Professor Ian M May recently returned from Karachi in Pakistan where he was the main guest at the NED University of Engineering & Technology's Convocation.
Over 1750 students graduated in the ceremony, the majority in Engineering. Professor May made awards to the top students in each of the disciplines and also awarded the University's research award to the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Sahibzada Farooq Ahmad Rafeeqi.
Professor Rafeeqi obtained his PhD in the Department of Civil Engineering at Heriot Watt University.
In his address, to an incredible audience of about 6000, Professor May not only congratulated the graduates on their achievements but also discussed opportunities for the University to continue to carry out research that was relevant to Pakistan. He also mentioned the importance of both multi-disciplinary and international collaboration.
Professor May has strong links with NED having supervised a number of both senior and junior members of staff from the Civil Engineering Department over the past 15 years.
While he was at the NED convocation he also gave a seminar on research in structural engineering at Heriot Watt University. In addition to this, discussions took place about further collaboration, in particular in the areas of rehabilitation of structures and the design and analysis of structures subject to earthquakes, of particular relevance to Pakistan which lies in a seismically active area.
It is hoped that further opportunities for collaboration may arise in other areas. Professor May also took the opportunity to renew links with a number of graduates of Heriot Watt University.