Since 2023, IWISTER STEM has been organizing STEM Cafés, university seminars, colloquia, and outreach events, creating spaces where researchers, educators, and students come together to learn, grow, and collaborate.
IWISTER STEM Café Series
Our flagship monthly speaker series bringing together researchers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss cutting-edge STEM topics, career pathways, and innovation. Each session features distinguished speakers from academia and industry.
Events Organizers: Dr. Lubna Rasheed and Dr. Ammara Dar
Importance of STEM Research to Develop Our Society
- May 2023
Speakers: Dr. Mubashir Hussain Rehmani | Dr. Komal Saleem | Dr. Hassina Tabassum
The inaugural IWISTER STEM Café brought together three distinguished researchers to discuss STEM, Research, Innovation, Invention, and Entrepreneurship. The session explored how STEM progress drives societal advancement — from problem-solving and creative innovation to alleviating poverty, empowering individuals, and modernizing human lives.
Clean Water & Sanitation for a Sustainable Future
- June 2023
Speaker: Dr. Ihsanullah | Assistant Professor, Chemical & Water Desalination Engineering, University of Sharjah, UAE
Dr. Ihsanullah presented on UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, covering cutting-edge water treatment research, novel materials, and real-world desalination challenges. With 75+ published papers, 5,000+ citations, and 4 US patents, he brought world-class expertise to our community. Mr. Roohan Javaid, Director of Water Resources at WASA Faisalabad, complemented the session with insights on STEM entrepreneurship in the water sector.
Opening Up the Horizons: Scholarships, Fellowships & Exchanges Abroad
- July 2023
Speakers: Dr. Ayaz Khan | Lead Medical Physicist, Lurie Children's Hospital & Assistant Professor, Northwestern University, Chicago + Dr. Waqar Baig | Assistant Professor, FAST NUCES
Dr. Ayaz Khan guided participants through the world of international scholarships, fellowships, and exchange programs — covering how to apply for funded PhD positions, CV and personal statement writing,
Development of Functional Textiles: A Scientific Journey
- August 2023
Speakers: Dr. Munir Ashraf | Chairman, Department of Textile Engineering, National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad + Mr. Muhammad Faisal Pasha | Textile Business Strategy Expert
Dr. Munir Ashraf, recipient of the prestigious Theophile Legrand International Prize for Innovative Research in Textiles, shared his groundbreaking work in nanotechnology and textile functionalization — covering antibacterial properties, UV protection, superhydrophobicity, and electromagnetic shielding.
Navigating the Green Card Process as a STEM Professional
- September 2023
Speakers: Dr. Ayaz Khan | Lead Medical Physicist, Lurie Children's Hospital & Assistant Professor, Northwestern University, Chicago + Dr. Waqar Baig | Assistant Professor, FAST NUCES
Guided participants through the Green Card application process for STEM professionals. Drawing from his own decade of experience living and working in the USA and his transition from a non-immigrant visa to US citizenship, he covered key pathways including Employment-Based Green Cards and the National Interest Waiver (NIW)An invaluable session for anyone planning a long-term STEM career in the United States.
Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering: From Lab to Market
- October 2023
Speaker: Dr. Muhammad Yar | Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus
Dr. Muhammad Yar, recipient of the Presidential Civil Award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (August 14, 2023), delivered an inspiring session on biomaterials and tissue engineering. With 100+ published journal papers, 14 patents (issued/filed), and active commercialization partnerships in Pakistan and Australia, Dr. Yar shared how cutting-edge laboratory research translates into real-world medical products.
Designing Hydrogels & Their Composites with Metal Nanoparticles for Adsorption, Catalysis and Sensing
- November 2023
Speakers: Dr. Muhammad Ajmal | Research Scientist + Dr. Lubna Rasheed + Dr. Arfa Abrar Malik+ Dr. H. Tabassum
This IWISTER STEM Café session explored cutting-edge research in hydrogel design and metal nanoparticle composites — materials with powerful real-world applications in water purification, chemical sensing, and catalytic processes. The session covered how advanced materials science drives STEM progress in society, from innovative problem-solving and creative research to entrepreneurship and industry applications. Speakers discussed how this field of nanotechnology can alleviate real-world challenges and modernize industries across Pakistan and beyond.
Seminars & Colloquia
Focused academic seminars and colloquia bringing distinguished researchers and scientists to engage directly with students and professionals.
How Life Began on Earth | Zindagi Ki Kahani
- December 2023
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy | Professor of Physics (Former Professor QAU, Forman Christian College Lahore, LUMS)
One of Pakistan’s most distinguished physicists, Prof. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, delivered a compelling seminar on the origins of life on Earth — exploring the science behind how life emerged on our planet. Organized by the Department of Chemistry, RWU in collaboration with IWISTER Pakistan, this seminar brought world-class scientific thinking directly to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Nanomaterials, Catalysis & 2D Materials in Space
- December 2023
Speakers: Dr. Awais Ahmad (11:30 AM) — Benign by Design: Nanomaterials for Catalytic & Sustainable Development + Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad (12:30 PM) — Graphene and 2D Materials in Space
A double-header seminar organized by the Department of Chemistry, RWU in collaboration with IWISTER Pakistan. Dr. Awais Ahmad opened with a session on the design and preparation of nanomaterials for catalytic and sustainable development applications. Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad followed with a fascinating exploration of graphene and 2D materials in space, one of the most cutting-edge frontiers in materials science today.
Navigating Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities in the USA
- August 2024
Speaker: Dr. Ayaz Khan | Assistant Professor, Northwestern University & Medical Imaging Physicist, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago
An International Seminar organized by the Chemistry Department, RWU in collaboration with ORIC and IWISTER Pakistan. Dr. Ayaz Khan guided students and researchers through the landscape of PhD and postdoctoral funding opportunities in the USA — covering application strategies, funding sources, and how to position yourself competitively for international research careers. Open to all participants, with e-certificates awarded to registered attendees.
University Outreach
Taking STEM education and career guidance directly to university campuses — connecting students with distinguished scientists, mentors, and career counsellors across Pakistan.
February 13, 2024
STEM Colloquium — International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Location: Rawalpindi Women University (RWU)
Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), IWISTER STEM organized a special colloquium at Rawalpindi Women University featuring distinguished female scientists from Pakistan. Their scientific journeys and achievements served as powerful inspiration for the next generation of women researchers and STEM professionals.
February 15, 2024
Career Counselling STEM Café — Skills & Opportunities for STEM Students
Location: University of Education, Vehari Campus
As part of IWISTER STEM’s week-long celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a Career Counselling STEM Café was held at the University of Education, Vehari Campus. A dedicated career counselling mentor supported students with skill-boosting sessions, helping them navigate opportunities in STEM education, research, and professional development.