ORIC - Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU)

Introduction

Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization

Advancing Research, Innovation & Collaboration

The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) was established at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) in September, 2015. Department of ORIC was established to develop the research culture and strengthen the Industry – Academia linkages at the University. ORIC offers help and technical support to faculty and researchers in research grant submission, organization of conferences, workshops, seminars, developing linkages with national and international partners and patent filing.

Key Objectives

Promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, and ethical scientific conduct across the University
Facilitate interdisciplinary and translational research addressing national and global health challenges.
Strengthen research infrastructure and capacity through training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
Support intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and commercialization of research outputs.
Foster collaborations with national and international institutions, industry, and funding agencies.
Enhance research quality, visibility, and impact through effective monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination
Translate scientific discoveries into evidence-based healthcare solutions, products, and policies that benefit society and improve national health outcomes.

Mission, Vision & Responsibilities

Advancing research excellence, innovation, and knowledge transfer.

Vision

To be a nationally and internationally recognized catalyst for research excellence, innovation, and knowledge commercialization, transforming scientific discoveries into impactful healthcare solutions that advance biomedical sciences and improve the health and well-being of society.

Mission

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization is committed to fostering a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem that advances national health priorities through excellence in biomedical and clinical research, innovation, and knowledge translation. ORIC strives to facilitate high-quality, multidisciplinary research; promote innovation and commercialization of scientific discoveries; strengthen research capacity and infrastructure; and cultivate collaborations with academia, industry, healthcare institutions, and international partners. Through leadership, transparency, and strategic support, ORIC aims to transform research outcomes into impactful products, technologies, policies, and practices that improve healthcare and contribute to the socioeconomic development of Pakistan.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with Higher Education Commission (HEC) policies and guidelines.
Share research grant opportunities with faculty members.
Process and facilitate submission of research proposals to HEC and other funding agencies.
Provide legal, administrative, and financial support for research grants.
Maintain records of all research activities conducted within the university.
Promote commercialization of research for benefits of mankind and University.
Foster a culture of academic integrity and anti-plagiarism practices.
Organize seminars, conferences, workshops, and training programs.
Strengthen industry–academia collaboration and partnerships.
Establish and manage MoUs with universities, research organizations, industries, and NGOs.

Director's Message

Welcome to ORIC-SZABMU
As the only public-sector medical university under the Federal Government of Pakistan, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) has emerged as a center of academic excellence, research innovation, and healthcare advancement. As a leading medical institution entrusted with improving healthcare outcomes, we recognize that research is more than an academic pursuit—it is a responsibility to generate knowledge, address societal challenges, strengthen health systems, and contribute to national development.

The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) serves as the University's strategic platform for promoting research excellence, facilitating innovation, protecting intellectual property, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful healthcare solutions. Through effective research governance, grant facilitation, technology transfer, and collaborative partnerships, ORIC is committed to strengthening the University's research and innovation ecosystem.

In an era shaped by genomics, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, digital health, and emerging biomedical technologies, the opportunities for transformative research have never been greater. ORIC is dedicated to empowering our researchers, clinicians, and students by providing access to funding opportunities, research support services, collaborative networks, and innovation pathways that enable impactful scientific contributions.

Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment where knowledge generation, innovation, and commercialization work together to address healthcare challenges in Pakistan and beyond. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and evidence-based practice while aligning our efforts with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over the years, ORIC-SZABMU has successfully supported and facilitated numerous initiatives, including research project evaluation and monitoring, implementation of intellectual property policies, management of nationally and internationally funded research projects and clinical trials, and capacity-building programs for faculty members, researchers, and students. Through strategic collaborations with healthcare institutions, industry partners, funding agencies, and policymakers, we continue to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible health and societal benefits.

We firmly believe that innovation flourishes in an environment that encourages collaboration, curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Whether you are a student, researcher, healthcare professional, industry partner, policymaker, or funding organization, I invite you to explore our platform, engage with our initiatives, and discover opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Together, let us transform ideas into discoveries, discoveries into innovations, and innovations into lasting societal impact. Let us shape the future of health sciences through impactful research, transformative innovation, and a shared commitment to improving human health and well-being.

Dr. Mohsin Shahzad
Director, Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC)
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad