Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Assistant Professor at GIK’s Faculty of Materials and Chemical Engineering, was selected out of 20 early-career scientists from developing countries to attend a workshop at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy. The week-long workshop, ‘Policy and Diplomacy for Scientists: Introduction to Responsible Research Practices in Chemical and Biochemical Sciences’, held from September 9th to 13th, featured theoretical lectures and interactive sessions on:
(a) the work of international organisations in the promotion and control of the science and technology (S&T) and industrial activities in chemical and biochemical sciences, and related regulations imposed by the international treaties
(b) the impact of developments in S&T on international security and on the implementation of international treaties
(c) science advice and diplomacy
(d) the concept of sustainability in industrial and research activities
(e) issues related to the multiple uses of science
(f) ethics in science and responsible research practices
The organizers, The World Academy of Science (TWAS) and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), organized the workshop to raise awareness amongst young scientists on the policy and diplomacy aspects of the use of chemicals in different scientific disciplines. Participants, including Dr. Hussain, were given a study tour to research laboratories for the demonstration of safety and emergency response practices. They also participated in discussions to propose ideas to policy makers on issues in science in their respective countries.
