Research complex named after German scholar opens at KU

Karachi

Professor Wolfgang Voelter Laboratories Complex, set up at a cost of Rs85 million, was inaugurated at the University of Karachi’s International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) on Thursday.

German Ambassador, Ina Lepel opened the laboratories complex by pulling apart the curtains on the plaque of the new building. The laboratories complex, which is named after renowned German scientist Professor Wolfgang Voelter, is a three-storey building comprising of 50,000 square feet.

Later, the German ambassador delivered the inaugural lecture at the ceremony held at the Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium. She said Germany and Pakistan had strong bilateral educational and cultural relations. She added that during the last few years around 90 German students and researchers were trained at the varsity.

She said a large number of Pakistani students were enrolled in various educational and scientific degree programmes of German universities.

Speaking on the occasion, the KU vice-chancellor, Professor Dr Muhammad Qaiser, said Professor Wolfgang Voelter had played a significant role in supporting science in Pakistan by financially assisting the country in the creation of the world class research institution at the university campus, and his great services would always be remembered in Pakistan.    

Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rahman paid tribute to the German scholar, and said Professor Voelter was a great supporter of Pakistan. “The great German scientist is like a role model not only for Pakistani students but also for scientists across globe,” he mentioned.  

Iqbal Hussain Durrani said it was a kind of tribute paid to the German scientist in recognition of his monumental contributions and services for the development of the ICCBS, and services in general in Pakistan.

In the ceremony, Jordan’s former prime and University of Petra Chancellor Professor Dr Adnan Badran, Secretary to Sindh Chief Minister Dr Iqbal Hussain Durrani, former federal minister for science and technology and former Higher Education Commission chairman Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, Director ICCBS Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Chairperson Dr  Punjwani Memorial Trust Nadira Panjwani, Saman Aziz Jamal of the HEJ Foundation and President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan Sadia Rashid also expressed their views.