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Bridging Knowledge and Society: The Crucial Role of Scientists in Our Social Contract

Khair ul Bariyah
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Bridging Knowledge and Society: The Crucial Role of Scientists in Our Social Contract

We live in a world shaped by technology and rapid innovation over time. It has become increasingly clear that science holds the power to either provide promising solutions or worsen existing challenges.  In many circles, there is a growing concern that science is not taking adequate responsibility for these challenges, even though it is widely believed that scientists hold the key to knowledge and a profound responsibility. This responsibility has long been referred to as the social contract of science.

This agreement is an obligation to scientists to apply their expertise for the benefit of society, as responsible citizens and individuals with moral duties. This is not about attacks from non-scientific sectors that aim to discredit science, but rather about the expectations of those who value and recognize scientists as a force for positive change.

The idea of the social contract of science emerged during and after World War II. In 1945, Vannevar Bush’s report Science, The Endless Frontier urged governments to invest in scientific research, based on the belief that it would yield benefits in medicine, agriculture, defense, and industry. Scientists were expected to be granted autonomy and public trust to apply their knowledge visibly and effectively to societal challenges.

“Science, in the service of society, must be both a public trust and a public endeavor.” — Jane Lubchenco, former NOAA Administrator

Scientific research is, more often than not, publicly funded—whether through national grants, university salaries, institutional infrastructure, or taxpayer support. The expected return on these investments comes in the form of a healthier environment, improved education, and ultimately, a safer world. Scientific research is seen as falling short of public expectations if it remains confined solely to academic circles.

A powerful example of science serving the public good was witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists worked brilliantly to sequence the virus’s genome and developed vaccines at an unprecedented pace. The timely distribution of vaccines across borders helped save millions of lives, setting a strong example of science acting in a socially responsible and transparent manner.

With every advancement in science and technology, there is always an associated risk of misuse. For instance, while nuclear physics has provided us with clean energy, it has also been repurposed for harm through the development of nuclear weapons. Similarly, artificial intelligence (AI), though it has made our lives easier in many ways, comes with drawbacks such as job displacement, diminished originality, and growing concerns over surveillance.

This places a significant ethical responsibility on scientists, as they are the ones who must anticipate potential misuse and advocate for appropriate rules and regulations as research is translated into real-world applications. The Hippocratic Oath for Scientists, proposed by some ethicists, calls on researchers to pledge that their work will serve the good of humanity.

Real-World Examples of Science in Service

Dr Wangari Maathai

Dr Wangari was a Kenyan biologist, environmentalist, and political activist who launched the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in 1977. The initiative aimed to combat deforestation, raise awareness about environmental conservation, and empower women by promoting the idea that women could plant trees to achieve these benefits.

She helped women gain access to land, resources, and education. Over 51 million trees were planted in Kenya, creating employment opportunities. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, becoming the first African woman to receive it. She was an advocate for human rights and was arrested multiple times in her fight for freedom of expression, political transparency, and land rights.

Dr Wangari promoted a holistic approach to sustainability, interconnecting environmental health, social justice, and peace. She served as a UN Messenger of Peace and actively participated in various global environmental forums. She brought African environmental issues into the global spotlight and played an inspirational role in climate activism, particularly among women and youth in the Global South.

Dr Peter Doherty & Dr Rolf Zinkernagel

Dr Peter and Dr Rolf conducted groundbreaking research in the field of immunology, which led to the development of life-saving transplant and vaccine protocols. They discovered the role of T-cells in recognizing infected cells, which was a significant addition to our understanding of T-cell function in the immune system and the role of MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules in antigen presentation and immune recognition.

Their work earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1996 and continues to have a lasting impact on global health, providing insights into both immune defense and autoimmune diseases.

Dr Katharine Hayhoe

Dr Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist who believes that science and religion are not in conflict. She actively works to bridge the gap between scientific and faith communities. As a science communicator, she raises awareness about climate action using language that is clear, relatable, and easy to understand. She co-authored a book titled A Climate for Change, which motivates faith-based groups to take action on climate change.

Dr Hayhoe is the director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, where she supervises research on local climate impacts and strategies for adaptation. She advocates for policy changes to support effective climate action and has received numerous awards, including being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.

Timothy Berners-Lee

He invented the World Wide Web (WWW) and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his pioneering work. Tim Berners-Lee created the world’s first website in 1991. He also developed the first web server, httpd. In 1989, while working at CERN, he proposed a system to share documents online, which later evolved into the World Wide Web. He has made notable contributions to the development of the Internet and the way people interact globally.

Timothy developed HTML, URI, and HTTP, which laid the foundation for the modern web. He is the founder of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at MIT, established in 1994 to develop open standards and ensure the growth and accessibility of the web. He has advocated for decentralized technologies like Solid, which give users control over their personal data through individual “pods.” He is also a strong proponent of net neutrality, online rights, and the ethical use of evolving technologies.

Easy Science Communication

The true essence of the social contract is not merely to make great scientific discoveries. If scientific knowledge exceeds the level of public understanding, it loses its practical value. Scientists must communicate complex ideas in simple, accessible language so that policymakers, educators, and citizens can understand and act on them effectively.

Today, public engagement has become easier through tools such as infographics, open-access publications, and social media. Scientists carry the responsibility of building public trust, not only by conducting outstanding research in the lab but also by addressing it clearly and thoughtfully in lecture halls and public forums.

“The challenge of science communication is not just to inform, but to involve.” — Alan Leshner, Former CEO of AAAS

Several issues that continue to arise on a daily basis—such as counterfeit medicines and data misuse—have shaken the public’s trust in science. To rebuild this trust, the scientific community must embrace accountability, which becomes more effective when scientists are actively involved in policy discussions.

The social contract of science is a lifelong commitment. We need scientists who are not only experts in their fields but also champions of human welfare. Responsible research, paired with responsible communication and a strong commitment to preventing misuse, is the cornerstone of ethical science.

References:

  • Guston, D. H. (2000). Retiring the social contract for science. Issues in science and technology, 16(4), 32-36.
  • Gibbons, M. (1999). Science’s new social contract with society. Nature, 402(Suppl 6761), C81-C84.
  • Bush, V. (1945). Science, The Endless Frontier. United States Government Printing Office.
  • Douglas, H. (2009). Science, Policy, and the Value-Free Ideal. University of Pittsburgh Press.
  • O’Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. Crown Publishing Group.
  • Lubchenco, J. (1998). Entering the century of the environment: A new social contract for science. Science, 279(5350), 491–497.
  • Leshner, A. (2003). Public engagement with science. Science, 299(5609), 977

More from the Author: Climate Education for Children through Storytelling and Fiction

 

STEAM Education: Igniting a New Dawn for Pakistan’s Future

Muniba Usman
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STEAM Education: Igniting a New Dawn for Pakistan’s Future

In the heart of Lahore, a group of young girls in a public school gathered around a table, excitedly testing a solar-powered water pump model they had built using scrap material. Guided by their science teacher and supported by a local NGO’s STEAM initiative, the students proudly presented their project to a group of visitors, explaining how it could help irrigate small fields in their village. This is not just a science project; it’s a glimpse into the transformative potential of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in Pakistan.

In a global landscape increasingly shaped by technological advancements and interdisciplinary challenges, it has become essential to adopt educational approaches that transcend traditional frameworks.1

In a country where the traditional education system still heavily relies on rote memorization, the introduction of STEAM programs is proving to be a game-changer. Such programs focus on inquiry-based learning, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, the skills crucial for thriving in today’s fast-changing technological world.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Application

Pakistani classrooms have long been criticized for lacking hands-on learning. “Our students could recite Newton’s Laws, but had no idea how to apply them,” shared Ms. Asma, a physics teacher in Rawalpindi. However, with the introduction of low-cost STEAM labs in several public schools through government and private partnerships, students now engage in activities that bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

In most public schools, students often focus solely on rote learning to secure good grades. This culture prioritizes memorization over understanding, leaving the students ill-prepared to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Despite living in an era of digital literacy, many government institutions remain trapped in traditional frameworks, failing to provide the practical education necessary for students to thrive in modern society.2

Moreover, with the world rapidly moving toward AI, robotics, and digital innovation, a STEAM-based curriculum ensures that Pakistani students aren’t left behind. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, over 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, but 97 million new roles may emerge, heavily relying on digital literacy, analytical skills, and creativity, all nurtured through STEAM education.

STEAM
Despite its promise, the road to widespread STEAM adoption is not without hurdles. Photo. Robotmea

Encouraging Research and Innovation

Pakistan ranks low in global research output and innovation indexes. A primary reason is the lack of exposure and interest in science and technology from an early age. “Our children need to see science not just as a subject, but as a tool for change,” said Dr. Shazia Malik, a science educator who runs community-based STEAM clubs in rural Sindh. These clubs are helping children develop prototypes to solve local issues, from water purification to energy generation.

Women and Rural Inclusion in STEAM Education

STEAM is also playing a vital role in gender and regional inclusivity. In Balochistan, a program called Tech for Girls is training underprivileged girls in basic coding, design thinking, and problem-solving. “Before this, many girls didn’t even know what engineering meant,” said Bushra, a community coordinator in Quetta. Now, several of her students are applying for science scholarships.

Barriers to Implementing learning programs

Despite its promise, the road to widespread STEAM adoption is not without hurdles. Many schools lack the infrastructure, like labs, equipment, or internet connectivity, to support practical learning. Moreover, most teachers are untrained in STEAM methodology. “I was never trained to conduct experiments or integrate art into science lessons,” admitted a government school teacher in Faisalabad.

Societal mindsets also remain a challenge. Parents often view arts as secondary and are hesitant about unconventional careers in digital arts or entrepreneurship. However, growing success stories—like Pakistani startups in AI, biotechnology, and design are beginning to shift perspectives.

Solutions on the Horizon

Education experts suggest urgent curriculum reform, investment in teacher training, and increased public-private collaboration to scale STEAM programs. Several local EdTech companies and NGOs are stepping in with cost-effective kits, mobile labs, and online training modules to bridge gaps.

Furthermore, nationwide awareness programs, science fairs, and innovation challenges are needed to promote STEAM culture. Programs like Pakistan Science Club, CodeGirls, Science Fuse 4, and Robotics for All are already paving the way.

By 2027, STEAM Pakistan intends to achieve some decided outcomes for gender-transformative STEAM education across Pakistan, like the transformation of all government high schools (13,000+) across the country through the STEAM Pakistan School Partnership Journey, and paving the way to train science teachers. 3

The Way Forward!

If effectively implemented, STEAM education can empower Pakistan’s youth to become future innovators, engineers, digital artists, and problem solvers. It promises a future where students not only learn but create; where they don’t just memorize, but question and innovate.

The story of those young girls with the solar water pump is just one of many waiting to unfold across Pakistan. With continued efforts, STEAM education could very well be the catalyst that propels the country into a future of economic and technological progress.

References:

  1. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1272629-steaming-ahead-in-education
  2. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2530075/steam-education-in-schools
  3. https://mofept.gov.pk/ProjectDetail/NzJlYWE3MTctNTMzNy00MDVkLWJjODQtMjM3Zjc5NTYwOGU4 
  4. https://www.linkedin.com/company/sciencefuse/?originalSubdomain=pk

More from the Author: With climate chaos triggering lower harvests, Abdul Raheem has begun to lose hope

Tracing the Blueprint of Life – A Review of The Gene: An Intimate History

Khadija Tariq
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Tracing the Blueprint of Life – A Review of The Gene: An Intimate History

The story of genetics begins long before the word itself existed—hidden in the cross-pollinated flowers of Gregor Mendel’s monastery garden, in the careful records of inherited traits passed down like folklore. From Darwin’s quiet musings to the frenzied race to decode DNA’s double helix, the history of the gene is one of patient observation disrupted by bursts of revelation.

The discipline has provided answers to medical, as well as philosophical and historical questions. It asks a question as old as life itself: Why are we the way we are? To sum it all up, genes contain the history of our cells, our ancestry, and by definition, our future as well.

Siddhartha Mukherjee discusses THE GENE: An Intimate History | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Siddhartha Mukherjee, the author of The Gene: An Intimate History, the book on which this documentary is based on. Credit: old Spring Harbor Laboratory

As mentioned in the documentary:

“The DNA is not just a genetic code but also in some sense a moral code”

In The Gene: An Intimate History, this question is explored not just through science but through story. The documentary starts with a compelling scene when Dr. He Jiankui is being questioned on his unethical research of editing human embryos in 2018. After which it switches to a family with a kifA1 mutation then it goes on the science behind the disease.

The documentary traces the journey from early theories of heredity to the breakthroughs of modern gene editing. It moves between laboratories and living rooms, from Nobel-winning discoveries to families facing inherited illness very efficiently. Mukherjee’s firm narrative floats between the microscopic and the human. The structure of DNA is not just a scientific code—it is a map of identity, vulnerability, and hope.

As the documentary takes us through all the advancements 20th century it also reflects upon the impact of those advancements on our society like the idea of a pseudo-science of Eugenics proposed by Francis Galton. Any scientific discovery can have positive and negative applications, be it the atomic bomb or the understanding of our inheritance. It is up to us as human beings to educate and learn from our past mistakes.

Towards the end, we see the rise of CRISPR, a tool that cuts DNA with surgical precision and can be used to edit it. We witness how each advancement opens doors that science once thought permanently closed throughout the programme.

Sloan Science & Film
The documentary talks about the advent of Eugenics in America, which led to 64000 forced sterilizations in the country, mostly targeting women

As gene editing becomes reality, society is faced with new ethical challenges. Should we alter the code of future generations? What happens to the concept of “normal” when change becomes a choice? The documentary does not offer easy answers. Instead, it lingers in the grey zones—where science and morality meet, where progress carries both promise and peril. Genetic knowledge can heal, but it can also divide. The risk of a new eugenics, hidden behind the mask of progress, casts a quiet, persistent shadow.

On the other hand, the use of gene therapy and gene editing is saving precious little lives that would never have a chance to live. Yoder family is a great example as they lost their baby girl to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at 18 months of age, the normal life expectancy of those with SMA being 1 year. However, due to advancements in the field, they were able to test the next child right after birth and upon confirmation of the mutation; he was enrolled in a gene therapy trial. Excitingly, the baby responded very well to the drug and did not just survive but lived a normal healthy life.

PBS documentary 'The Gene' showcases genetics' promise and pitfalls | Science News
The documentary about the history of genetics also details the story of children like Susannah, who suffers from a rare genetic disease

Documentaries and books like The Gene matter. They are bridges—between scientists and citizens, between facts and feelings. They open up complex ideas in ways that invite curiosity rather than overwhelm. In a time where science moves faster than public understanding, such works are acts of translation. They remind us that science is not just about data, but about people. Moreover, every discovery, no matter how clinical it seems, begins and ends in the human story.

We as society have a huge responsibility of the utilisation of scientific discoveries and inventions in a positive manner. The responsibility I fear does not just lie on scientists. It is of utmost importance to translate scientific knowledge for public consumption and for sections of our society that can contribute to the ethics of science.

The documentary is available at PBS, Apple TV.

References:

Also Read: Delhi’s Basement Infirmary: A Review on ‘All That Breathes’

Will U.S. funding policies stall scientific innovation and research?

Sara Sultan
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Will U.S. funding policies stall scientific innovation and research?

I wanted to become a professor for as long as I remember. “I will study Chemistry and get a Ph.D.,” the 15-year-old me told her father- crushing his dream of raising a doctor in the family. A family where I was the first-generation university student. A family where continuing education after 16 years was a huge deal for men, much rather for women.

Growing up in a lower middle-class family at a small village with limited access to resources and little to none guidance, having just the ambition of becoming a scientist was nothing short of extraordinary.

I couldn’t afford that dream but I never stopped trying.

While applying for Masters program at NUST, I told my parents that I would quit if I couldn’t get a scholarship- betting everything on USAID scholarships which had 50% quota for women.

USAID did eventually save my life..

I not only received a fully funded scholarship to cover my Master’s degree, but I got selected for the USAID exchange program to visit the United States.

My first ever international experience, all paid for by USAID. The experience that opened many doors for me.

A year later, I won a fellowship to work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I received my Ph.D. I became a renowned scientist. I became a policy maker.

Would I still be all that if USAID didn’t take a chance on me? Probably not in the same way.

Funding Suspension and Its Impact

The USAID funding cut is part of broader reductions in US foreign aid under the “America First” policy, leading to the suspension of multiple initiatives across Pakistan. The $30.7 million scholarship programme was among the casualties, severely impacting students from low-income backgrounds, particularly those from areas devastated by the 2022 floods.

In a country like Pakistan where women’s education is still a taboo, death of programs like USAID, Tech Women, and Global Ugrad means much more than just a lost opportunity. It represents the crushed hopes of millions of aspiring girls. And not just the aspirants but their families. Many of those program’s awardees continued their academic career within the U.S. and supported their families back home.

U.S. This is the announcement of the suspension of the Global UGRAD program. Credit: USEFP
The USAID funding cut is part of broader reductions in US foreign aid policy, leading to the suspension of multiple initiatives across Pakistan. This is the announcement of the suspension of the Global UGRAD program. Credit: USEFP

The problem is deeper than we can imagine. These programs were dismantled because billions in the federal funds had been frozen by the U.S. government earlier this year.

Those funds didn’t just represent USAID and international programs, the major portion was of the research grants for academic institutions and national laboratories in the U.S. Those grants ultimately fund the Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, who now face immense challenges.

A shift in Academia – Researchers struggling to retain their jobs in the U.S.  

Academia all across the U.S. is going through a hiring freeze. Ph.D. and Postdoc offers are being rescinded. Faculty positions are being slashed. Federal scientists and researchers are being fired.

Harvard University recently filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that its freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars is unlawful.

Harvard’s president, Alan M Garber, announced the action on Monday in a letter to the university community, which said the $2bn funding freeze would hamper critical disease research.

Harvard, the world’s richest university, last week rejected a list of demands that the Trump administration said was designed to curb diversity initiatives and fight anti-semitism at the school.

Despite such resistance, the future of science and innovation is uncertain as the academic institutions and even startups are struggling to maintain their research activities. Many established research programs at renowned institutions are halted.

International mobility and women’s education

U.S. institutions, long prized by international scholars for their robust research ecosystems, now offer fewer opportunities. The international talent mobility will be hit hard.

Limited funds translate to fewer research projects for academia, which directly impacts the ability of professors to hire Ph.D. students as research assistants for their grants. Many departments will drastically cut back on inducting Ph.D. and postdocs (as evident by the hiring freezes), making the graduate admissions highly competitive.

In such a cutthroat environment, women and disadvantaged individuals from marginalized communities will be the ones who are most affected.

For the next few years, scientific research and innovation within the U.S. will continue to suffer
For the next few years, scientific research and innovation within the U.S. will continue to suffer

Should international students still target U.S. graduate schools?

It makes it challenging if we put all our hopes in one place – the U.S. in this case. For the next few years, (as a result of funding cuts), the scientific research and innovation within the U.S. will continue to suffer, making it increasingly difficult for international researchers, especially women, to enter and survive. The research assistantships and postdoctoral opportunities have become largely unstable.

U.S. used to be a hub for scientific innovations and international mobility, but not anymore. And the world still has plenty to offer. Find top professors in your field and reach out to them regardless of where they are based. But remember that the competition will be tough this year.

Advice for study abroad aspirants

Aspiring scientists wanting to stand out in such a competitive landscape should learn to market themselves in addition to enhancing their academic profile. Learn communication skills and get more visibility through conferences and social media.

Through my academic pursuits, I have learned that self-awareness is the key. Students should understand what they are passionate about. They should do research on their target institute and professors. They should understand the value they can offer to (and gain from) the host institution. They should be aware of the career opportunities and immigration pathways because navigating life as a foreigner is not any easier even after graduation. Knowledge is power and makes us vigilant about our choices.

If you belong to an underrepresented group and you can’t leverage financial or social privileges, remember that resilience and perseverance will take you forward. You can’t get what you give up on. So keep showing up, for yourself, and for science! I did too..

Editor’s Note:

Dr Sara Sultan Aqib is a role model for millions of Pakistani girls and women willing to pursue their careers in offbeat science fields. Born and raised in Haripur, KPK, Sara completed her Master’s in Energy System Engineering from USPCASE NUST.  She attended a semester exchange program at Oregon State University through a USAID project.

After graduating from USPCASE in 2017, she earned a prestigious fellowship by the U.S. Department of Energy to work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) – the world’s biggest energy lab. She joined the Bredesen Center at the University of Tennessee (UTK) to pursue a Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering.

During her Ph.D., Sara’s groundbreaking research on thermal energy storage garnered numerous accolades, including being named a Linda Latham Scholar by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), being selected as an innovator through Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s tech-to-market accelerator program, IMPEL+, and winning various best paper awards at conferences such as Duke Energy Week.

Sara, currently a senior staff member in the Buildings Standards Branch of the California Energy Commission (CEC), leads the policy development for thermal storage and building envelopes, streamlining the compliance and rule-making for California’s energy code.

A proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, she was recognised as “40 under 40 alumni” and joined an esteemed rank of alumni who demonstrated exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements in their fields. Read more

More from the Author: Climate Change and Residential Buildings – The way forward

The Power of Numbers: How Population Trends Impact Our Future

Yameen Bin Yahya
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The Power of Numbers: How Population Trends Impact Our Future

We live in a world where one part could be experiencing huge population growth, and the other could collapse because of its aging population crisis. For example, Japan, with its aging population, is struggling to find a new workforce; China and India, with their rapidly growing populations, are struggling to develop infrastructure at such a rapid pace. And countries like Pakistan have issues feeding their huge population.

The rapid urbanization stresses infrastructure, while the youth demand education. Declining birth rates necessitate policy shifts. Understanding fertility, migration, and age structures is crucial.

Population projections aid healthcare and education planning. Spatial analysis reveals resource inconsistencies, and statistical models link trends to economic growth.

Understanding the dynamics of fertility, migration, and age structures is no longer an academic exercise. It is essential for planning our future. Population projections shape everything from healthcare systems to educational frameworks, while spatial analysis exposes deep inequities in resource distribution. Statistical models reveal how demographic patterns are intimately linked to economic growth or decline. This is not a distant issue; the population crisis is unfolding now, and if ignored, its consequences will be devastating.

Global Warning Signs: We Can No Longer Ignore!

The global population surpassed 8 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed 10 billion by 2050. Much of this growth is occurring in regions least equipped to handle it—sub-Saharan Africa will nearly double in population, South Asia will increase by nearly 10 percent, and parts of the Middle East.

In these areas, essential services like clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education are already strained or inaccessible. High fertility rates combined with poverty, weak governance, and limited infrastructure create a cycle of suffering. The bigger the population grows, the harder it becomes to climb out of poverty or provide opportunities.

At the same time, many high-income nations are experiencing a demographic downturn. Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Italy all face shrinking populations due to dramatically low birth rates, with the latter having the lowest birth rates of any country, with 5.62 births per 1000, and longer life expectancies.

An aging population brings major consequences. Fewer working-age individuals mean slower economic growth, social welfare systems become unsustainable, healthcare costs skyrocket, and innovation and labor productivity decline. Without significant immigration or radical policy reform, these countries are headed for economic stagnation and social stress.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, over the past two decades,  the population has grown rapidly from around 140 million in the early 2000s to over 240 million today. This explosive growth has placed immense pressure on the country’s already fragile infrastructure, society, and livelihoods. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, clean water, education, and healthcare. Rural areas face persistent issues of poverty, limited access to services, and high birth rates.

Although the federal government has introduced family planning initiatives and awareness campaigns, progress has been slow due to inconsistent implementation, political neglect, and cultural barriers. With a large portion of the population under 30, the country faces mounting challenges in creating enough jobs, feeding its people, and preventing further social instability. Without serious long-term policy planning and investment in human development, the consequences of this unchecked growth will only deepen.

The Dual Demographic Crisis: Declining Fertility and the Politics of Migration

Over 50 percent of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, a figure that’s growing rapidly. But instead of prosperity, urbanization often brings overcrowding, pollution, and infrastructure collapse. Informal settlements grow faster than cities can build roads, homes, or sanitation systems. Housing crises, traffic gridlock, rising inequality, and social unrest are all symptoms of urban systems pushed beyond their limits. In many cities, the pace of population growth has long since outstripped the capacity for planning.

Countries like Spain, Italy, South Korea, and parts of Eastern Europe have fertility rates far below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This creates a domino effect. Schools and childcare services downsize, housing markets weaken, workforces shrink, and consumer demand drops. Governments introduce incentives like tax breaks and paid parental leave, but so far, these efforts haven’t been enough to reverse the trend.

Migration has always been a tool to balance demographic imbalances—young workers from one region helping support aging populations in another. But today, migration is increasingly viewed through a political lens. Climate refugees, economic migrants, and asylum seekers often face hostile borders and xenophobic rhetoric.

Developed nations resist the very migration flows they need to sustain their economies. Meanwhile, low-income countries lose valuable talent to brain drain. Without coordinated global policy, migration will continue to be a source of division rather than a solution.

population
Kolkata Flower Market. November 2022. Photo, Unsplash

The Data Has Been Clear for Years

Demographers, scientists, and data analysts have been sounding the alarm for decades. The tools exist to predict and prepare for these shifts, but are largely underused or ignored. Census and household surveys provide long-term demographic trends in age, fertility, and household composition. Statistical models help forecast economic, environmental, and health impacts of population shifts.

With the rise of artificial intelligence and big data, it is now possible to track migration patterns, urbanization, and resource use in real time. Spatial analysis can pinpoint which regions are being left behind or overburdened. Longitudinal studies reveal how demographic changes compound over time and affect generational outcomes.

Despite the wealth of data and insight, political will remains weak. Decision-makers often delay action due to short election cycles, misinformation, or public resistance to unpopular reforms. The gap between what we know and what we do continues to grow, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The Price of Inaction

If current trends continue without significant intervention, the cost will be enormous. Countries with aging populations face rising healthcare costs, pension shortfalls, and slowed economic growth. Such as Finland and Japan, meanwhile, nations with uncontrolled population growth remain locked in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, unable to scale up services or generate sufficient jobs.

More people mean more consumption of energy, water, land, and food. Overcrowded cities become hotbeds of pollution and disease. Natural resources are depleted faster than they can be replenished, and environmental degradation accelerates. An aging population requires expensive, long-term care. In overpopulated regions, hospitals become overwhelmed and sanitation systems collapse. Public health emergencies become more common and harder to control.

Youth unemployment, climate migration, and social inequality are fertile ground for extremism. When people lose faith in institutions and the future looks bleak, authoritarianism gains appeal. Polarized politics, ethnic tensions, and nationalist ideologies feed off demographic pressures. Social cohesion fractures, and the risk of conflict increases.

What Can Be Done?

There’s still time to respond—if we act wisely and quickly. Developed countries must create legal, efficient pathways for immigration. These policies should attract young, skilled workers and support their integration into society. At the same time, governments must invest in young families. Making parenthood more affordable through housing support, childcare subsidies, and workplace flexibility is crucial to reversing declining birth rates.

Urban planning must become more forward-looking and inclusive. Cities need better public transport, more green space, and sustainable infrastructure to meet the demands of the future. Technological solutions like automation and artificial intelligence can help offset labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and aging services. But technology alone is not enough.

International collaboration is essential; Countries must work together to manage migration, share data, support vulnerable regions, and invest in climate resilience. Demographic challenges do not respect borders, and global cooperation is the only way to manage them effectively.

The Clock Is Ticking

The population crisis is already reshaping our world. The data is clear, the impacts are visible, and the stakes are incredibly high. Whether it’s the collapse of an aging society, the strain of overpopulation, or the chaos of unmanaged migration, inaction is no longer an option. We can’t stop demographic change, but we can shape our response to it. With smart policy, global cooperation, and science-led strategies, we still have a chance to turn this crisis into a catalyst for renewal.

The question is not whether change is coming. It’s whether we will be ready when it does!

References: 

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Classroom Conundrum: The Hidden Crisis of Science Without Experiments with Shagufta Naheed

Hifz Ur Rehman
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Classroom Conundrum: The Hidden Crisis of Science Without Experiments with Shagufta Naheed

As I was sitting and striking the head with a pencil, a thought crossed my head. What am I doing here in the classroom? However, the timetable says it’s laboratory time. Every Pakistani student, definitely, has a similar question once in a life. Such questions remain unspoken in the corridors of our education system.

Scientia Pakistan reached out to an educator to shed light on a vital question that rarely makes headlines but urgently needs answers. In rural Pakistan, where limited resources often clash with high aspirations, one woman’s journey stands as an example of determination and vision.

She, Ms. Shagufta Naheed, began her career as a teacher in a remote village, where even Urdu felt like a foreign language to many of her students. Today, she leads as the Headmistress of a Government Girls High School(GGHS), shaping the future of young minds.

While speaking with Scientia, she gave her insight into one of the most pressing issues in science education today: the lack of practical knowledge and skills in our education system. Here are some highlights from our conversation.

Hifz: From your perspective, how would you evaluate the overall quality and structure of science education in Pakistan today?

Shagufta Naheed: Unfortunately, science education in Pakistan is still based mostly on the rote learning (ratta) system. Students are expected to memorize concepts from textbooks without being taught how or why those things work in the real world. For example, they might learn about chemical reactions but never actually see one happen in a lab.

This system leaves very little room for creativity, questioning, or critical thinking. As a result, students often lose interest in the subject. They start seeing science as something they just need to pass exams, not something that can help them understand or improve the world around them.

The biggest problem is that it doesn’t prepare students for real-life situations, higher studies, or careers in science and technology. When young people don’t get to explore through hands-on learning, they miss out on developing the skills.

To truly strengthen our youth, we need to shift from rote learning to practical learning experiences that connect directly to everyday life.

science
A teacher is demonstrating a chemistry practical to a group of students in a Pakistani school. Photo: Dawn, Khurram Amin

Hifz: Do you think the deficiency of lab facilities and hands-on learning affects the effectiveness of science education, and how well does the current curriculum support practical learning?

Shagufta Naheed: Yes. Without practical exposure, it’s really hard for students to fully understand scientific concepts. The current curriculum does mention practical work, but in reality, most of the time, it stays on paper. There just aren’t enough resources, proper labs, or trained staff to carry it out in schools.

And it’s not just high schools or colleges, even some universities are facing the same issue. They lack state-of-the-art laboratories where students can properly experiment and research innovation. So, students end up missing a critical part of their education, the part that teaches them how to apply science.

Hifz: Do you believe that limited or insufficient internet access and multimedia tools to support science education in rural and suburban areas are significant barriers preventing many talented students from pursuing careers in science fields?

Shagufta Naheed: In today’s world, digital access is a basic requirement, especially for science subjects. In rural and suburban areas, internet access is unreliable. This becomes a serious barrier because science, by nature, needs to be interactive and visual.

When students don’t have access to digital resources, they miss out on modern teaching methods and global knowledge. So yes, the digital divide is real, and it’s holding many bright minds back.

Hifz: What do you are the major barriers that prevent schools and colleges from providing quality lab experiences?

Shagufta Naheed: One of the biggest issues is the lack of funding, specifically when it comes to building and maintaining science labs. The curriculum is another problem; it’s outdated and doesn’t match the needs of today’s scientific and technological world.

Then, there’s the issue of teacher training. A lot of teachers aren’t trained to conduct lab activities as old teachers are perfect in skills they got years ago, but the present situation demands young graduates, unfortunately, who are facing unemployment. In most schools, even if there’s a lab, there’s usually just one lab in-charge who’s expected to only manage equipment.

The overall infrastructure in schools is also poor, and there’s very little alignment with international education standards. So, even if teachers or students want to do more, the system just doesn’t support it properly.

Hifz: How does the absence of practical exposure impact students’ academic development, future scientific careers, and the country’s potential for innovation?

Shagufta Naheed: When students don’t get the chance to experience science through practical work, they often become passive learners. They just memorize things without really understanding or questioning them. This stifles curiosity, and without curiosity, there is no critical thinking or innovation.

Over time, we start seeing a generation that isn’t serious about science and doesn’t feel confident enough to pursue careers in fields like research, engineering, or technology. That’s a big loss—not just for the students themselves, but for the country as a whole.

It weakens our intellectual capital and slows down national progress in science and innovation. The quality of research work also suffers. Without hands-on understanding, the research often lacks depth and can’t be applied in real-world settings.

science
Ms. Shagufta Naheed is serving as the Headmistress of a Government Girls’ High School. Photo: Shagufta Naheed

Hifz: How do you and other school leaders in your community manage the shortage of trained science teachers and the lack of laboratory tools for experimentation?

Shagufta Naheed: In case we don’t have a subject specialist, temporarily, we rely on experienced educators; they’re able to grasp the subject well enough to teach the basics effectively. As for lab tools and experiments, we collaborate with nearby institutions that have better facilities. It’s not ideal, but this helps us ensure that students at least get some exposure, even if resources are limited.

Hifz: Science is often seen as irrelevant or difficult, which leads families in rural communities to prioritize it less, particularly regarding careers for females. How do you address gender and social biases in your profession?

Shagufta Naheed: Gender and social biases do exist in rural areas and play a role in how science education is perceived. Unfortunately, several families still link science to cultural or even religious restrictions, but such things are just myths, as no such restrictions exist in religion.

However, this mindset affects girls, as many parents don’t consider science a necessary path for them. They just want their daughters to study enough to get a good partner (rishta) for marriage.

Sometimes, within the teaching staff, female professionals aren’t given the recognition they deserve as compared to male staff. Their talent is often overlooked, and that affects their motivation. Therefore, I support and encourage female teachers and students, highlight their achievements, and involve the community in awareness sessions to show that science and education are for everyone, regardless of gender.

Hifz: What practical steps can be taken by educational institutions, government bodies, and private stakeholders to improve lab-based science education in both urban and rural settings?

Shagufta Naheed: First, the science curriculum must be reviewed and modernized to emphasize practical learning. The education budget should be increased, with specific funds allocated for the development of science labs. Institutions should conduct regular training sessions and workshops for science teachers to ensure they are well-equipped.

Moreover, collaborations with professionals and international educational organizations can help in the development of modern laboratories. Such initiatives would help bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students, whether in urban or rural areas, receive quality science education.

More from the Author: Cracking the Enigma of Crimes by Nanotechnology with Dr. Shahid Nazir Paracha

Fighting Noncommunicable Diseases: The Impact of iTFAs Reduction in Our Food Supply

Zubair Faisal Abbasi
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Fighting Noncommunicable Diseases: The Impact of iTFAs Reduction in Our Food Supply

There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); an increase in disease burden, and persistence of poverty and/or economic losses. This correlation is mediated through our systems of governance and public policies. Poverty leads to bad food choices, and unhealthy food via NCDs, increases healthcare costs, depletes human capital, and makes people and their economies worse off, thereby perpetuating poverty and/or economic losses.

It means that if we get our public policies and governance right, such as enforcement of iTFA reduction strategies, primordial prevention, better health, productivity gains, and good quality socio-economic outcomes are possible. Therefore, a robust campaign for enforcement is warranted to help eliminate one of the most harmful commercial determinants of health, i.e., iTFA in the food supply.

iTFAs’ reduction enforcement costs are less than the burden of disease costs

A large number of studies reveal that high intake of trans fatty acids is a recognised risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. Such studies have informed policymakers and implementers, leading to policy developments across the world to eliminate industrial trans fats. Such studies provide a variety of estimates and showcase convincing evidence about cost-effectiveness and the potential impact of iTFA reduction enforcement, indicating it can prevent thousands of ischaemic heart disease-related deaths.

With healthcare cost-savings, the studies estimate that the iTFA reduction benefits to health and the economy outweigh implementation and enforcement costs. Such studies[1] conducted in low- and middle-income countries, alongside other analyses in high-income nations, also suggest that eliminating industrial trans fats can be a cost-effective or even cost-saving strategy for reducing NCDs, especially ischaemic heart disease.

Let us have a detailed, deep-down reading into the issue of iTFAs in ghee, and the need to move from policy to enforcement.

iTFAs: A Dietary Risk Factor called “Silent Killer”

Empirical evidence from scientific research and credible institutions such as World Health Organization (WHO)[2], suggests that dietary risk factors and practices such as oils and fats (specially with higher than 2 percent of industrially produced trans fatty acids), consumption of higher levels of added sugars, and sodium are responsible for increasing rates of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Credit: ncd.punjab.gov.pk
There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Credit: ncd.punjab.gov.pk

These diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, and other chronic diseases in the  Pakistani population. Pakistan’s trans-fat intake is estimated to be the 2nd highest in the WHO-EMRO region at nearly six percent of daily energy intake, leading to a higher vulnerability risk of coronary heart disease. Recent research studies have highlighted that the consumption of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) causes detrimental effects on human health.

Higher consumption of trans fats (>1% of total energy intake) is associated with increased risk of diet-related non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). Pakistan’s high TFA consumption is directly linked to a high rate of mortality due to heart disease (29.1% of deaths)[1].

It must be mentioned that a review of research on TFA content in industrially produced foods in Pakistan, conducted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) and WHO Pakistan demonstrates that the major contributors to trans fats’ consumption in Pakistan are vanaspati ghee 14.2% – 34.3%, margarine and fat spreads 11.5% – 34.8% and bakery shortening 7.3% – 31.7%[2].

Shifting disease burden

It is estimated that in the next 25 years, there will be a continued shift in disease burden from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases to non-communicable diseases[3]. Pakistan will not be an exception, and it is the most opportune time to understand the gravity of the situation, and a well-coordinated multi-institutional response is generated to provide health security to the citizens of the country. Let us have a look at the NCD situation in the country.

The overweight, obesity, and diet-related NCDs are on the rise in Pakistan.

Obesity: The National Nutrition Survey 2018 confirmed that the prevalence of overweight among children under five has almost doubled from 2011 to 2018. Similarly, obesity and overweight increased in women of reproductive age from 28 to 38 percent from 2011 to 2018. According to the NCDs STEPS Survey 2014-2015, more than four out of ten adults (41.3%) were obese or overweight.

Diabetes: According to the 10th edition of the International Diabetes Federation[4] (IDF) 2021 Diabetes Atlas, Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases, with an additional 11 million termed as pre-diabetic. With 30% prevalence amongst the adult population, every third adult Pakistani is diabetic.

Disabilities and deaths

Apart from various behavioural influences on productivity and increases in the number of sick days, lower limb amputation is one of the disabilities that can strike diabetics. In Pakistan, amputation is increasing at an alarming rate, and more than 35 people go through this amputation, and nearly 600,000 people might have lost their lower limbs[5]. These unhealthy conditions of the Pakistani population are manifested in causes of mostly premature deaths.

It is estimated that around 6/10 deaths are contributed to by NCDs (WHO, 2016), and 3/10 deaths are contributed to by CVDs (WHO, 2016). With 37 percent of adults having hypertension, cardiovascular diseases stand among the top killers of Pakistanis, with 29 percent contribution in the total NCD-related deaths in the country (WHO, 2016).

iTFAs. Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases.
Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases. Credit: Unsplash

Economic cost of the rising disease burden

Such high prevalence rates of these conditions and the heavy burden of disease, disability, and deaths they can cause threaten to generate a devastating financial burden for the country, overwhelming health services, and undermining its economic and social well-being. Urgent action is, therefore, needed to tackle this alarming and escalating problem. If no immediate policy action is taken, several people living with diabetes will reach 62 million by 2045.

The IDF estimated $2640 million as the expenditure on diabetes in 2021 in Pakistan. In 2015, the annual cost of obesity was estimated to be PKRs 428 billion by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. It must be noted that NCDs are usually comorbidities, and the cost of treating a diabetic is way higher than a non-diabetic.

Perpetuating Poverty/Economic Losses Vs the Job Creation Argument

NCDs and poverty, and/or economic losses, are central to understanding the problem. Many recent research studies[6] reveal, “the concentration of the burden of diseases among households is in lower socioeconomic strata”. “As a result, the poor are forced to borrow and sell out assets to meet healthcare needs.

Furthermore, the financial strain not only adversely affects the quality of life of ailing persons but also make their caretakers face the brunt of the reallocation of time and spending, often pushing families under debt burden and impoverishment”, the authors add. One of the conclusions of the aforementioned study is that “ever-increasing out-of-pocket expenditures are one of the crucial determinants of poverty”.

Such research and evidence from across the globe reveal that the job creation argument of iTFA-producing industry is not convincing since iTFAs in food supply add enormously to the burden of disease, and it outweighs the benefits of job creation. Moreover, with iTFA elimination, even better jobs and healthy workforce can be developed. This will make people and the economies better off as a result on iTFA reduction campaign.

The Case of iTFAs Reduction for Better Health Outcomes is Strong

Argentina: iTFA elimination is associated with an estimated annual 1.3-6.3% reduction in coronary heart disease events[1].

Denmark: In the three years following the implementation of an iTFA limit in 2004, cardio-vascular disease (CVD) mortality decreased 3.2% about comparable countries that had not introduced iTFA regulation[1].

England and Wales: iTFA elimination across the two countries is estimated to result in around 1,600 fewer deaths and 4,000 fewer hospital admissions per year[1].

New York: Counties in the state of New York with restrictions on iTFA saw 7.8% fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks between 2007 and 2013 than counties without restrictions[1].

 

Countries already eliminating iTFAs from their food supply have seen substantial health benefits. It is estimated that iTFAs elimination in all countries worldwide could save 17 million lives by 2040[7].

iTFAs: From Policy to Enforcement Case!

Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has adopted a 2 percent iTFA limit to six items during the 43rd National Standards Committee (NSC) meeting (dated: June 23, 2023) and subsequent notification No. PSQCA/SDC-2/NSCAF/2023 (dated: 26th July 2023). Its adoption is a step in the right direction.

The above-referred standard sets a less than 2 percent iTFA limit for various products (i.e., for Vanaspati ghee, margarines, bakery fats, bakery wares, bread rusk, and biscuits). In addition, PSQCA has formulated Pakistan Standard 5462-2025 on March 25, 2025, which limits iTFAs in all foods.

This is the time to undertake a strong enforcement action because the iTFA reduction enforcement costs are lower than the burden of disease costs, and:

  • The PSQCA notification and PS: 221-2023 must be enforced using the REPLACE framework of the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Food authorities and PSQCA must develop monitoring plans and start an enforcement campaign.
  • Pakistan must try to be listed in the top six countries that have iTFAs reduction policies, and also strong plans to implement and monitor them. It requires validation from the WHO.

References:

  1. Marklund M, Aminde LN, Wanjau MN, et al. Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of eliminating industrial trans­ fatty acids in Nigeria: cost-­ cost-effectiveness analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2024;9:e014294. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2023-014294
  2. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/259519/emropub_2017_20141.pdf?seque
  3. Pakistan Health Data, 2017. http://www.healthdata.org/pakistan
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343084875_Understanding_the_complexities_of_prevalence_of_trans_fat_and_its_control_in_food_supply_in_Pakistan
  5. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00685-8/fulltext
  6. https://diabetesatlas.org/data/en/country/150/pk.html
  7. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2337382/diabetic-amputations-rising-at-alarming-rate
  8. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-18320-4
  9. Kontis V et al. Three Public Health Interventions Could Save 94 Million Lives in 25 Years. Circulation. 2019;140(9):715-25. doi: 10.1161/ CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038160.

Also, read: Food trends in South Asia

Failing Science in Pakistani Schools— Punishing Curiosity and Encouraging Rote Learning

Zoha Imran
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Failing Science in Pakistani Schools— Punishing Curiosity and Encouraging Rote Learning

Many children grow up full of wonder, asking questions like: Why is the sky blue? Why do we live on Earth and not on another planet? Does anybody live out there? What are stars, and why do they shine? These innocent yet profound questions are often met with silence or dismissed. However, if answered with care, they can ignite a lifelong curiosity. Sadly, in Pakistan, that spark is too often dimmed before it can grow. Science becomes something distant and difficult, disconnected from the child’s world, rather than a way to explore it.

My cousin Mihal, a curious primary schooler, once flipped through my space encyclopedia, his eyes lighting up at pictures of spacecraft, planets, and moons. His questions multiplied as he learned about constellations and stellar asterisms from me. During the recent planetary parade, excited after hearing about it in class, he tried spotting it in the sky but could not, so he came to me.

When I pointed it out, he stared in awe and asked, “What do I need to study to learn about these things?” I told him, “Physics—and more precisely, astronomy and astrophysics.” His excitement made me smile, but deep down, I felt a familiar heaviness. I knew the path he admired was full of hurdles here, especially for those who dream of studying the natural sciences in Pakistan. That spark of curiosity often meets discouragement at home and in society and, later, negligence at higher levels

But Mihal’s excitement is a sharp contrast to what most science students face across Pakistan. To dream of a scientifically aware society, we must first face the deep cracks in our system. While other countries nurture curiosity and critical thinking from the ground up, ours often shuts it down. Pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and rote learning dominate—even our classrooms feed into it.

Science is rarely taught as a way to understand the world. It has reduced to dry definitions and recycled questions like “Write a note on…” or “List the types of…”—killing the joy and wonder at its core. The spark—the why and how—is missing entirely.

This approach weakens scientific understanding and also discourages students from seeing science as something relevant, engaging, or empowering. As a result, we often find students scoring above 90 percent yet unable to grasp the essence of the concepts they have memorized. This is not about capability—it is a failure of how we approach science in our schools. The system rewards rote learning and punishes curiosity. From its very foundation, the system is a blow to scientific thinking and rational discourse in Pakistan.

Another critical barrier is the language gap between students, textbooks, and educators. Scientific education is primarily delivered in English—a language many students struggle with and in which many teachers themselves are not fluent. This disconnect makes it difficult for students to internalize complex ideas, turning science subjects into a string of unfamiliar terms rather than a living, understandable subject. When science feels foreign and intimidating, it becomes something to fear.

science
Instead of being treated as a tool to understand the universe, it’s reduced to guesswork, spectacle, or mysticism. This erodes the credibility of science in the eyes of young minds. Photo: DAWN.COM

Some of the classroom experiences I have personally witnessed—or heard about from others—are both shocking and disheartening. In one instance, an educator outright denied the moon landing, telling a class of 11th-grade students, “America can make great movies and has the absolute best editing staff in Hollywood. The moon landing is a pure piece of cinema distributed to the world to believe it.”

This is not an isolated case. Many teachers veer into pseudoscience, explaining paranormal entities through physics and suggesting ways to extract energy from spirits (Pakistan’s Pseudoscience Menace, n.d.).When authoritative figures in education present such narratives, students absorb misinformation as fact and begin to lose trust in scientific reasoning.

These statements might sound absurd, but they reveal a deeper issue: science is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or even ridiculed in classrooms. Instead of being treated as a tool to understand the universe, it’s reduced to guesswork, spectacle, or mysticism. This erodes the credibility of science in the eyes of young minds.

Authorities must urgently revise curricula and textbooks using clear, accessible English. Teachers need proper training, and science classrooms must foster objectivity. Students should be encouraged to ask questions and explore how and why the world works. To be fair, not all educators add to the problem—many are passionate and well-informed, striving to spark curiosity. But their efforts often get buried under systemic flaws and institutional neglect.

There must be an abundance of science outreach programs in schools and universities—open exhibitions, museums, and innovation festivals to ignite curiosity. International examples like the World Science Festival, Berlin Science Week, Deutsches Museum in Munich, and The Exploratorium in San Francisco show how interactive exhibits can engage audiences. Pakistan should also celebrate its scientific figures, not just in academic circles but through mainstream media, making their work accessible and relatable. Science must be promoted through public events, lectures, and discussions, not distorted by pseudoscientific narratives. Most crucially, a shift in the public mindset is needed; without it, the situation will remain stagnant or worsen.

Despite setbacks, Pakistan has passionate individuals working tirelessly to promote science, many doing so for free. Dr. Sabieh Anwar, through the Khwarizmi Science Society, organizes events like the Lahore Science Mela, leads engaging outreach programs, and makes his LUMS lectures open-source and freely available on YouTube. Quantum mechanics, famously elusive and counterintuitive, feels approachable and exciting in his hands. (Quantum Physics for Beginners – LUMSx, n.d.)

He also played a key role in establishing  Single Photon Lab, Pakistan’s first quantum optics lab for teaching and research—an interdisciplinary space blending optics, data processing, and embedded systems to support hands-on learning in quantum science (Physlab’s Single Photon Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Lab – PhysLab, 2019).

Then there’s Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, whose lifelong commitment to academia, social activism, and scientific discourse, as exemplified through his platform The Black Hole, continues to spark critical conversations (“The Black Hole (Community Center),” 2024).

Mr. Adeel Imtiaz, through his YouTube channel Takhti, simplifies complex topics in Urdu for the layperson. Dr. Salman Hameed creates engaging astronomical content and insightful podcasts that encourage meaningful scientific discussions. He founded Kainaat Studios, where he produces astronomy videos for children as part of the “Kainaat Kids” project. These videos play a crucial role in fostering children’s interest in astronomy and are now being presented in schools across Punjab.

Dr. Jibran Rashid, a member of QWorld, has been teaching the basics of quantum computing and quantum programming to countless students, again, free of cost.

Dr. Qadeer Qureshi runs a Facebook group “Science ki Duniya”, where he answers questions and sparks conversations about science—all in Urdu. This is a Urdu speaking community of millions across Pakistan and abroad where science presents in a simple but powerful way. By using mother  language, he’s helping science reach where it matters most.

I would also like to give due credit to Scientia Pakistan, the very platform where I am writing. It plays a crucial role in popularizing science by providing a space for individuals to share knowledge and spread scientific ideas. Through its written content and internships, Scientia offers opportunities for people to get involved in science communication and develop skills in science journalism, making a valuable contribution to science education in Pakistan.

While the world races ahead in developing new technologies, people like these are quietly working in the background, doing whatever they can to help others keep pace. Their efforts, though often overlooked, are rays of hope in a system that desperately needs reform. But we cannot rely on individuals alone. A widespread cultural shift is essential—one that values curiosity over conformity, reason over superstition, and education over rote.

Science must not remain confined to textbooks or elite institutions. It needs to spill into our homes, streets, media, and everyday conversations. Only then can we build a future where scientific thinking thrives and the next generation grows up not just memorizing facts but questioning boldly, wondering freely, and understanding deeply.

References: 

  1. Pakistan’s pseudoscience menace. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/pakistans-pseudoscience-menace-1.1927430
  2. Physlab’s Single Photon Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Lab—PhysLab. (2019, September 20). https://physlab.org/qmlab/
  3. The Black Hole (community center). (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Black_Hole_(community_center)&oldid=1215570453
  4. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar | Khwarizmi Science Society. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://khwarizmi.org/profile/muhammad-sabieh-anwar/
  5. Quantum Physics for Beginners—LUMSx. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://lumsx.lums.edu.pk/quantum-physics-for-beginners /

More from the Author: Gaia BH3: The Colossal Black Hole Next Door

Viral Oncotherapy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Ayesha Noreen
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Viral Oncotherapy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy have been proven effective at treating cancer, but these therapies can be the cause of many side effects and the risk of recurrence. Recently, an interesting new treatment approach, called viral oncotherapy (also sometimes called oncolytic virotherapy), has been developed.

This revolutionary approach is based on genetically engineered viruses that attack cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue. Currently, its clinical trials have shown some promising results, and it looks like a first step towards revolutionizing cancer treatment.

Oncolytic virotherapy is the use of genetically engineered viruses that are designed to attack and kill cancer cells in particular. The viruses are introduced into cancer cells and then replicate inside them until they rupture ( it’s called oncolysis ), which destroys the cancer cells and encourages the immune system to recognize remaining tumor cells and attack those cancer cells.

How does viral oncotherapy work?

Unlike chemo and radiation, which kill healthy cells, oncolytic viruses are designed to attack cancer cells. That’s because cancer cells have weakened antiviral defenses; they are more prone to infection by the virus, while normal cells don’t get infected because they do not replicate in them.

oncotherapy
Oncolytic viruses attack cancer cells ( but not normal cells ) and multiply inside the cancer cell and destroy it, and then release particles that help the body fight the tumor. Photo Credit: Crown bio.com                                                               

Dr. Jane Smith, a leading oncologist, says, “Oncolytic viruses work much like smart bombs—they find cancer tumors and kill them without causing collateral damage to healthy tissue – and that’s what makes viral oncotherapy so exciting. One of the most exciting aspects of viral oncotherapy is that it works right in patients’ bodies.”

Dr Jane explains it with the case of John Doe, 45 years old, a melanoma patient, who took part in a clinical trial for T-VEC, the first FDA-approved oncolytic virus therapy. After receiving injections of the modified herpes virus directly into his tumors, John saw significant tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates.

“I was skeptical at first, but the treatment worked better than I imagined,” said John. “It gave me hope when I thought I had none left. 

Current  Clinical Trials and Research

Viral oncotherapy is currently under clinical trialls globally, showing encouraging results in different cancer types. Several of them are outlining below:

T-VEC for Melanoma

T-VEC is a modified herpes simplex virus. It is the first oncolytic viral therapy approved by the FDA, and is extremely effective in treating advanced melanoma (resulting in both tumor shrinkage as well as improved immune responses).

Systemic Oncolytic Virotherapy

Intravenous delivery of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) can help in the treatment of cancers that have spread throughout the body. Earlier phase trials have shown that intravenous administration of VSV can lead to remission in some patients with refractory cancers. (Cancer that resists treatment and fails to respond or stop progressing)

Global Trials

With Clinical trials, scientists from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are trying to find the use of oncolytic viruses for pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to expand the use of viral oncotherapy to other types of cancers.

Dr Emily Carter, a researcher in oncolytic virotherapy, says, “The results from these trials are wonderful, ” she said. “We’re seeing patients who had no other options in life take a big step forward in cancer treatment.”

The Future: A World Without Cancer?

What if cancer were eradicated by viral oncotherapy in the future? That’d be pretty cool, right? That would probably be considered a bit of a sci-fi fantasy, but researchers aren’t holding their breath. And some are even looking into using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create extraordinarily precise viruses that can respond more efficiently to mutations in cancer cells in real time.

Another interesting way to do this is with nanotechnology to inject oncolytic viruses directly into tumors. That means nanoparticles carrying the virus would be injected into the bloodstream to act like tiny drones, seeking out and destroying cancerous cells.

Challenges and what’s next

Viral oncotherapy faces some challenges; every individual’s body reacts differently to the viruses, so treatment plans require additional information to be tailored to each individual. Scientists are also working on ways to help the viruses go deeper into tumors without being broken down by the immune system.

These treatments require several years of trial to clinically approved as widely available treatments for cancer patients. But Sarah Blagden, an oncologist at the University of Oxford, believes the future is bright; “With advances in genetic engineering, we’re on the cusp of making viral oncotherapy a standard option for many cancer patients.”

References:

Similar articles: Waging a war against cancer using our fighter cells

Journey through Time and Space —The Revolutionary Role of Telescopes in Astronomy

Bisma Ishaq
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Journey through Time and Space —The Revolutionary Role of Telescopes in Astronomy

Humanity had gazed skyward at the vast expanse of stars and planets for millennia. Yet the true nature of the universe remained shrouded in mystery. This all changed with the invention of the telescopes, which served as transformative tools that became our cosmic eye and altered the landscape of astronomical discovery.

Most astronomers use telescopes on the ground to look through the Earth’s atmosphere to see into space.      The atmosphere blocks out light from part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. These telescopes offer a clear view of the night sky, allowing for capturing stunning celestial phenomena and collecting valuable data. ([1], n.d.)

Discovery of Galileo Galilei

In the 17th century, he improved his telescope and witnessed the previously unseen craters on the Moon, four moons of Jupiter (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), and sunspots on our host star. These discoveries challenged the prevailing geocentric model, where Earth was believed to be the center of the universe. Galileo’s observations supported the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the center of our solar system. ([2]

Perhaps the most groundbreaking discovery made with a ground-based telescope was achieved by Edwin Hubble in 1929. By observing distant galaxies, he noticed their light redshifted, indicating they were moving away from Earth.

This realization led to the theory of the expanding universe and resulted in the formulation of the Big Bang theory, which is our current understanding of the universe’s origin.

The Role of Radio Telescopes

Radio telescopes like the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) play a crucial role in cosmic exploration. Unlike optical telescopes that detect visible light, radio telescopes pick up on the faint radio waves emitted by objects in space, including:

Interstellar Gas and Dust Clouds

These clouds, invisible to optical telescopes, are crucial sites for star and planet formation. By observing them, ALMA observes the hidden processes of stellar nurseries. It also discovered a supermassive black hole in the Messier 87 galaxy. ([3], n.d.)

space
The first image of the black hole

Exoplanetary atmospheres

Radio telescopes detect molecules in the atmospheres of exoplanets, potentially hinting at the presence of conditions suitable for life. The large exoplanet TVLM 513b was discovered in 2020. ([4]

Giant Leaps with the Very Large Telescope (VLT)

With its four-unit telescope working together, the VLT is one of Earth’s most powerful optical telescopes. This ground-based marvel has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, including:

Formation of Galaxies

Detailed observations of distant galaxies by the VLT have provided insights into the early universe and the processes that led to the formation of galactic structures. Chile’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) discovered a cluster of 20 galaxies. ([5]

Universe with Space Telescopes

Space-based telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) offer unparalleled advantages as they operate above Earth’s atmosphere; they are free from light pollution, atmospheric distortions, and the limitations of the visible light spectrum.

JWST has more resolution and can observe infrared light of longer wavelengths than HST. This allows them to peer deeper into space and observe objects invisible from Earth.

Gazing Back in Time with JWST and Hubble

With their ability to observe infrared light, JWST and HST act as time machines. By capturing light that has traveled for billions of years, they offer a glimpse into the universe’s infancy. Their observations have yielded incredible discoveries, including:

The first Stars and Galaxies

JWST and HST have captured images of some of the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, allowing us to study the universe’s earliest stages of evolution. JWST has confirmed a proto-cluster of seven galaxies at a distance that astronomers refer to as redshift 7.9, or a mere 650 million years after the Big Bang, as shown in the figure. ([6], n.d.)

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The figure shows the galaxies 650 million years after the Big Bang.

Active Galectic Nuclie (AGN)

Space telescopes have observed these powerful, energy-emitting regions at the center of some galaxies in incredible detail, revealing insights into their formation and behavior. JWST reveals active supermassive black holes that were surprisingly rare in the early universe. ([7], n.d.)

Supernovae and Nebulae

The powerful explosions mark the end of a star’s life and enrich the interstellar medium with the elements necessary for new star and planet formation. Additionally, space telescopes have captured images of various stellar nurseries. ([8], n.d.)

The Future of Telescopic Exploration

While the discoveries made by JWST and Hubble are truly remarkable, Euclid promises to push the boundaries of our understanding even further. Euclid will act as a cosmic cartographer mapping the distribution of dark matter, the mysterious invisible substance thought to comprise a significant portion of the universe’s mass.

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The Perseus cluster by the Euclid Telescope.

The Synergy of Ground and Space

The synergy between ground-based and space-based telescopes allows astronomers to create a more complete picture of the cosmos. For example, a space telescope might detect a distant galaxy, and a ground-based telescope could then be used to measure its redshift, providing information about its distance and the expansion of the universe.

Technological advancements in radio telescopes, like the next-generation Square Kilometer Array (SKA), will offer even greater sensitivity and resolution, revealing faint and previously undetectable objects.

The Spark of Curiosity— Astronomy’s Impact on Science and Society

The journey of telescopic exploration has not only revolutionized our understanding of the universe but has also significantly impacted science and society as a whole; it has applications in optics, engineering, and materials, from medical imaging to fiber optics communications.

Telescopic discoveries spark curiosity by inspiring future generations to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of human knowledge.

As we continue to develop more powerful telescopes and refine our observational techniques, the coming decades promise even more groundbreaking discoveries. The universe holds countless secrets waiting to be unveiled, and telescopes remain our powerful tools to unlock them.

References

  • Retrieved from the school’s observatory; Ground telescope: https://www.schoolsobservatory.org/learn/eng/tels/groundtel.
  • Retrieved from [10]: https://esahubble.org/images/heic0611b/
  • Retrieved from NASA: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/galileos-observations-of-the-moon-jupiter-venus-and-the-sun/
  •  Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/radio-telescope
  • Retrieved from Max Planck Gesellschaft: https://www.mpg.de/15245755/vlba-radio-telescope-discovers-exoplanet
  •  Retrieved from CERN COURIER: https://cerncourier.com/a/vlt-discovers-early-galactic-cluster/
  •  Retrieved from NASA Webb: https://www.nasa.gov/universe/webb-reveals-early-universe-prequel-to-huge-galaxy-cluster/
  •  Retrieved from Supermassive Galaxy: https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-reveals-active-supermassive-black-holes-were-surprisingly-rare-in-early-universe
  • Retrieved from ESA HUBBLE: https://esahubble.org/images/archive/category/nebulae/
  •  Retrieved from ESA HUBBLE: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness

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