On 6th November 2024, Professor Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Research Associate Professor and Director of the Coal Combustion Products (CCP) Program at Ohio State University USA, visited the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE) at NUST Islamabad. He was welcomed with a briefing on NUST’s vision, achievements, and SCEE’s research priorities in civil engineering. Professor Butalia then toured the laboratories at the NUST Institute of Civil Engineering, where he observed the advanced structural and geotechnical testing facilities and learned about ongoing projects in these fields.

The visit centered on exploring collaboration opportunities in structural and geotechnical engineering, focusing on sustainable practices involving coal combustion products. Professor Butalia shared his insights into the potential of CCP for soil stabilization and structural resilience, and both institutions discussed potential joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The collaboration is expected to enhance research, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions.