A national workshop on university- industry interaction on the topic of ‘chemicals and pharmaceuticals for national development was held at HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry (HEJRIC), University of Karachi, on September 20- 21, 2006. The workshop was jointly organized by Higher Education Commission, Islamabad and International Center for Chemical Sciences, HEJRIC, University of Karachi. One of the topics discussed related to the importace of university industry joint research projects.

The inauguration ceremony was held on September 20, 2006. Professor Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director (acting) ICCS, delivered the welcome address and discussed the aims of workshop and highlighted the significance of university- industry interaction in pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, offered the key note address, and emphasized the need of increasing the university- industry interaction. Dr. Rozina Tufail, Chairperson, Scientific Advisory Committee to Parliament and Member of Parliament addressed the aims and key aspects associated with the workshop and reiterated the need for development of productive interaction and liason between industry and university. Dr. Zaheer Ahmed was the organizing secretary of the workshop.  

Lectures of eminent scholars from universities and presentations from leading professionals on the related topics were made. The selected topics mainly covered the pharmaceuticals and and chemical industries.

The presentation addressing the textile chemical finishing with particular reference to develop university- industry interaction for bilateral interest, technical advantage and strengthening of Pakistani textile sector  was made by Dr. Faheem Uddin. He adressed the processing areas in the textile value- addition chain where use of chemicals is vital and potential exists for university- based research projects in collaboration with the industry. This was accompanied by proposing a way- forward for textile chemical research under university- industry partnership.

Chemicals used in textile processing provide enormous value- addition in textiles intended for home or specialized applications including a range of technical textiles. However, our national textile industry needs an increasing appreciation for this critical role of chemicals and chemical finishing of textiles. Removal of fibre impurities, assisting in coloration process, and imparting special effects to fibres are three distinct areas where chemicals find application.

He emphasised the future competency of textile industry to remain productive in the emerging world would be in research. Higher value addition in textiles is nothing but adding research in textiles. Any glorious future of Pakistan from textile export revenue must be rooted in higher value products and smart textiles rather than commodity products. The goal- oriented partnership between university and industry should be initiated, and it would be a matter of time before a mature understanding for applied research projects develops in the industry.

USTER® QUANTUM 2 – Clearer Control Unit 2006 (CCU 2006)

Uster Technologies announces the release of a further advancement to the successful USTER® QUANTUM clearers. Starting from the last quarter of 2006, Uster Technologies will deliver a new control unit for its clearers – the CCU 2006. The CCU 2006 incorporates state of the art technology in hardware and software including a high resolution 12.1” color touch screen.

The CCU 2006 replaces all previous models including the QUANTUM SG 99 and SG 2000 one to one without any external adaptation. For existing SG 2000 customers, the transition is made easy with a very similar but simpler operation mode for the CCU 2006.

The advanced, robust thermal printer (only for standalone installations) offers faster and sharper printouts. Additional interfaces including USB allow faster and easier software upgrades, data export and diagnostics.

The CCU 2006 is capable of displaying and printing Chinese characters on all winders. This would allow the wide base of USTER® QUANTUM customers in China to interpret and apply all features in detail, leading ultimately, to better yarn quality.

A user friendly menu structure, shorter menu navigation, improved graphics and several new in-formation are the other attractive benefits.

With contemporary technology and several other improvements, CCU 2006 offers an even higher value for the best selling clearer ever – the USTER® QUANTUM 2.