Target Audience: Pre-medical students, medical students, PGTs Faculty members, Nursing & allied health sciences students and Faculty.
Program Nature: Short summer course + research internship exposure
Mode: Hybrid (Hands-on + workshops + guided assignments+online sessions/live webinars)
Core Output: Logbook + competency tracking
Program Rationale
The 4-week summer elective is designed to introduce early-career health sciences students to research culture in healthcare, combining basic molecular laboratory exposure, responsible conduct of science, AI-assisted research skills, and fundamentals of biostatistics and data analysis. The program emphasizes competency-based learning, reflective practice, and real- world research outputs.
Core Program Competencies (Overall)
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
WEEK 1: Biostatistics, Data Analysis & Research Tools
WEEK 2: Foundations of Molecular Biology & Research Exposure (IBGE)
WEEK 3: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Excellence & Scientific Writing (Centre of Excellence in AI, E8 Campus)
WEEK 4: Responsible Conduct of Science & Biorisk Management
Total Participants: 25
24 from Pakistan and 1 participant from Canada
Summer Program for Advancing Research Knowledge (SPARK)
CLOSING CEREMONY
The SPARK 2026 Certificate Distribution Ceremony was held on 7th July 2026 at Lecture Hall 1, Bahria University College of Medicine (BUCM). The ceremony was organized to acknowledge and appreciate the valuable contributions of students, speakers, and facilitators who participated in SPARK 2026.
The proceedings commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran , followed by Darood Sharif and the National Anthem, setting a respectful and dignified tone for the event.
The ceremony was formally initiated with a welcome note delivered by Dr. Saira Karimi, who also served as the moderator throughout the event. She welcomed the distinguished guests, faculty members, and students, and highlighted the significance of recognizing the dedication and achievements of the participants.
Prof. Dr. Wafa Omer delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of student engagement in academic and research activities. She appreciated the efforts of all participants and encouraged students to continue pursuing opportunities that foster professional and personal development.
A dedicated session was held for student feedback and reflections, during which participating students shared their experiences and insights gained from SPARK 2026. They highlighted the knowledge acquired, skills developed, and the overall positive impact of the program on their academic journey.
The ceremony also featured special online addresses by the international speakers, who joined virtually from abroad. Through the online platform, they shared their reflections on SPARK 2026, appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment of the students, and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in research, innovation, and lifelong learning. Their virtual participation added an international perspective to the ceremony and further enriched the event.
The Principal, BUCM, delivered the closing remarks, congratulating all participants for their commitment and active involvement. The Principal commended the organizers for successfully conducting the program and encouraged students to remain engaged in future academic and extracurricular initiatives.
The ceremony continued with the distribution of certificates to the participating students, followed by the presentation of certificates to the speakers and facilitators in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of SPARK 2026.
The event concluded with a group photograph featuring the Principal, faculty members, speakers, facilitators, and participants, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Saira Karimi, who expressed gratitude to the administration, faculty, guests, and students for their support and participation in making the ceremony a memorable and successful occasion.
