On his introductory visit to the Innovation & Commercialisation Office of NUST (ICON), Rector Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif highlighted the need for shaping an overarching and coherent research and innovation framework, fitting into NUST’s broader vision of making discernible impact on the national growth and beyond. As a leading research and innovation-centric university of Pakistan, he said that we have to strengthen purposeful and extensive linkages with the government and industry, ensuring quality academic discourse involving field experts, and application of indigenously created knowledge and technologies to address pressing challenges facing the country. He also emphasised formalising partnerships with the leading research organisations and industry around the world, particularly China, to foster need-driven research and disruptive innovation that could have far-reaching dividends for all. The Rector expressed his vision for building strategic partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance research capabilities and scientific breakthroughs aligned with global sustainable trends.