PSF, Dutch Earth Sciences expert discuss research collaboration & joint scientific initiatives

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2026) Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akmal held a high-level meeting with Prof. Dr. Mark van der Meijde, Chair in Earth Structure and Dynamics and Head of the Department of Earth System Analysis, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, to discuss strengthening scientific cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akmal welcomed the visiting Dutch scientist and briefed him on PSF's key programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting science, technology, research, innovation, and science popularization across Pakistan. He also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), particularly its Earth Sciences section, as a potential area for future collaboration.

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in Earth sciences, geospatial technologies, remote sensing, climate studies, and Earth system analysis.

Both sides discussed promoting academic and research linkages, knowledge exchange, and joint scientific initiatives between Pakistani institutions and their counterparts in the Netherlands.

Prof. Dr. Mark van der Meijde, an accomplished Earth scientist who has extensively collaborated with Pakistani institutions, including the Centre of Excellence in Geology, appreciated PSF's efforts to advance science and technology.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

As a member of the advisory board of the Dutch Science Foundation, he expressed full support for strengthening collaboration between the Pakistan Science Foundation and the Dutch scientific community.

Prof. Dr. Akmal proposed the development of a mega consortium research project involving universities and research institutions from Pakistan and the Netherlands to address emerging geoscientific and environmental challenges.

Prof. Dr. Mark also expressed keen interest in collaborating on PSF, PMNH, and PASTIC programmes, particularly in the areas of collaborative research, capacity building, and academic partnerships in Earth system analysis and geo-information sciences.

Dr. Mirza Habib Ali, Member Science, PSF, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore new avenues of cooperation to enhance scientific excellence, strengthen research capacity, and contribute to sustainable development through international scientific partnerships.