Dearth of research literature / equipment is a major impediment to the productivity of many creative and talented faculty members / researchers in all disciplines in Universities/Degree awarding institutions. In most cases these researchers need substantial financial support for research projects to allow them in their research pursuits.

In the absence of such facilities the researchers, specifically the young ones, are discouraged and are looking for better opportunities in developed countries. To avoid this brain-drain, HEC has initiated a research grant program under which creative researchers are awarded research grants. 

To meet the current challenges of researchers working in local universities/DAIs of Pakistan and to promote the R&D with facilitation, HEC has modified the existing policy of National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) as per researcher’s needs / requirements. The new policy of NRPU is implemented w.e.f. 01-12-2010.

• To encourage research in all disciplines.
• To strengthen the indigenous capacity and reduce exodus of talent from the country.

Areas:

The research grant program provides financial support for research projects in Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Humanities, Basic Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medical Sciences, Engineering & Technology and Agricultural Sciences.

All Faculty Members & Researchers holding full time position of Public Sector Universities and following selected Private Sector Universities.

1. GIK Institute of Engineering & Technology, Topi
2. Aga Khan University, Karachi
3. Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore
4. National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST), Islamabad
5. Indus Institute of Higher Education, Karachi
6. Institute of Business and Technology, Karachi
7. Foundation University, Islamabad
8. Riphah International University, Islamabad
9. University of Management Technology, Lahore
10. Zia ud Din University, Karachi
11. The University of Faisalabad
12. Institute of Business Management, Karachi
13. Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education, Karachi
14. The University of Lahore
15. Beaconhouse National University, Lahore
16. Iqra University
17. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology (SZABIST)
18. Forman Christian College, Lahore
19. Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar
20. Baqai Medical University, Karachi
21. Isra University, Hyderabad
22. Hamdard University, Karachi
23. Jinnah University for Women, Karachi
24. Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
25. University of Wah, Wah Cantt
26. National College of Business Administration & Economics, Lahore

Duration:-

The research grants normally be provided for a period of one to three years. 

Application and Agreement:-

Application form is available on the HEC website. Six hard copies and one soft copy are required to be submitted by registered mail/courier to Director (R&D) HEC; there is no deadline for submission of the research proposal.

An agreement on stamp paper will be signed between HEC, the Principal Investigator and the concerned host institution. Equipment, material and literature provided for the project through research grant program will remain the property of the institution after the research project is completed.

Financial Assistance:-

HEC Provides research grants to a maximum of Rs. 20.00 million (w.e.f. 01-12-2010) as per table below:

For Physics, Chemistry and Biology

For Remaining Disciplines

Meritorious Scientists may apply for grant up to 20 million.

Final Report:-

PI is required to submit progress report annually to HEC along with the expenditure statement duly vetted by the Audit of University/Institute concerned.