Science communication plays a pivotal role in shaping societies by fostering curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking. In Pakistan, the need for effective science communication is greater than ever, given the gaps in public understanding and the limited exposure to scientific inquiry in schools. Addressing this challenge has been the mission of the Khwarizmi Science Society (KSS), a grassroots organization founded in 1996 by Dr Saadat Anwar Siddiqi, a renowned professor, scientist, and educationist. Today, KSS stands as Pakistan’s largest grassroots science society, dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for all.
The Vision of KSS
The core philosophy of KSS revolves around the motto “self-reliance through science”. This vision is carried forward by a passionate team of volunteers, including scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and students, who are committed to transforming science education and communication in Pakistan. By diversifying how science is taught and shared, KSS aims to instill self-esteem and intellectual curiosity in communities across the country.
Transformative Initiatives:
Lahore Science Mela
One of KSS’s flagship initiatives is the Lahore Science Mela (LSM), an annual event that has become a societal equalizer and a beacon of public science engagement. The 2022 Mela attracted over 100,000 visitors to Crescent Model School in Lahore, showcasing science as a vibrant and inclusive endeavour. Unlike product expos, LSM focuses on fostering curiosity and sparking conversations about science among people from all walks of life. Detailed reports of this transformative event are available on the LSM website.
Year-Round Public Engagement
KSS’s impact extends beyond the Mela. Throughout the year, the society organises teacher training sessions, citizen science projects, and interactive workshops. Ongoing initiatives include radio astronomy programs, particulate matter sensing for microclimate studies, quantum computing labs for schools, and “BodyLabs”—interactive experiments exploring ECGs, muscle and nerve signals, and body mechanics.
Innovation and New Disciplines
KSS has also pioneered new fields in Pakistan, such as science communication, museology, and science journalism. These efforts have inspired a generation of EdTech entrepreneurs and led to the creation of startups like Qosain Scientific, which builds tools and instruments for science learning and exhibitions. This startup not only supports KSS financially but also aligns with its mission to establish a science museum and public makerspaces.
Scaling the Vision
Over the years, KSS’s ambitions have grown, driven by the visible impact of its work. To ensure future generations benefit from a robust scientific foundation, the society is working on three major projects:
- Reviving the Lahore Science Mela 2025: Financial and logistical challenges interrupted the Mela in 2024, but KSS is determined to bring it back, requiring USD 35,000 in funding.
- Building Phenomenon Labs: Using homegrown technologies like the PhysLogger, these labs aim to revolutionize science education in schools by making it hands-on and accessible. Estimated cost: USD 30,000.
- Establishing the Lahore Science Foundry: This makerspace will serve as a national hub for scientific instrument-making, teacher training, and public engagement.
Join the Mission
Science communication is not just about answering questions—it is about igniting the spark of discovery. At KSS, we believe that every child’s curiosity deserves to be nurtured, and every teacher should be equipped to inspire. To achieve these goals, we need your support.
By contributing to KSS, you are investing in the future of science in Pakistan. Visit our GoFundMe page or explore other donation options on our website. Together, we can ensure that science becomes a driving force for innovation and progress in our society. •
Note: The author was former Dean, School of Science and Engineering, LUMS Founder, Khwarizmi Science Society
Loneliness linked to heart disease, stroke, and susceptibility to infection
Interactions with friends and family may keep us healthy because they boost our immune system and reduce our risk of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.
Researchers from the UK and China drew this conclusion after studying proteins from blood samples taken from over 42,000 adults recruited to the UK Biobank. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
Social relationships play an important role in our wellbeing. Evidence increasingly demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health and early death. Despite this evidence, however, the underlying mechanisms through which social relationships impact health remain elusive.
One way to explore biological mechanisms is to look at proteins circulating in the blood. Proteins are molecules produced by our genes and are essential for helping our bodies function properly. They can also serve as useful drug targets, allowing researchers to develop new treatments to tackle diseases.
A team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, examined the ‘proteomes’ — the suite of proteins — in blood samples donated by over 42,000 adults aged 40-69 years who are taking part in the UK Biobank. This allowed them to see which proteins were present in higher levels among people who were socially isolated or lonely, and how these proteins were connected to poorer health.
The team calculated social isolation and loneliness scores for individuals. Social isolation is an objective measure based on, for example, whether someone lives alone, how frequently they have contact with others socially, and whether they take part in social activities. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a subjective measure based on whether an individual feels lonely.
When they analysed the proteomes and adjusted for factors such as age, sex and socioeconomic background, the team found 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness (though there was substantial overlap, with approximately 85% of the proteins associated with loneliness being shared with social isolation).
Many of these proteins are produced in response to inflammation, viral infection and as part of our immune responses, as well as having been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death.
The team then used a statistical technique known as Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationship between social isolation and loneliness on the one hand, and proteins on the other. Using this approach, they identified five proteins whose abundance was caused by loneliness.
