RAWALPINDI: The Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) is set to establish a state-of-the-art gems and jewellery centre on its premises to improve academia-industry collaboration.

This was said by FJWU Vice Chancellor Dr Bushra Mirza Talking to Dawn.

She said that the university has made new plans so that young women receive modern education, which will help them become financially empowered and excel in research work.

Dr Mirza, who recently assumed charge as vice chancellor and has worked with the Higher Education Commission`s research department, Quaid-i-Azam University and LahoreCollege for Women University as vice chancellor, said that FJWU will integrate academic excellence with industry collaboration and technological advancement.

`FJWU actively fosters partnerships between academia and industry to enhance entrepreneurial growth and innovation. FJWU has recently established a corporate advisory board that encompasses all departments, aiming to reduce the gap between academia and industry,` she said.

She said that FJWU`s inclusion among the Top 100 Innovative Universities globally in 2023 underscored its dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation and contributing to national economic growth.

She said that FJWU has officiallyapproved the establishment of a stateof-the-art Gems and Jewellery Centre during its recent syndicate meeting.

`This groundbreaking initiative marks a historic milestone as it will be the first centre of its kind in Pakistan to be developed at a public sector women`s university,` she said.

Explaining the need for the centre, Dr Mirza said that the centre aims to position FJWU as a national hub for gemstone research, certification, trainingandinnovation.

With a vision to uplift Pakistan`s gems and jewellery sector, the centre will offer international-standard certifications, which will not only enhance the value of indigenous gemstones but also contribute significantly to the country`s economy through increased global competitiveness and export potential, she said.By bridging academia with the needs of the national industry, she said that this centre will offer specialised skill development programmes, support women entrepreneurs and foster international collaborations.

`This transformative step will pave the way for economic empowerment, employment generation and international recognition of Pakistan`s rich mineral resources.

About Artificial Intelligence, she said that FJWU is at the forefront of integrating AI into higher education and research.

She said that FJWU`s recognitionin the Fourth Industrial Revolution category in 2023 highlights its commitment to preparing students for rapidly evolving technological landscapes.

She said that the Environmental Sciences Department was the most active in the university and that the university had demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives.

In line with its vision to foster global academic collaboration and excellence, she said that Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) has recently launched a strategic initiative underits internationalisation policy aimed at attracting faculty from European institutions.

The move was formally endorsed in the latest syndicate meeting.

`The initiative focuses on inviting distinguished scholars, researchers and academic professionals from Europe to contribute to teaching, joint research and curriculum development across FJWU departments. This collaboration is expected to bring global perspectives into the classroom, elevate research standards and strengthen international networks for both faculty and students,` she said.

By integrating global expertise into its academic environment, she said that they aim to provide students with enhanced exposure to cross-cultural knowledge, modern pedagogical approaches and opportunities for international academic exchange.