Islamabad –(IINA) January 28– The Committee on Science and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) will publish a directory of Muslim scientists working on research projects across the world by the end of February. The contributions made by the scientists and engineers are being assessed through a set of research performance related to indicators developed by COMSTECH, an organ of the Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which groups 57 Muslim countries. The indicators include research articles, competitive research grants and international awards. A total of 670 curriculum vitae were received from researchers from OIC countries, out of which 383 have so far been assessed. These scientists have contributed in the fields including agriculture, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences and medical technology.
Realizing that a large number of high quality research personnel are fundamental to the promotion of science and technology, COMSTECH had decided to undertake a study to identify scientists and engineers who are involved in world class research. The project of launching the directory was first approved by the Seventh General Assembly Meeting in 1996 and it was originally called “Scientists in the Muslim World” In the beginning, ISESCO joined this endeavor and the publication was initially called ‘COMSTECH-ISESCO Directory of Active Scientists in OIC Member States and their Recent Scientific Publications’.
Its scope was later widened and it was renamed “Database of Active Scientists and Institutions in the OIC member states” by the Executive Committee, according to an APP report.
After its final approval by the 8th General Assembly, the volumes are being prepared under the editorship of COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof. Dr Attaur Rahman, who is also chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and Dr. Ahsana Dar. COMSTECH has so far completed 16 volumes that include the names and details of scientists working in 41 Muslim states. Four volumes of directory, covering Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Gabon, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordon, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Libya, have been circulated.
HA/IINA
28 Jan 2008