The Department of Biological Sciences, Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP), Rawalpindi Campus, had the honor of hosting a distinguished academic delegation from Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia. The visiting delegation comprised Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology; Prof. Dr. Ernik Yuliana, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Diki, Lecturer, Biology Study Program, Universitas Terbuka.

The delegation was hosted and led by Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain, Director, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), VUP. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the examination system implemented at the VU Rawalpindi Campus and observed the ongoing mid-semester examination, its operational and administrative framework. The campus manager and examination staff briefed about the system. The delegation also keenly observed the VU online examination system and appreciated its robustness. A comprehensive and interactive meeting was held with faculty members of the Department of Biological Sciences, during which detailed discussions took place on the academic programs offered by the department, with particular emphasis on curriculum design, assessment strategies, and the conduct of practical classes within the open and distance learning (ODL) framework.

The discussions also focused on exploring future opportunities for academic and research collaboration between Virtual University of Pakistan and Universitas Terbuka, including joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange, collaborative supervision, and capacity building in laboratory-based teaching and learning.

The visiting faculty toured the biology laboratories and highly appreciated the well-equipped, state-of-the-art practical facilities available to students. The visit provided a valuable platform for academic exchange and strengthened institutional linkages between the two universities.

The delegation expressed their sincere appreciation to the Rector of Universitas Terbuka for supporting and facilitating this collaborative initiative. They also conveyed their gratitude to the Rector and the Dean , Faculty of Sciences and Technology for their warm hospitality and institutional support during the visit.  Such international engagements underscore the Virtual University of Pakistan’s commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and continuously enhancing the quality of science education.