By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) inaugurated its three-day Faculty Summit 2026, bringing together distinguished academic leaders, researchers, educationists and industry representatives to celebrate research excellence, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional transformation.
The summit, scheduled from October 27 to 29, is a strategic initiative envisioned by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi and organized by the Directorate of Faculty Development and Institutional Learning (DFDI) under the leadership of its Director, Prof. Dr. Zohra Nazir Kayani.
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A major highlight of the summit is the enthusiastic participation of faculty members from diverse academic disciplines, who submitted more than 70 research, creative and innovation projects. These contributions reflect LCWU’s expanding research culture, intellectual diversity and commitment to translating academic knowledge into practical solutions addressing societal, economic and industrial challenges.
The inaugural ceremony, held at Iqra Auditorium, featured the opening of the Faculty Research and Innovation Showcase, providing a dynamic platform for faculty members to present their scholarly achievements, innovative ideas, creative contributions and research-driven solutions. The multidisciplinary exhibition also facilitated academic exchange, expert engagement and opportunities for future collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi emphasized the importance of strengthening faculty capacities, promoting interdisciplinary research and fostering an institutional environment where creativity, critical thinking and innovation can flourish. She highlighted the evolving role of universities as centres of knowledge creation, technological advancement and meaningful societal transformation.
The inaugural session featured prominent national academic leaders, including Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, Founding Rector of the University of Central Asia and former Vice Chancellor of LUMS, who addressed Higher Education in Transition: Leadership, Innovation and Institutional Transformation.
Prof. Dr. Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor, University of Education, discussed the challenges, opportunities and future direction of higher education in Pakistan, while Dr. Hammad Naveed, Pro-Rector, University of Central Punjab, highlighted institutional excellence and digital transformation in higher education.
The academic discourse further featured Prof. Dr. Adnan Noor, who explored artificial intelligence, innovation and the changing landscape of higher education. Dr. Faisal Bari, Associate Professor of Economics at LUMS, discussed economic realities and the pressing need for educational reforms. Mr. Omer Saleem, Founding Convener of the Industry-Academia Linkages Committee at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also participated in the inaugural programme.
Prof. Dr. Zohra Nazir Kayani, Director DFDI, presented an overview of the directorate’s initiatives and the objectives of Faculty Summit 2026. She highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, research visibility, interdisciplinary engagement and institutional learning in strengthening academic excellence.
Another significant feature of the opening day was the engagement of expert jury members with the faculty showcases, offering opportunities for constructive feedback, scholarly interaction and recognition of promising research and innovation projects.
The day’s activities also included “Baithak-e-Fikr: Where Heritage Meets Ideas,” an intellectual gathering designed to connect academic dialogue, creative expression and the university’s rich institutional heritage.
The summit will continue on October 28 with six specialized faculty development workshops focusing on innovative teaching practices, faculty well-being, artificial intelligence ethics, research grant acquisition, impactful communication and responsible academic publishing.
Faculty Summit 2026 reflects LCWU’s commitment to transforming research into impact, ideas into innovation and faculty potential into institutional excellence. The initiative reinforces the university’s vision of empowering women academics to lead meaningful advancements in education, research and society.
