LAHORE: (Friday, November 7, 2014): Punjab University and Germany’s Bielefeld University will jointly do research on social issues in various countries to understand social problems and suggest solutions. In order to enhance collaboration in this field, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran called on Bielefeld University’s Rector Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sagerer at his office on Friday.

Punjab University’s Dean Faculty of Law Prof Dr Shazia Noreen Qureshi, Dean Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zakria Zakar, Country Coordinator Dr. Rubeena Zakar, Bielefeld University’s Head of International Office Dr. Thomas Luttenberg and Prof Dr Heitmeyer were also present in the meeting to discuss collaborative ways to do research on social issues. Prof. Dr. Mujahid Kamran pointed out that Punjab University had been spending substantial financial resources to brush up the research capability of its academic staff. For this, Bielefeld University will be a very valuable partner, he added. Rector Bielefeld University Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sagerer highlighted the infrastructural and human resource capacity of his institution and also shed light on the state of the art research facilities especially in areas of robotic science, intelligent technical aid and biotechnology. The rector underlined his policy of internationalization of Bielefeld University and appreciated Punjab University of its proactive role in forging collaborative relations with Bielefeld University.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PU Institute of Social and Cultural Studies has been conducting comparative multi-country research on “violence and development” in collaboration with Bielefeld University. The findings of the research will help the international community understand the causes and consequences of violence in comparative and cross-cultural context.