Hangzhou (TDI): The Ningbo University-COMSTECH Joint Training Program in Aerospace Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Artificial Intelligence was launched at the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and China in advanced scientific and technological fields.
In his remarks, Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), emphasized that this partnership reflects the OIC’s vision of fostering science diplomacy and South-South cooperation, which play a vital role in achieving sustainable development and technological advancement across member states.
He commended Ningbo University and the Government of China for their continued support to OIC initiatives in science and innovation, highlighting this collaboration as a model of constructive international engagement.
The event was also addressed by the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, who lauded the initiative as a visionary step to strengthen research, education, and innovation capacities within the OIC region.
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He stated that the program provides young scientists from OIC member countries, including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, with exposure to cutting-edge research and advanced laboratories at Ningbo University.
He further noted that the joint program aligns with the OIC Science, Technology, and Innovation Agenda 2026–2036, aiming to empower researchers and promote innovation-driven economies across the Islamic world.
The initiative is part of COMSTECH’s broader collaboration with Chinese institutions, following earlier successful programs such as the COMSTECH–Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Joint Technicians Training Program, which trained researchers from multiple OIC countries in advanced biomedical and technical sciences.
The inauguration ceremony featured speeches by senior reputed academician Zhao Yufen, Dean of the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Pan Feng, Deputy Director of Ningbo University’s International Office, and Huang Shaohua, Executive Vice Dean of the Institute.
Foreign dignitaries and Chinese faculty attended the event, alongside participants from several OIC member countries, including senior scientists, assistant professors, postdoctoral researchers, and students. The training program aims to develop skills and foster collaboration in emerging disciplines such as aerospace medicine, AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation, and biomedical technology.
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Prof. Liu Xinmin, Chief Scientist at the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, played a key role in the conception and coordination of the training program. His scientific leadership and expertise in biomedical research have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and technical content of the program.
Both OIC-COMSTECH and Ningbo University leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding this partnership into joint laboratories, dual-degree programs, and innovation platforms, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in science and technology between the Islamic world and China.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
