Students participate in ‘360 Sec Idea Challenge’

Islamabad
The Environmental Society of Pakistan and Department of Chemical Engineering, CIIT, Lahore, jointly organised ‘360 Sec Idea Challenge on Environmental Sustainability’ at the Comsats Institute of Information Technology (CIIT).
The objective of the contest was to provide a platform to research students working on environmental sustainability. A large number of research students from Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, NUST, University of Gujrat, Government College University, Faisalabad, Government College University, Lahore, and CIIT, Lahore, participated in the contest.
Professor Dr. Mahmood Ahmad Bodla, director of the CIIT, Lahore, said “The debate on sustainability in general and environmental sustainability in specific has gained much attention since the beginning of 21st century. The world population has grown over seven billion that has already led to a strong competition between resources and consumers. If we continue to consume infinite resources at our current pace, we will run out of fuel, water, land and food soon.”
He said that it is direly needed to change current practices and lifestyle to more sustainable approaches. “We need to decide whether we want to ensure a shared future or we want to collapse. Therefore, I think that we need a quick and smart approach to identify, and integrate the concept of sustainability in every aspect of our society.” He suggested more ideas such as ‘360 sec Idea Challenge on Environmental Sustainability’ to create awareness, where young researchers may present their own research ideas, and at the same time, learn from their peers about the practical concept of sustainability.
The jury comprised Professor Dr Muhammad Arshad, Professor Dr Firdous-e-Bareen, Professor Dr Arifa Tahir, Professor Dr Asad Ullah Khan, Dr Sajid Mehmood, Dr Asim Khan, Dr M Shafiq, and Dr M Saif Ur Rehman. Sadaqat Ali got first prize, Amin Khan got second prize, and Rubab Khalid stood third in the competition. President of Environmental Society of Pakistan Prof Dr M Arshad, stressed the young researchers to create a love for scientific research. “You can never make a breakthrough research unless you develop a passion, commitment, dedication and devotion for science.”