A high-level delegation from the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) visited Pakistan from August 24 to 28 to review the country’s advancements in science and technology, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Friday. The team, consisting of five senior experts, met with the chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and toured a number of leading national research and technology institutions. Pakistan has been an associate member of CERN since July 31, 2015, when it formally joined as a significant partner in line with CERN’s guiding principle of “science for peace”.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with institutions that play a vital role in Pakistan’s scientific and technological landscape. These included the National Centre for Physics, Heavy Mechanical Complex-3, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, and the National Institute for Laser and Optronics, among others. The objective was to closely examine progress made across different domains of research and to evaluate Pakistan’s contributions within the framework of its partnership with CERN. According to the Foreign Office, such reviews are essential for assessing the effectiveness of collaborations and for identifying areas where Pakistan’s scientific community can further integrate with international projects.
CERN has long provided Pakistan with access to significant opportunities through associate membership, ranging from participation in high-impact research to training and capacity-building for scientists and engineers. The collaboration has also paved the way for technological development and industrial growth, with many local engineering firms securing contracts to supply components and services to CERN programmes. This engagement not only strengthens Pakistan’s scientific presence but also supports its industrial sector by creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and technical advancement. Officials noted that the partnership has helped nurture a new generation of scientists, enhancing both academic and professional expertise across diverse fields of research.
The most recent review builds on earlier evaluations, including a task force visit in 2022, which similarly assessed the scope and outcomes of Pakistan’s associate membership. Over the years, Pakistan has derived intellectual and practical benefits from the collaboration, such as improved human resource development, exposure to advanced scientific techniques, and the adoption of best practices from global research environments. By participating in CERN-led initiatives, Pakistan has not only contributed to international projects but also reinforced its domestic capacity in areas such as nuclear science, medicine, physics, and engineering. The Foreign Office highlighted that the visit reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing scientific frontiers while maintaining its role as a reliable partner in international research networks.
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