Pakistani-American physicist Dr Nergis Mavalvala has called for greater investment in scientific research in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of curiosity, opportunity and resources in driving scientific discovery and innovation.
Mavalvala, who serves as dean of the School of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), made the remarks during a visit to Habib University in Karachi. She was speaking at the university’s 10th Yohsin Lecture, which focused on curiosity, science and the role of universities in advancing knowledge.
The lecture attracted an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people, including students, academics, alumni and members of the public. Mavalvala discussed how some of the most important scientific discoveries have originated from questions that did not initially have an obvious practical application.
She stressed that scientists need opportunities and resources to explore such questions. According to Mavalvala, creating an environment where curiosity can flourish is important for developing new ideas and advancing scientific knowledge.
The MIT physicist also discussed the broader role of universities. She said universities should not be viewed only as institutions that prepare students for employment, but should also encourage creativity, perseverance, intellectual freedom and the confidence to ask difficult questions.
Mavalvala called for stronger public and government support for scientific research, noting that sustained investment in science can contribute to long-term economic and social development.
Mavalvala is internationally known for her research on gravitational waves and her involvement in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) collaboration. Her scientific work has contributed to the study and detection of gravitational waves.
Her lecture at Habib University followed a two-day visit during which she met students, faculty members, alumni and representatives from Pakistan’s scientific and business communities.
During the visit, she also held discussions with university faculty about encouraging curiosity in classrooms and met science and humanities students from schools across Karachi. Other discussions covered liberal arts education, teaching, mentorship and the role of universities in creating environments that support research and innovation.
Habib University President Wasif Rizvi said the strong turnout demonstrated public interest in access to knowledge and prominent academic thinkers.
The Yohsin Lecture Series has previously hosted prominent speakers including Noam Chomsky, Ashis Nandy, Reza Aslan, Azra Raza and Thomas Blom Hansen.
