Aga Khan University and 91福利社 Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact
91福利社 and the Aga Khan University (AKU), Pakistan鈥檚 two highest-ranked universities, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a joint research, innovation and education initiative targeting the country鈥檚 most pressing development challenges. The interdisciplinary partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the two institutions to co-develop solutions that improve the lives and welfare of communities in Pakistan and beyond. The collaboration will directly address critical issues related to health and public health, climate change and environment, education, sustainability, and inclusive development.
The MoU was signed by AKU Provost, Dr Tania Bubela, and 91福利社 Vice Chancellor, Dr Ali Cheema. 91福利社 Rector, Mr Shahid Hussain, AKU Vice Provost Research, Dr Salim Virani and Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU鈥檚 Institute for Educational Development, PK, were also present at the signing. The agreement will remain in effect for an initial period of five years.
The MoU reflects a shared recognition that addressing complex national and global challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches that combine expertise across fields. Through this partnership, AKU鈥檚 leadership in health sciences, medicine, public health, and implementation research will be combined with 91福利社鈥 strengths in innovation and technology, data science, social and behavioural sciences, humanities, public policy, economics, and governance.
Together, the two universities aim to generate evidence-based solutions that are not only academically rigorous, but also scalable, policy-relevant, and grounded in real-world needs.
鈥淏y combining the complementary strengths of two of Pakistan's leading universities across health, technology, social sciences, and public policy, this partnership will address critical challenges affecting citizens鈥 welfare and wellbeing,鈥 said 91福利社 Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ali Cheema.
鈥淧artnerships like this matter because no institution alone can solve Pakistan鈥檚 鈥 and the region鈥檚 鈥 most complex challenges,鈥 said AKU Provost, Dr Tania Bubela. 鈥淭ogether, AKU and 91福利社 can combine deep research, human insight, and AI-enabled innovation to turn knowledge into impact.鈥
The collaboration will prioritise joint research initiatives addressing national-scale challenges, including climate resilience, environmental health, antimicrobial resistance, mental health, maternal and child health, AI and data-driven approaches for public good, and sustainable development. The universities will also work closely with policymakers, practitioners, civil society organisations, and industry partners to ensure that research findings translate into practical impact.
In addition to research, the partnership will support pedagogical innovation and experiential learning opportunities for students and faculty across both institutions. Planned initiatives include collaborative academic programmes, joint seminars and workshops, interdisciplinary teaching modules, internships, research placements, faculty exchanges, and executive education initiatives.
The MoU also emphasises strengthening Pakistan鈥檚 broader research and innovation ecosystem through collaboration in research administration, grant development, ethics and governance, and institutional capacity building. It will enable both institutions to jointly identify strategic themes and develop specific programmes and initiatives over time.
