Dr. Noraiz Tahir, Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the School of Natural Sciences (SNS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), has completed a three-month research visit to the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) under the President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI). The visit, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing, provided an opportunity to engage with international researchers, explore collaborative research opportunities and learn about developments in astronomy and space sciences.
During his stay in China, Dr. Tahir worked with researchers from different parts of the world, exchanging scientific knowledge and discussing potential areas of cooperation. The visit focused on exploring research possibilities in astronomy and space sciences, fields that increasingly rely on international collaboration, advanced observational facilities and the exchange of scientific expertise. Such engagements can help researchers establish professional connections, share research methods and identify opportunities for joint studies across institutions. A key part of Dr. Tahir’s visit was his trip to the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), one of the most prominent astronomical research facilities in China and the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope. The facility is designed to detect radio signals from distant objects in space, supporting research into pulsars, fast radio bursts and other astronomical phenomena. Its large collecting area allows scientists to observe faint radio signals that can provide insights into the structure and behaviour of the universe. The visit offered Dr. Tahir an opportunity to see a major scientific infrastructure supporting contemporary astronomical research.
Dr. Tahir also participated in scientific discussions with researchers at the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) in Beijing. The discussions covered emerging areas in astronomy and deep-space exploration, providing a platform to exchange perspectives on ongoing scientific work and possible future collaborations. Deep-space research involves the study and exploration of celestial objects and regions beyond Earth, drawing on developments in astronomy, space technology and related scientific disciplines. Collaboration between researchers and institutions is important for advancing knowledge in these areas and addressing complex scientific questions.
The research visit reflects NUST’s engagement with international scientific communities and its efforts to facilitate academic exchange in specialised research fields. Opportunities such as PIFI allow scholars to connect with overseas institutions, gain exposure to different research environments and explore potential partnerships. For Pakistani researchers working in astronomy and space sciences, such exchanges can support knowledge sharing and help establish connections with laboratories and observatories equipped with advanced research facilities. Through his engagement with NAOC, CAS and DSEL, Dr. Tahir gained opportunities to interact with researchers working on astronomy and deep-space exploration while exploring prospects for future scientific cooperation. His visit also highlighted the role of international fellowships in connecting Pakistani academics with global research networks and specialised scientific infrastructure. These interactions may contribute to further collaboration between researchers and institutions in Pakistan and China, particularly in areas where shared expertise and access to advanced observational facilities can support future research.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
