IUB ORIC distributes cheques to researchers, editors from self-generated funds

BAHAWALPUR, Mar 12 (APP): The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) organised a meeting of the ORIC Steering Committee along with a cheque distribution ceremony for journal editors, patent filers, and principal investigators of expos.

The cheques were distributed from income generated through ORIC’s own initiatives and external engagements rather than from the university’s regular financial resources, marking a significant institutional achievement. The event also highlighted an important milestone for ORIC. In 2023, the office had no dedicated bank account; however, by 2025 a fully operational ORIC bank account had been established, enabling the first-ever financial distribution in the history of the university through ORIC.

During the ceremony, Director ORIC Prof. Muhammad Atif presented the copyrighted business model “Valorize,” which is based on a knowledge-based economy approach aimed at transforming academic research into economic value. The model is jointly owned by Prof. Muhammad Atif and Dr. Shafia and has the potential to generate an estimated financial impact of around PKR 7.5 million annually. The model has already started generating income, demonstrating its practical potential to support research, commercialization and innovation activities at the university. Members of the ORIC Steering Committee attended the ceremony along with Co-Chair Mohsin Zulfiqar. Among the distinguished participants were Chairman Affiliation Committee and Dean Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Amjad, Treasurer Dr. Abdul Sattar Zahoori, and President Academic Staff Association Dr. Ali Azam.

On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran appreciated the contributions of journal editors, researchers, and the ORIC team for their dedication to promoting research excellence. He also commended ORIC for successfully organizing the cheque distribution ceremony and for its continued efforts to strengthen the culture of research, innovation, and commercialization at the university.

Several distinguished faculty members received cheques in recognition of their services as journal editors, including Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Prof. Dr. Shafiqur Rehman, and Prof. Dr. Areeba. In the categories of patents, prototypes, and expos, cheques were awarded to Prof. Dr. Maqsoof, Prof. Dr. Naeem, Dr. Azhar Hussain, and Dr. Faisal Shahzad for their valuable contributions to research and innovation. The ceremony was also attended by Manager ORIC Dr. Sajid and Assistant Director IT (ORIC) Farid Zamir, who played an important role in facilitating and organizing the event. The ceremony reflects the continued commitment of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of research excellence, innovation, and commercialization, further strengthening the university’s role in national academic and technological advancement.