KABUL (Pajhwok): A private research and innovation centre named “Bram” inaugurated in Kabul on Thursday. Officials say the centre will conduct scientific and applied research into various challenges facing the country and contribute to developing solutions and public policies based on research findings.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mohammad Bashir Zafari, executive director of the Bram Research and Innovation Centre, said the centre was an independent, non-profit scientific and research institution that would operate in accordance with Islamic Sharia, applicable laws and its charter.
He said the world is currently facing rapid changes and complex challenges, while effective decision-making requires accurate information, scientific evidence and innovative ideas.
Zafari said Bram had been established to meet these needs by scientifically identifying Afghanistan’s challenges and opportunities, analysing evidence and reliable data, narrowing the gap between knowledge and practice and proposing practical, credible and implementable solutions based on research findings.
He said the centre’s main activities would include conducting scientific, applied and strategic research and studies; developing public policies and development plans; organising scientific conferences; preparing and publishing academic articles, books, journals, reports and other research works; providing scientific and professional consultancy services; supporting and developing scientific innovations; building scientific and professional capacity in research and policymaking; and establishing academic cooperation, joint projects and memoranda of understanding with national and international academic and research institutions.
He said adherence to Islamic Sharia and the applicable laws of the Islamic Emirate, commitment to the public interest, moderation, academic integrity and impartiality, expertise, accuracy and quality, transparency and accountability, teamwork and academic cooperation, innovation and effectiveness were among the centre’s core values.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Higher Education Sheikh Neda Mohammad Nadeem said it was encouraging that a private institution had established a research and study centre, describing it as a positive step towards Afghanistan’s scientific development.
He said knowledge was the key to the development and prosperity of countries, adding that societies that benefit from knowledge and strive for scientific advancement can overcome shortcomings, become self-reliant and free themselves from dependence on others.
Nadeem said the entire world agreed that human success and development were linked to knowledge.
He said people needed research and could conduct studies aimed at improving living conditions and public services, serving God’s creation and finding solutions to problems.
Nadeem said the Ministry of Higher Education supported the Bram research centre and that the centre could benefit from the expertise of the ministry’s lecturers.
He said society had a significant need for research centres and described the establishment of Bram as a commendable initiative.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Professional Affairs at the Ministry of Economy Dr Abdul Latif Nazari said favourable conditions for research had been created under the Islamic system, urging researchers and research institutions to make the most of the opportunity.
He called on research centres to pay particular attention to applied research.
Nazari said Afghanistan had recently been facing climate change and drought, adding that finding solutions to these challenges should be among the main responsibilities of Bram and similar research centres.
hz/sa
