The ACS Pakistan International Chemical Sciences Chapter organised the ACS@150 Pakistan Student Leadership Summit on October 17–18 at the Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, bringing together faculty advisors, student representatives, researchers and professionals from institutions across Pakistan.
The two-day summit focused on developing student leadership, promoting laboratory safety and ethical scientific practices, and strengthening 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, research and leadership development. Prof. Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry, also welcomed the initiative and emphasised professional engagement and collaboration among chemistry students and faculty.
Emphasis on Laboratory Safety and Professional Development
Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Chair of the ACS Pakistan International Chemical Sciences Chapter, delivered a presentation on laboratory safety and responsible laboratory practices. Prof. Dr. Raza Shah, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), highlighted the importance of laboratory safety and security.
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Dr. Ismail Vohra and his company, Musaji Adam and Sons, were acknowledged for facilitating a practical demonstration during the safety and security session.
Randall Heald, Chair of the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety, addressed Pakistani students through a video message. He highlighted the importance of chemical laboratory safety and introduced American Chemical Society (ACS) resources designed to support safer laboratory practices.
The summit also featured sessions on student funding, professional networking, science communication and event management.
Dr. Kashif Hussain Mangi, Chair-Elect, outlined ACS grant opportunities for students and encouraged chapters to seek funding for educational and professional activities. Dr. Sajid Jahangir, Treasurer, discussed the benefits of ACS membership, particularly for professional networking and career development.
Dr. Rifat Ara Jamal, Secretary, highlighted chemistry’s role in everyday life in connection 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.
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 securing an ACS grant worth US$25,000. Her presentation encouraged participants to explore funding opportunities for research and academic initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Shahid Chatha delivered a lecture on ACS networking, highlighting its role in professional development, collaboration and connections within the global chemical sciences community.
Strengthening Links Between Universities and Industry
Faculty advisors and industry representatives participated in a discussion on academia–industry collaboration. The discussion focused on connecting academic knowledge with industrial requirements and building stronger partnerships between universities and the business sector.
The summit attracted participants from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Federal Urdu University, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Forman Christian College, BUITEMS, Shah Abdul Latif University, Quaid-e-Awam University, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, 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.
Two University of Karachi student chapters also took part: 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.
Student Chapters Encouraged to Take Action
The summit concluded with a call for participating chapters to develop practical 90-day action plans to increase student engagement, strengthen collaboration and maintain momentum beyond the event.
The gathering reflected the combined efforts of the ACS Pakistan International Chemical Sciences Chapter’s leadership, faculty advisors, participating institutions and student volunteers in advancing safe, ethical and collaborative practices in the chemical sciences.
