The European Mathematical Society (EMS) has designated the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences (ASSMS) of Government College University (GCU) Lahore as an Emerging Regional Centre of Excellence (ERCE) for 2027–2030, restoring an international recognition first awarded to the institution in 2011.

The decision was taken by the EMS Committee for Developing Countries at its October meeting and communicated to the School by the committee’s chair, Prof Cónall Kelly.

The recognition is awarded for four years to mathematical research centres in the Global South that have demonstrated significant research capacity and a leading role in postgraduate training.

ASSMS was the first institution worldwide to receive the designation when the programme was introduced in 2011.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry said the School had regained the prestigious status after more than 15 years, attributing the achievement to institutional reforms and initiatives undertaken over the past 18 months.

The Vice Chancellor congratulated ASSMS In-Charge Prof Dr Khurram Shabbir and his team, describing the recognition as an important achievement for GCU Lahore and Pakistan’s academic community. He said the university would continue efforts to strengthen its national and international standing in higher education and research.

Under the ERCE programme, recognised centres can receive support from the European Mathematical Society for scientific activities, visiting lecturers and research visits to European institutions.

Established in 2003, ASSMS offers MPhil and PhD programmes and has produced more than 200 doctoral graduates in mathematics, many of whom serve in academic positions at universities across Pakistan.