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The ACS Pakistan International Chemical Sciences Chapter held the ACS@150 Pakistan Student Leadership Summit on October 17–18 at the University of Karachi. The event brought together students, faculty advisors, researchers and industry professionals from across Pakistan.
The summit focused on student leadership, laboratory safety and ethical scientific practices. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and industry.
Prof. Dr. Bilquees Gul, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Karachi, highlighted the importance of scientific education and research. She also stressed the value of developing leadership skills among students.
Prof. Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry, welcomed the initiative. She emphasized collaboration and professional engagement among chemistry students and faculty members.
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Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Chair of the ACS Pakistan International Chemical Sciences Chapter, delivered a presentation on laboratory safety. She discussed responsible practices for working in scientific laboratories.
Prof. Dr. Raza Shah, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), also highlighted laboratory safety and security.
The organizers acknowledged Dr. Ismail Vohra and his company, Musaji Adam and Sons, for facilitating a practical demonstration during the safety and security session.
Randall Heald, Chair of the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety, delivered a video message to Pakistani students. He highlighted the importance of chemical laboratory safety and introduced American Chemical Society (ACS) resources for safer laboratory practices.
The summit also covered professional development and funding opportunities. Dr. Kashif Hussain Mangi, Chair-Elect, presented ACS grants available to students. He encouraged student chapters to seek support for educational and professional activities.
Dr. Sajid Jahangir, Treasurer, discussed ACS membership and its benefits. He highlighted opportunities for professional networking and career development.
Dr. Rifat Ara Jamal, Secretary, explored the role of chemistry in everyday life. Her presentation connected the subject with National Chemistry Week 2026 and its theme, “Chemistry Under Construction.”
Dr. Imran Malik, Past Chair, shared practical guidance on planning and managing successful events. His session focused on helping student chapters organize effective activities.
Prof. Dr. Khadija Qureshi, Dean of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and an executive member of the ACS Pakistan Chapter, shared her experience of receiving an ACS grant worth US$25,000. Her presentation encouraged participants to explore funding opportunities for research and educational initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Shahid Chatha delivered a lecture on ACS networking. He explained how professional connections can support career development, collaboration and engagement with the global chemical sciences community.
Faculty advisors and industry representatives also discussed ways to strengthen links between academia and industry.
Participants highlighted the need to connect academic knowledge with industrial requirements. They also emphasized closer cooperation between universities and businesses to support practical learning and professional development.
The summit attracted participants from universities and research institutions across Pakistan. Represented institutions included NED University of Engineering and Technology, Federal Urdu University, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology and Mehran University of Engineering and Technology.
Other participating institutions included Forman Christian College, BUITEMS, Shah Abdul Latif University, Quaid-e-Awam University, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University and Government College University Faisalabad.
The Institute of Space Technology, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, and the National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Sindh also participated.
Two student chapters from the University of Karachi joined the summit. These were the ACS Student Chapter at ICCBS and the ACS Student Chapter of the Department of Chemistry.
Faculty advisors and professional participants included Prof. Dr. Khadija Qureshi, Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Shahid Chatha, Dr. Sidra Ameen, Dr. Bhajan Lal, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Dayo, Dr. Hina Abid, Dr. Huma Muddasar, Dr. Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman, Prof. Dr. Ataf Ali Altaf, Dr. Khalil Ahmed, Dr. Muhammad Haseeb Nawaz, Dr. Ali Ammar Taqvi, Dr. Shoaib Qureshi and Asadullah Golo.
The summit encouraged participating chapters to develop practical 90-day action plans. These plans aim to strengthen student engagement, promote collaboration and maintain activities beyond the event.
The organizers credited the chapter’s leadership, faculty advisors, participating institutions and student volunteers for their collective efforts.
The gathering reinforced the role of student leadership, responsible laboratory practices and professional networking in advancing chemical sciences across Pakistan.
