A one-day training titled “AI and IoT Education, Concepts, Teaching Practices, and Future Directions for a Low-Carbon Future”, followed by the inauguration of the Global Digital Research Hub, was held on Wednesday, 30th September 2026, at the Pink Hall, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta. The event was organized under the British Council-funded project “Empowering a Low-Carbon Future: UK–Pakistan Research Collaboration through Innovative Technologies,” in collaboration with Middlesex University London and Brunel University London. The BUITEMS project team comprises Dr. Rozeena Shaikh (Principal Investigator), Dr. Bushra Haq, Dr. Maqsood Ahmad, Dr. Sobia Faisal, and Mr. Imran Ali Sani (Co-Principal Investigators).
The training was designed as an Early Researcher and MS-Level multidisciplinary training, bringing together the fields of Information and Communication Technology and Life Sciences. The six-hour training focused on developing participants’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and their applications in environmental sustainability and low-carbon solutions.
The training commenced with an introductory session led by Dr. Bushra Haq, which focused on welcoming participants, introducing the training objectives, and assisting participants with the required login and technical set-up. This provided participants with the necessary foundation for the practical sessions that followed.
The first technical session focused on Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI). The session introduced participants to AI and its applications, followed by an overview of Machine Learning and Deep Learning. Participants were introduced to different types of Machine Learning, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, along with the role of data in the AI workflow.
The next session covered Understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) and was conducted by Dr. Raza Ali, Assistant Professor, BUITEMS, and Dr. Muhammad Shoaib, Lecturer, BUITEMS. The session introduced the concept and applications of IoT, its components and architecture, sensors and data acquisition, communication and connectivity, Edge and Cloud Computing, and the use of IoT and time-series data.
The training further explored the theme of AI and IoT for Environmental Sustainability and a Low-Carbon Future, highlighting the integration of AI and IoT technologies and introducing key concepts related to low-carbon development and environmental sustainability.
As part of the practical learning experience, the participants also visited the PurpleAir sensor node deployed at the Faculty of Life Sciences. Dr. Maqsood Ahmad explained the sensor node and elaborated on its role in environmental monitoring, providing participants with a practical understanding of how real-world sensor data can support environmental research and analysis.
The participants then engaged in a hands-on AI session, “From Concept to Implementation – Mini Project.” The practical session introduced Python for AI applications, data visualization and exploration, Machine Learning model development, and model prediction and evaluation. Participants were provided with an opportunity to apply the concepts learned during the earlier sessions through a mini-project-based approach.
Following the lunch and prayer break, the training moved towards a practical IoT session titled “Hands-on IoT with Tinkercad: From Sensor to Smart Environmental System,” conducted by Dr. Amjad Alam, Deputy Associate Dean and Programme Lead for Computer Science and Data Science, London Campus. The session introduced participants to Tinkercad Circuits and IoT simulation, Arduino Uno, breadboards, sensors, and basic circuit connections. Participants learned how to build a simple sensor and LED circuit, write and run Arduino code using both Blocks and Text, and read sensor values through the Serial Monitor.
The practical training concluded with a Mini Project: Smart Environmental Monitoring System, where participants connected the concepts of sensors, data collection, and IoT simulation to a practical environmental monitoring scenario. A brief discussion was also held on how simulated IoT systems can be translated into real-world IoT applications.
Following the completion of the training, the event proceeded to the inauguration of the Global Digital Research Hub. The inauguration session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Dr. Rozeena Shaikh, Principal Investigator of the project, delivered the welcome note, setting a thoughtful and engaging tone for the inauguration proceedings.
The respected Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS, Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez (TI), along with Prof. Dr. Arbab Mirwais Kasi, Pro Vice Chancellor, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. During the inauguration, Dr. Kamran Ali Sani, Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University London, presented the Global Digital Research Hub and introduced its purpose and role in supporting international research collaboration. The Global Digital Research Hub was subsequently inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, who formally joined the Hub through its online platform.
The inauguration session concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Imran Ali Sani, who expressed sincere gratitude to all guests, trainers, and participants. Shields and certificates were distributed to registered trainees in recognition of their participation. The distribution ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez (TI), Prof. Dr. Arbab Mirwais Kasi, Pro Vice Chancellor, accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Surat Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Syed Dara Shikoh Amir, Director of Communications, BUITEMS, and Mr. Kashif Farooqi, Project Manager (Balochistan), EU TVET-IV Project, British Council. The event concluded with a refreshment reception.
The event successfully brought together AI, IoT, multidisciplinary education, practical technology skills, and low-carbon sustainability, while also strengthening the UK–Pakistan research collaboration. The hands-on training provided early researchers and MS-level participants with practical exposure to AI and IoT tools, including Python-based AI applications and Tinkercad-based IoT simulation. The inauguration of the Global Digital Research Hub further marked an important step towards creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, innovation, and future engagement between researchers and institutions in the UK and Pakistan.