ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has awarded 1,647 scholarships to PhD scholars, studying in higher education institutions of Pakistan, for undertaking research at top ranking universities of 37 academically advanced countries.

The foreign scholarships have been awarded under International Research Support Initiative Programme (IRSIP) in all the major disciplines including physical sciences, agriculture and veterinary sciences, biological and medical sciences, social sciences, management sciences and engineering.

This was stated at the 22nd meeting of IRSIP award committee which was presided over by the Executive Director HEC, Prof Dr Sohail H. Naqvi.

Dr Riaz Hussain Qureishi, adviser human resource, informed the participants of the meeting that the HEC was offering six-month research fellowship abroad to full time PhD students enrolled in Pakistan to enhance their research capabilities.

He said it was of utmost importance that the doctoral studies carried out in Pakistan were of a standard that was at par with any international reputed institution. “This is only possible if candidates are provided with adequate support in research projects,” he added.

The adviser said the PhD students some times faced problems in research due to paucity of resources therefore the scheme was helping in providing doctoral students exposure at world level so they could carry out research projects of high standard.

He also informed that the scheme was also assisting ongoing Indigenous PhD programmes by providing a mechanism for PhD scholars to travel abroad and conduct research in academically advanced countries. “This is providing exposure to the PhD scholars, who will enhance the quality of research they will be conducting in Pakistan,” he added.

The programme has also been helpful in developing academic linkages between Pakistani and leading foreign institutions.

The fellowship package covers travel, bench fee and living expenditure.