Islamabad: Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), awarded certificates to faculty members who secured Research and Commercialization Seed Grants (RCSG) under the university’s initiative to promote applied research and innovation.
The initiative was launched under the supervision of Vice President (R&E), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed.
The ceremony was held at the President’s Office and attended by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Dr. Asma Mansoor, In-Charge Public Relations and Protocol, and the awardee faculty members.
The seed grants were finalized after a competitive review process under the RCSG-2025 program. ORIC facilitated the selection with the support of funding organizations, ensuring transparent evaluation of proposals with societal and commercialization potential.
Dr. Nazia Iqbal, Assistant Professor and In-charge of the Department of Psychology, received funding for her project on building emotionally resilient communities through the “Hold Me Tight” program. Her work introduces Islamic modes of therapy into modern psychological frameworks to strengthen family well-being and community ties. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Quaid-i-Azam University and has been a Fulbright Fellow with research experience in the USA and Switzerland. At IIUI, she played a leading role in establishing the Institute of Clinical Psychology.
Dr. Rehana Riaz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, was awarded a grant for her research on polymer-based ternary compounds of cobalt oxide for electrodes in energy storage devices, a study that contributes to renewable energy technologies. She earned her PhD in Physics from IIUI, specializing in microelectronics and nanotechnology, and has led HEC-funded projects while publishing widely in international journals.
From the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Muhammad Noman secured funding for his project on cost-effective and durable plastic rebar chairs for reinforced concrete structures, offering affordable solutions to the construction sector. He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from UET Taxila with research on fire-damaged reinforced concrete. Alongside his academic role, he has worked as a consultant engineer and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.
Meanwhile, Engr. Hassaan Haider, Lab Engineer at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, IIUI, received funding for an AI-driven robotic car project utilizing deep learning and computer vision for autonomous navigation, contributing to indigenous advancements in robotics. He holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering from IIUI, specializing in machine learning, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from NUST. He has contributed to international publications and represented IIUI in collaborations abroad, including a program in Malaysia.
Addressing the ceremony, President IIUI congratulated the researchers and encouraged faculty to pursue further national and international research grants. He stressed the importance of research in tackling societal challenges and urged the university community to highlight its achievements.
Director ORIC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir, briefed participants on the RCSG process. He said the awarded projects reflect diverse contributions ranging from construction and energy storage to robotics and mental health, all aligned with IIUI’s vision of fostering applied research with societal benefit.
The ceremony concluded with the resolve that these projects will enrich academic knowledge and create pathways for commercialization and industry collaboration, further strengthening IIUI’s contribution to national development.