GCU Approves Research Initiatives

News Desk

Lahore: The Government College University Lahore (GCUL) syndicate has greenlit the establishment of new undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes, a new institute, two research centres, an academic chair, and a Youth Development Centre.

Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Asghar Zaidi chaired the 69th meeting and approved these strategic initiatives aimed at broadening academic horizons and promoting research excellence.

The new undergraduate programmes include linguistics, computer systems engineering, and information security engineering. Additionally, postgraduate programmes in accounting and finance, as well as sociology, have been sanctioned.

In line with the ever-evolving skill demands of the job market, GCU will also offer courses in digital marketing, content writing and web development to equip students with practical skills essential for the contemporary workforce.

The syndicate also approved the establishment of the ‘Institute of English Language and Literature’ which will house the Department of English and the Department of Linguistics and Language Studies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and research.

Prof Zaidi stated that these initiatives align with international academic standards and represent a significant step in GCU’s ongoing commitment to academic growth and research advancement.

The Syndicate also sanctioned the establishment of the ‘Baba Guru Nanak Chair’ under the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Oriental Learning to honour the rich cultural heritage of the region. This chair is poised to contribute to the study and preservation of Punjabi culture.

The ‘Azerbaijan Urdu Research Centre’, affiliated with the Department of Urdu, has been introduced to encourage research in Urdu language and culture, fostering academic ties not only within Pakistan but also with Central Asian nations.

Additionally, the Syndicate sanctioned the ‘Javed Ahmad Sheikh Centre of Excellence in Politics and Governance’ to advance research in political science and governance studies.

Dr Asghar told that these programmes will be administered by the recently established Directorate of Academics, fostering a conducive environment for advanced research.

The syndicate also reviewed and approved a revamped format for the Annual Performance Evaluation Report, with the initiative of Key Work Objectives (KWO), underscoring the importance of faculty members’ forward planning and contributions to various academic activities and adhering to international standards of academic excellence.

Moreover, GCU has established the ‘Salam Chair Endowment Fund’ with an initial allocation of Rs 62 million. This fund aims to enhance teaching and research in the field of physics under the Salam Chair, contributing to the global scientific community.

The University has also introduced the ‘Centre of Excellence China Studies Endowment Fund’ with an allocation of Rs 32 million to deepen the understanding of Chinese language, culture, history, politics and economics, aligning with international efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding.