AKU-IED hosts research seminar

Impact of domestic research on policy formulation needs to be institutionalised

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"The impact of domestic research institutes on policy formulation needs to be institutionalised," said Dr Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Chairman, Sindh Textbook Board, Jamshoro. He was speaking at the first seminar organised by the Pakistan Association for Research in Education (PARE), in collaboration with Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) at the Institute's campus in Karachi. Dr Shaikh urged the research community in the country to enhance its influence on policy by improving research quality, producing relevant and practical output within given time-frames, and disseminating research results effectively to stakeholders.

Dr Muhammad Memon, Director AKU-IED said that the success of higher education institutions depended on their engagement in research. PARE would provide a platform for dissemination of research knowledge and prepare researchers who could engage in research at multiple levels.

The seminar, theme "Relevance and Utilisation of Educational Research" was attended by a large number of academicians, researchers, practitioners and policy makers. In response to requests by the participants, PARE announced that it would be organising a series of such seminars throughout the year. Dr Nelofer Halai, President-elect, PARE, and Associate Professor, AKU-IED gave an overview of the objectives, structure, functions and future plans of the association. PARE would provide a sound base for creating awareness on educational research, networking among research entities, capacity building in educational research, and the dissemination of research work. The organisation would operate independently, with support from AKU-IED.

PARE is an outcome of AKU-IED's 3-day "International Conference on Quality in Education: Teaching and Leadership in Challenging Times" held in February 2006, when concerned professionals showed interest in promoting a vibrant educational research culture in Pakistan and strengthening the impact of educational research on policy and practice. The first association of its kind at the national level, PARE also elected the Vice President, Dr Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal, Director, Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab and the Executive Secretary, Dr Meher Rizvi, Assistant Professor AKU-IED. Other members include scholars, academics, educational researchers, educationists, policy makers and practitioners.

The primary mission of Aga Khan University is the development of quality human resources that are trained to respond to the unique needs of the developing world.

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