ISLAMABAD, Jan 7: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is funding 129 research projects being conducted at 36 public-sector universities and institutions of higher learning, says a press release.

During this academic year, over 500 research proposals were received out of which 129 were selected for financial assistance to a maximum of Rs2 million each.

The major objectives behind extending research grants are to promote scientific research in basic and applied sciences as well as social sciences and humanities to strengthen the indigenous capacity of scientists and prevent exodus of talent from the country.

Lack of basic equipment, laboratory supplies and scientific literature are often impediments towards the productivity of many creative and talented researchers in universities and research and development organizations.

The press release said in most cases these researchers needed modest financial support for research projects. In the absence of such support the researchers, particularly the young scientists, often leave Pakistan for better opportunities abroad, it added.

Therefore, to avoid such situations the HEC has initiated a Research Grant Programme. Under the programme, creative researchers are awarded research grants on merit for high-level and promising research projects to be carried out in Pakistan.

It is hoped that this research programme would be helpful in socio-economic development of the country and provide a healthy environment to the researchers working in public and private sector universities in the country. Meanwhile, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has joined the HEC as Member Operation and Planning.