In a landmark step toward advancing research, training and cultural heritage preservation, the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro and the Center for Documentation and Conservation (CDC), Endowment Fund Trust (EFT) for the Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh, have agreed to establish a collaborative partnership.

The meeting, held at CDC–EFT Jamshoro office and chaired by Prof. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh (TI), Ex-Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and current Chairperson of CDC, brought together key representatives from the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology headed by its recently appointed Chairperson, Dr. Abdul Razaque Channa along with faculty members Dr. Muhabat Ali Shah and Dr. Rafique Wassan.

The central agenda was to strengthen research and training opportunities in anthropology and archaeology, with a particular focus on fieldwork-based learning, cultural heritage preservation, organising joint academic events and student engagement.

During the discussion, both institutions highlighted their shared vision of developing students’ practical skills through training workshops, field study trips, guest lectures, and practice-based exercises such as mock excavations, heritage documentation and production of ethno-archaeological knowledge of our rich culture. The meeting also underscored the importance of community-based advocacy and international best practices in cultural heritage studies.

Prof. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh emphasized that the CDC can serve as an energetic collaborative platform — a “Research, Training, and Learning Lab” — for students and faculty, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in heritage conservation, anthropology and archaeology.

Key decision points included:

• Organizing joint training workshops and field visits to heritage sites.
• Developing practice-based learning modules including mock excavations and cultural material cataloguing.
• Engaging students and faculty as active collaborators in CDC’s projects.
• Establishing close links with Besant Hall Cultural Centre (BHCC), Hyderabad for academic, cultural, and research activities.
• Offering internship opportunities for students
• Formalizing the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure sustainability and impact.

Speaking on behalf of the University of Sindh, Dr. Abdul Razaque Channa appreciated the CDC’s role in heritage conservation and welcomed the partnership as a timely initiative to enrich students’ learning and strengthen the department’s academic profile.

Both institutions expressed strong commitment to working together to preserve Sindh’s heritage while creating new opportunities for research, training, and career development for students and faculty alike.

This collaboration is expected to mark the beginning of a long-term academic and cultural partnership — one that not only promotes excellence in research but also contributes to the preservation and celebration of Sindh’s rich heritage.