Prof. Offiong Offiong, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal) has urged physical scientists to embrace inter-disciplinary collaboration in order to foster innovation and development.
Offiong made the call on Wednesday in Calabar at the fifth National Conference of the university’s Faculty of Physical Sciences.
Represented by Prof. Anthony Eneji, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Offiong said that collaboration was critical to Nigeria’s global competitiveness and sustainable development.
Speaking at the conference with theme: ”Advancing the Frontiers of Physical Sciences through Integration of Emerging Technologies for Global Impact” the vice chancellor urged scientists to move beyond stereotypes and isolation.
He urged scholars, students and industry experts to cross-fertilise ideas instead of working within departmental boundaries.
“Professionals in physical sciences must move away from the stereotype approach of non-interference with other faculties.
“Integration and collaboration are now non-negotiable for science to have a global impact,” he said.
Offiong further said that physical sciences could engender sustainable development if innovations addressed real-world challenges through collaborative research.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Item Atangwho called for borderless science, saying that tackling social challenges required collaborations.
In his paper titled: “Science Without Borders: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Global Impact”
Atangwho said that opportunities were available for multidisciplinary scientific breakthroughs.
“Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, decentralised networks and advanced biotechnology are offering opportunities for multidisciplinary scientific breakthroughs.
“We are all now connected to the Internet like neurons in a giant brain. Let our laboratories be connected likewise.
“If scientists unite technologies, erase borders, share data and embrace novel ideas, there is no disease we cannot cure,” he said.
Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Samuel Inyang, described the conference as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop solutions to emerging scientific challenges.