Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) recently partnered with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Islamabad to host a one-day academic writing workshop designed to empower emerging researchers. The initiative aimed to enhance the skills of MPhil and PhD scholars, early-career academics, and faculty members, equipping them with the necessary tools to produce high-quality, publication-ready manuscripts for internationally recognized journals.
Led under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, the workshop focused on developing critical aspects of scholarly writing, including originality, clarity, argument development, conducting literature reviews, and crafting compelling introductions and problem statements. The event attracted 33 participants from nine universities and colleges spanning Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal, Okara, and Peshawar, fostering an environment of diverse academic exchange.
Dr. Ivan Eubanks, a Princeton-educated expert in Slavic Languages and Literatures, served as the keynote resource person. Dr. Eubanks has extensive international experience, having held teaching and senior academic roles at Boston University, in Russia, and in the Cayman Islands. He is well-published in the fields of academic writing, publishing, and literary translation, with notable work featured in journals such as The Pushkin Review and Educational Studies (Moscow).
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Akifa Imtiaz, Chairperson of the Department of English, and an introduction by Dr. Uzma Imtiaz, the workshop coordinator. Throughout the day, participants engaged in three intensive sessions, combining practical exercises with interactive discussions to apply their learning directly.
The workshop concluded with a formal closing ceremony, where souvenirs were distributed and a group photograph commemorated the occasion. Distinguished guests included Prof. Dr. Sarwet Rasul, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Mr. Rashid Naqvi, Country Programs Director for RELO, signifying the collaborative and prestigious nature of the event.
FJWU expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Ivan Eubanks, the RELO team, and all participants for their commitment and enthusiasm, underscoring the workshop’s success in supporting the next generation of academic writers in Pakistan.
