International Seminar on Physics in Developing Countries: Past, Present and Future, 27-28 July, 2005, Islamabad – Pakistan - RECOMMENDATIONS

Vital Statistics of the Seminar

• There were six (6) technical sessions spread over two days.
• Some twenty (20) papers were presented at the meeting, which included papers from some international speakers, who traveled from Morocco, Tajikistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia and USA to be part of these proceedings.
• Participation from the scientific community, research institutes and academia was also extremely encouraging.

Discussion Topics

• Several speakers expressed views on the education system in developing countries, which is elemental in the growth of Physics anywhere in the world.
• Advantages of adopting various forms of systems and other helpful strategies that harmonize the recognition of globally emerging trends as well as national interests were elaborated.
• The importance of motivating young people towards Physics received special attention.
• Experts covered a vast range of specific topics such as Laser Technology, Space Physics, Solid-State Physics, Atomic Spectrometry, Physics for Renewable Energy, and highlighted the role of these important fields of Physics for sustainable development.
• The relevance of these sciences in the study of the Earth and its natural resources, reducing harmful emissions, providing adequate energy and other challenges that face humanity today were detailed.
• Some exciting research activities in this regard were discussed at length, which shed light on the dedicated efforts of Physicists in the developing world.
• Apart from this, great emphasis was laid on a global strategy of universality that concerns Physics and the development of Physics and focuses on benefits and interests of the third world.
• Some other suggestions for formulating effective strategies that can be utilized in future also emerged during the meeting.

Realizations from the Past Experience

The following realizations came forward during the seminar:

• Physics is not a “luxury” but a “necessity”. It is the engine of modern day growth and is the driving force behind elevating the standard of living of people.
• Different countries have different needs. Therefore, tailor-made initiatives must be designed for meeting the unique as well as similar needs of various regions.
• The gap between “physics” and “society” must be bridged and their blend must be reviewed from time to time.
• These days, useful contributions come mostly from educated individuals working on big machines and in centers having big infrastructures. It is true that in the past, individuals made significant discoveries, but now teamwork is required to achieve that.

Recommendations

Having realized and learning from the past experiences, necessary means to achieve future progress in Physics were devised by the august gathering. In this regard, following recommendations emerged:

1. Improving School level Education:

• Basic knowledge in physics at school and college levels is necessary to produce good researchers at the graduate and post graduate levels. The government and the administration of these institutions should ensure conducive and congenial environment to support this cause.
• “Curiosity” and “questioning” are imperative for progress in science especially physics. Teaching students by “arousing their curiosity” is the only meaningful way of teaching.
• Emphasis must be laid on the mode of instruction, the method of instruction and the quality of the instructors

2. Having Focused Strategy: The developing countries should not aim at achieving excellence in every scientific field rather they should pursue a strategy and a plan to build and maintain a critical mass of scientists in certain disciplines. Subsequently they should collaborate with and tap on each others human and scientific resources. COMSATS developmental program strongly advocates this strategy and remains open to its member countries for collaborative ventures.

3. Collaborative Networking: Developing countries should establish strong collaborative networking for improvement of quality of physics as the means of doing so have become easily available now due to world-wide web.

4. Capacity Building: Capacity building is extremely essential. ‘Supporting Capacity Building’ in the field of Physics is a multi-facet task that requires investment, primarily by countries themselves, in both human and capital infrastructure. The building of scientific capacity should be supported by regional and international cooperation, to ensure both equitable development and the utilization of human creativity without discrimination.

5. Addressing the issue of Brain Drain: Concern was shown on the problem of brain drain. Scientists of developing countries should give more time of their expertise in their own countries and efforts should be made to reverse this trend.

6. Striking the right balance between basic and applied research: Balance between basic and applied physics is essential. Nations must realize and understand the relative importance and benefits of basic and applied research. “New knowledge” in physics is imperative. Creation of new knowledge through the application of basic research is the key to newer applications and technologies. Innovation is a must for productivity and growth. R&D is an important part of technological innovation because it helps generate the superior products, processes and services that can give a company a competitive edge.

7. Gainful Implementation: The knowledge base of physics should be gainfully implemented in the developing countries for the achievement of socio economic development.

8. Promoting the Cause of Science: Scientists should use their influence on politicians to strengthen the scientific base in the developing countries, as well as bring the people closer, i.e. to bring down cultural and social barriers

9. Popularizing Physics:

• Humanize Physics by bringing it in use for the benefit of mankind in general and make it accessible by bringing its benefits to the grass-root levels.
• In order to popularize physics, it is necessary to demystify physics by bringing visibility to the positive uses and application of physics. It is also essential that knowledge be transferred in a transparent manner to developing countries.
• Young generation’s attraction to physics and their participation in future work is extremely essential. Holding scientific contests in grooming young scientists in Science, Technology, Physics, Engineering and Mathematics is a must.

Future Collaborative Programmes Suggested by Participants

The invited participants suggested future collaborative programmes and projects in the following realms:

• Networking of professionals between countries – focal point Egypt
• Workshop/seminar on alternative energy resources, especially for rural areas – focal point Sudan
• Indigenous capacity building for self reliance in engineering sciences and related R&D – focal point Pakista