ISLAMABAD, Aug 16: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will fund “innovative research projects” of young faculty members of public-sector universities, a statement issued here on Tuesday said.

The HEC, under its project “Presidential Young Innovator Programme”, will fund highly-innovative research projects of young faculty members of degree-awarding institutions.

Under this project, research proposals submitted to the HEC by faculty members under 35 years of age will be funded for a maximum amount of Rs6 million.

The applicant is required to have a PhD degree from an HEC recognized institution, employed as an assistant professor (or equivalent title) at a public-sector university/degree-awarding institution in the country and should be actively engaged in research.

Applicants are required to submit their proposals strictly according to “proposal submission instructions” available on HEC’s website along with prescribed application form on or before October 15.

This project is one of the various programmes launched by the HEC to facilitate indigenous research for fast industrialization, production of high value added products, export enhancement and import substitution.