**Fatima Jinnah Women University and U.S. Embassy Collaborate to Enhance Academic Writing Skills Among Young Researchers**
Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) in Rawalpindi, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO), hosted a one-day workshop aimed at strengthening academic writing skills among emerging scholars and faculty. The initiative sought to empower participants with the necessary expertise to produce high-quality, publication-ready research for leading academic journals.
Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, the academic writing workshop targeted MPhil and PhD students, early-career researchers, and university faculty. The program emphasized the essentials of scholarly writing, with a focus on developing originality, clarity, and strong critical thinking in academic work. Key topics covered included structuring compelling arguments, conducting robust literature reviews, and crafting effective introductions and problem statements.
The event brought together 33 participants from nine universities and colleges located across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal, Okara, and Peshawar. This diverse group engaged in a series of interactive sessions designed to enhance their writing proficiency and share best practices in academic publishing.
The workshop was led by Dr. Ivan Eubanks, a Princeton-educated expert in Slavic Languages and Literatures. Dr. Eubanks, who has held faculty positions at Boston University and served in senior academic roles internationally, shared insights drawn from his extensive experience in academic writing, publishing, and literary translation. His work has appeared in prestigious journals including The Pushkin Review and Educational Studies (Moscow).
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Akifa Imtiaz, Chairperson of the Department of English, and an introduction by Workshop Coordinator Dr. Uzma Imtiaz. Throughout the day, participants engaged in intensive sessions and hands-on exercises, fostering lively discussions and practical skill-building. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, souvenir presentations, and a group photo to commemorate the collaborative effort.
Distinguished guests attending the closing included Prof. Dr. Sarwet Rasul, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Mr. Rashid Naqvi, Country Programs Director at RELO. FJWU expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Eubanks, the RELO team, and all participants for their commitment and enthusiasm, which contributed significantly to the success and impact of the workshop.
