science and fusion technology. These emerging fields will strengthen industrial competitiveness, enhance food security, improve healthcare, protect the environment, and support future energy solutions.
The themes of the Summer College closely complement the Government of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which envisions sustainable economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, industrial modernization, and investment in human capital. Dr. Anwar added that platforms such as INSC directly contribute to this national mission by developing highly skilled scientists and strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.
Highlighting the international dimension of the program, the Chairman said the Summer College generated meaningful outcomes beyond the lecture hall by opening new avenues for prospective collaboration with the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China, in agriculture and biotechnology. Technical meetings with distinguished international faculty also explored opportunities for joint research, technology development, and long-term institutional cooperation.
This year’s Summer College brought together 45 distinguished scientists from 20 countries, while around 300 selected participants attended the program in person and hundreds more joined virtually through live streaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
We need to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers of innovations developed elsewhere.
Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, PAEC Chairman
