Project Title: Air pollution monitoring of PM2.5 in Lahore to investigate the cause of smog and its effects on health

UCP takes great pride in informing that the Faculty of Science and Technology has signed an MoU with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, USA.
In light of this memorandum of understanding, both parties will be conducting joint research on “Air pollution monitoring of PM2.5 in Lahore to investigate the cause of smog and its effects on health”. The cost of the project is Rs. 4.21 M.
Lahore is one of the major cities of Pakistan, having high levels of air pollutants and adverse effects on health. However, the lack of reliable data on air quality and cause-specific morbidity and mortality remains a significant impediment to conducting such studies in major cities of the country. Air pollution in major cities of Pakistan comes from many different sources like significant stationary sources – industries, power plants, smelters, brick kilns; Combustion – coal, burning refuse (garbage and biomass); and Mobile sources such as vehicular traffic. Pakistan’s economy bears considerable costs of poor air quality. Direct costs could include infant mortality, debilitating diseases (cancer, CVD, asthma, and bronchitis), and acute morbidities\ (obesity, mental illness, and cognitive dysfunction. Indirect costs could include lower labour supply and productivity, higher incidence of violent crime, migration of skilled labour, volatility in the financial sector, and absence of school children and workers. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh will conduct this collaborative research project on air pollution monitoring, representing FOST-UCP, while the University at Albany, USA, will be represented by Dr. Haider A. Khwaja. Dean Fost, Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar thoroughly appreciated the principal investigators. She believes this project will also help FOST research students to learn advanced techniques used in air sample collection and analysis of air pollutants. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Pro-Rector of UCP, congratulated the team and said the project would benefit society at large, and the project’s outcomes would be conveyed to the government to take appropriate measures.

Faculty Member:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty:
FOST)
Funding Agency:
University at Albany, State University of New York, USA.
Funding Period:
2022 To 2023
Total Amount in PKRs:
4.21 million
Status:
On going

Web link: https://ucp.edu.pk/announcement/mou-between-ucp-and-university-at-albany-state-university-of-new-york-usa/
Research Group: Nano-Chemistry
Research Lab: Sampling site is Security Check post Building B

Project Title: Application of spectral process manufacturing analysis technology in intelligent manufacturing

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh from the Faculty of Science and Technology has won a research project worth Rs 7.4 Million under the Joint Scientific Exchange Program between Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). The project titled “Application of spectral process manufacturing analysis technology in intelligent manufacturing” would be joint research between UCP and Shandong University of Science and Technology, China.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh is one of the leading researchers at UCP who is acclaimed internationally. Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar, Dean Faculty of Science and Technology appreciated Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, for winning the research project through a competitive process, assuring her full support in its execution. Dr. Nassar Ikram, UCP’s Pro-Rector congratulated the Dean and Dr Farrukh team for securing the project which would enable UCP in advancing research, international linkages, and collaborations aimed to create societal impact.

Faculty Member:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty:
FOST)
Funding Agency:
Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
Funding Period:
2023 To 2024
Total Amount in PKRs:
7.4 million
Status:
On going

Web link: https://ucp.edu.pk/announcement/ucp-researcher-wins-international-research-project/Web link:https://ucp.edu.pk/announcement/china-visit-under-psf-nsfc-project/
Research Group: Nano-Chemistry
Research Lab:UCP and Shandong University of Science and Technology

Project Title: Natural essential oil loaded nanoparticles (nanoemulsion) incorporated in poultry feed as alternative to antibioitics

A team of scientists from University of Central Punjab (UCP), GC University Lahore, UVAS Pattoki with the industrial partner has won project titled Indigenous Technology Development worth Rs 6.639 M under Pakistan Science Foundation – PSF’s Competitive Research Programme on Triple Helix Model. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Professor of Chemistry at UCP is the Co-Principal Investigator, while Principal Investigator is Prof. Dr. Ikram ul Haq, Professor Emeritus/ Distinguished National Professor from GC University Lahore. Other Co-PIs are Prof. Dr. Saima Ahad from UVAS, Pattoki and Dr. Ali Nawaz from GC University Lahore
The use of antibiotics in poultry feed has been an increasing concern which affects birds’ growth. The scientific team has therefore, pooled up their resources and intelligentsia to find alternate ways. Accordingly, objective of the project is to find alternative means replacing the existing antibiotics with the natural resources including plant extracts/essential oils. The project will help to reduce the use of antibiotics by up to five times per 1 KG of the bird weight to get the similar result. Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology congratulated the team of the project, especially Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Co-Principal Investigator of the project from UCP. She highlighted that Faculty of Science and Technology is taking initiatives to connect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with research projects as well as taught courses offered at FOST. This project will help us in achieving the goals. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Pro-Rector of UCP congratulated the team for undertaking applied research project under collaboration with other Universities. He appreciated the team for their resolve to address the problems of local industry to create societal impact and contribute towards SDGs. He advised the team to complete the project within the stipulated period.

Faculty Member:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty:
FOST)
Funding Agency:
Pakistan Science Foundation
Funding Period:
2023 To 2025
Total Amount in PKRs:
6.639 million
Status:
On going

Web link: https://ucp.edu.pk/announcement/a-team-of-scientists-from-ucp-win-approval-of-psf-project-with-worth-6-639-million/
Research Group: Nano-Chemistry
Research Lab: Biochemistry Lab and GCUL

Project Title: Establishment of Nano-Materials Fabrication Lab under the National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNN)

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Faculty of Science and Technology, is the principal investigator of Nano-Materials Fabrication Lab, one of the affiliated labs to be established under the National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNN).
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), Planning Commission, Government of Pakistan has approved the PC-1 project titled “Establishment of National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNN)” with a total cost of Rs. 3325.598 million. NCNN is a collective effort of 11 partner institutions including the University of Central Punjab (UCP) across the country with the significant objectives to pave the way for advancements in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Pakistan. It was inaugurated on August 01, 2023.Its objectives are to fabricate a large-scale supply of high-quality nanomaterials in Pakistan to meet the local demand (academia and industry) for their applications in Agriculture, Cosmetics, Food, Textile, Chemical Industry, Medicines/Health, Environment, Construction, Polymer, Energy, Petrochemical, etc. It catalogues and establishes an inventory of locally sourced nanomaterials accessible to all the stakeholders in the country. The Nano-Materials Fabrication lab will help in import substitution, capacity building with hiring of Research Associates, Research Assistants, fellowships to PhD/MS students and particularly to achieve the SGDs of Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being for People Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Goal 13: Climate Action.

Faculty Member:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh
Professor of Chemistry
Faculty:
FOST)
Funding Agency:
Higher Education Commission and Planning Commission of Pakistan
Funding Period:
2023 To 2026
Total Amount in PKRs:
3325.598 million (11 Partner Universities)
Status:
On going

Web link:https://outlook.office.com/mail/safelink.html?url=https://ucp.edu.pk/announcement/ucp-scientist-won-a-grant-as-principal-investigator-of-pc-1-establishment-of-national-center-for-nanoscience-and-nanotechnology-ncnn-with-a-cost-of-rs-3325-598-million/&corid=b941ecbc-a4ae-a89b-488d-0c79b04cc785
Research Group: Nano-Chemistry
Research Lab: Nano-materials Fabrication Lab (To be established)

Project Title: Implementation of computationally efficient numerical approach to analyze a Covid-19 pandemic model

Corona virus disease (Covid-19) which has caused frustration in the human community remains the concern of the globe as every government struggles to defeat the pandemic. To deal with the situation, we have extensively studied a deadly Covid-19 model to provide a deep insight into the disease dynamics. A mathematical analysis of the model utilizing preventive measures is performed with the aim to reduce the disease burden. Some comprehensive mathematical techniques are employed to demonstrate several essential properties of solutions. To start with, we proved the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Equilibrium points are stated both in the absence and presence of the pandemic. Biologically important quantity known as threshold parameter is computed to handle the future disease dynamics and analyzed for its sensitivity. We proved the stability of the proposed model at equilibrium points by employing necessary conditions on threshold parameter. A reliable and competitive numerical analysis is conducted to observe the effectiveness of implemented strategies and to verify obtained analytical results. The most sensitive parameters are determined through sensitivity analysis. An important feature of this study is to employ Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) numerical scheme to solve the system instead of other standard methods like Runge–Kutta method of order 4 (RK4). Finally, several numerical simulations are performed to validate our former theoretical analysis. Numerical results exhibiting dynamical behavior of Covid-19 system under the influence of involved parameters suggest that both the implemented strategies, especially quarantine of exposed individuals, are effective for the  substantial reduction in the diseased population and to achieve the herd immunity

Faculty Member:
Dr. Muhammad Rafiq
(Professor/COPI)
Faculty:
Faculty of Science and Technology (FOST)
Funding Agency:
Deanship of Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA
Period:
1-11-2022 To 1-05-2023
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 1.1 million
Status:
Completed

Web link:
Research Group:
Research Lab

Project Title: PAK-UK Education Gateway Mobility Partnership Grant For Students

In this project, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Pakistan, and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), UK will carry out student exchange. One faculty member from both universities will also accompany the students. MPhil and PhD students of FMMC at UCP will get exposure to Western culture and advanced techniques in research through workshops and interaction with electronic media journalists in UCLan, UK. UCLan students will have the opportunity to learn about Pakistani culture, religion, and marginalized groups. They will have the opportunity to interact with Pakistani experts and practitioners working in these domains to gain a deeper understanding of the issues, their roots and the complexities involved.

Faculty Member:
Dr. Fawad Baig
(Associate Professor/HOD)
Faculty:
Faculty of Media and Mass Communication (FMMC)
Funding Agency:
British Council Pakistan
Period:
2023-2024
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 6,971,022
(around 7 million)
Status:
Approved

Web link:British Council Pakistan
Research Group: Media Effects (Group Lead – Dr. Fawad Baig)
Research Lab: Room 401 (B-Building) for 6 to 7 days, and UCP Auditorium for 2 to 3 days.

Project Title: Harnessing the Untapped Therapeutic Potential of Phthalazine scaffold as Small-molecule Inhibitors of Ectonucleotidases for the Treatment of Diabetic Complications

The major goal of the project is to address the unprecedented productivity challenges in drug discovery industry for the treatment of diabetic complications, the proposed project aims to exploit the use of structure-based virtual screening and synthesis of phthalazine compounds using robust and reliable Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling for the inhibition of ENTPDase-3 and ENPP1 enzymes. The proposed project is the first example of phthalazine-based inhibitors of both targets meeting the national healthcare needs while streamlining the production of diabetes therapeutics.

Faculty Member:
Dr. Sumera Zaib
(Associate Professor/HOD)
Faculty:
Faculty of Science and Technology (FOST)
Funding Agency:
PSF
Period:
2023-2026
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 4.65 Million
Status:
In-process

Web link:
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: Biochemistry Lab (BCL-202), UCP Lahore

Project Title: Establishment of National Center of Robotics and Automation, Human-centered robotics lab, UCP

The goal of this lab is to make modern assistive devices, such as exoskeletons, accessible to disabled people living in countries with severe financial constraints like Pakistan. A major focus area is walking disabilities which affect around 1 million people in Pakistan. Several exoskeleton prototypes have been developed and tested for polio and spinal cord injuries patients.

Faculty Member:
Dr. Zohaib Aftab
(Assistant Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Funding Agency:
HEC
Period:
2018-2022
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 18.87 Million
Status:
In-process

Web link: www.ncra.org.pk
Research Group: Bio Mechatronics
Research Lab: Bio Mechatronics lab, UCP Lahore

Project Title: Towards Affordable Leg Exoskeleton for Polio Patients

Therapeutic procedures designed for the rehabilitation of polio patients involve the use of orthotic devices. In Pakistan, several hospitals and rehabilitation centers are providing these services in the country. However, the devices provided are fairly low-tech, rigid, and non-powered. Natural walking is not possible with these devices leading to their abandonment after a while. The goal of this project was to engineer devices aimed at improving walking function in such patients. The project resulted in the design of a novel knee-joint for knee-ankle-foot orthoses which has since been tested in a partner hospital

Faculty Member:
Dr. Zohaib Aftab
(Assistant Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Funding Agency:
HEC
Period:
2017-2019
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 1.2 Million
Status:
Completed
Web link: N/A
Research Group: Bio Mechatronics
Research Lab: Bio Mechatronics lab, UCP Lahore

Project Title: Intelligence and Autonomy Extension for Low Cost Freshwater Inspection Vehicles
Faculty Member:
Dr. Syed Atif Mehdi
(Assistant Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Information Technology
Funding Agency:
DAAD, Germany
Period:
2019-2021
Total Amount in PKRs:
Euros: 40,000/- per year
6.879 Million
Status:
In-process
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: Center of Robotics, UCP Lahore

Project Title: Forest Monitoring and Change Detection using Remote Sensing Data
Faculty Member:
Dr. Syed Atif Mehdi
(Assistant Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Information Technology
Funding Agency:
DAAD, Germany
Period:
2018-2020
Total Amount in PKRs:
Euros: 40,000/- per year
PKRs: 6.879 Million
Status:
In-process
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: Center of Robotics, UCP Lahore

Project Title: Detection of Fungus in Fields using Autonomous Robots
Faculty Member:
Dr. Syed Atif Mehdi
(Assistant Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Information Technology
Funding Agency:
DAAD, Germany
Period:
2017-2019
Total Amount in PKRs:
Euros: 40,000/- per year
PKRs: 6.879 Million
Status:
In-process
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: Center of Robotics, UCP Lahore

Project Title:Optimization, Validation and Multiplexing of 11CHRX MiniSTRs in Pakistan Population
Faculty Member:
Dr. Mushtaq A. Saleem
(Ex. Dean)
Faculty:
Faculty of Life Sciences
Funding Agency:
Pakistan Science Foundation
Period:
2018-2019
Total Amount in PKRs:
RKRs: 2.11 Million for two years
Status:
Completed
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: N/A

Project Title: NGIRI-Ignite Final Year Projects Funding

For the promotion of creativity and innovation in ICT-related projects, UCP has participated in the NGIRI funding cycle of the year 2020, where UCP has secured the financial assistance of 15 final year projects (FYPs) to develop the working models/prototype of these projects. Remarkably, UCP has won the highest number of projects at the Punjab level when compared with Private Universities/Institutes, while it stands at 3rd position when compared with both Public & Private Universities/Institutes of Punjab. The table shown below indicates the approved funding amount of the projects and details of the focal person.

Faculty Member:
Dr. Ali Faisal Murtaza
(Director Research)
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Funding Agency:
Ignite – National Technology Fund
Period:
2020
[15 Projects]
2019
[5 Projects]
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 1.289 Million
Status:
Completed
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: N/A

Project Title: ASIA-CONNECT Project “ICT Research and Development for Rural/Remote Areas of Pakistan”

Many rural areas, hospitals, schools, colleges and village towns are without communication and internet facilities. This is one of the major causes of backwardness and poor social/economic conditions of rural community. The proposed solution consists of the design and development of a wireless system that could be deployed off the grid at the locations without power or network infrastructure. A wireless back-haul mechanism will be developed based on multi-hop techniques and long distance WiFi terminals to connect the rural community with the internet coverage and to connect Open BTS base stations to the outside world.

Faculty Member:
Dr. Muhammad Majid Gulzar
(Associate Professor)
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Funding Agency:
TEIN
Period:
2020
Euros: 50,000/-
Total Amount in PKRs:
PKRs: 8.37 Million
Status:
In-process
Research Group: N/A
Research Lab: N/A