MARDAN, November 12, 2026: Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) has signed a five-year academic cooperation agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) during its second international conference on zoology.
Organised by the university’s Department of Zoology, the conference focused on the theme Health of Animals, Humans and Environment for a Sustainable Future, bringing together national and international scientists, researchers, academics and students.
AWKUM Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jamil Ahmed, University of Shangla Vice Chancellor Dr Sardar, Pakistan Science Foundation Director Dr Ghazala and ORIC Director Dr Tariq Mahmood attended the event.
Professor Dr Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior from Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul participated as an international keynote speaker.
Addressing the conference, Professor Dr Jamil Ahmed emphasised the interconnected nature of human, animal and environmental health, calling for greater scientific collaboration and technological innovation to address emerging challenges.
He said universities must strengthen research partnerships and develop practical solutions to environmental and public health concerns.
Researchers presented 20 scientific papers covering zoology, animal and human health, environmental protection and related research conducted over the previous six months.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between AWKUM’s Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences and the Brazilian university’s Centre for Biotechnology and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Under the five-year agreement, both institutions will facilitate exchanges of academic, research and administrative staff, undertake joint research projects and share scientific publications and research data.
Dr Abid Ali from AWKUM’s Department of Zoology and Professor Dr Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior from the Brazilian university have been designated as focal persons for implementing the agreement.
Conference organisers said the partnership would strengthen international academic cooperation and create new opportunities for scientific research in zoology and related disciplines.