–GCID-funded collaboration aims to promote research leadership, institutional learning and international academic partnerships.
Staff Report
LAHORE: The University of the Punjab and the University of Glasgow have launched a new international research collaboration under the CIRCLE (Co-creating Inclusive Research Culture and Leadership Environments) project, marking a significant step towards strengthening research culture, leadership development and institutional cooperation between the two universities.
The initiative is supported by the Glasgow Centre for International Development (GCID) Small Grants Fund and is designed to foster inclusive research environments, enhance research leadership and promote institutional learning through international collaboration.
According to details, the CIRCLE project will bring together researchers, academic leaders and research professionals from both institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices and jointly develop innovative approaches for creating supportive, inclusive and sustainable research ecosystems within higher education.
The project will focus on strengthening institutional capacity by encouraging collaboration across disciplines, improving researcher development frameworks and promoting leadership practices that support diversity, inclusion and long-term research excellence.
The initiative is being jointly led by a project leadership team comprising Dr. Kay Guccione, Zain ul Abidin, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali and Prof. Dr. Savera Mujib Shami.
The leadership team will provide strategic direction, oversee implementation of the project and facilitate stronger institutional ties between the two universities, ensuring that the collaboration delivers practical outcomes and sustainable improvements in research culture.
Officials said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing excellence in research through inclusive leadership, international engagement and mutual learning. By combining expertise and experience from Pakistan and the United Kingdom, the project seeks to generate evidence-based strategies that can help strengthen research environments and improve institutional practices across higher education.
The collaboration is also expected to create new opportunities for academic networking, knowledge exchange and future joint research initiatives, while reinforcing long-term partnerships between the two universities.
The University of the Punjab acknowledged the financial support provided by the Glasgow Centre for International Development through its Small Grants Fund and expressed optimism that the CIRCLE project would make a meaningful contribution to enhancing research culture, leadership development and international academic collaboration.
