ISLAMABAD, June 9: The Higher Education Commission has supported 162 research projects at a cost of Rs265 million under the national research grants programme. The research projects were designed by the faculty of public sector universities, an official statement said.

The HEC funds research projects of one to three years’ duration at a maximum cost of Rs6 million in science, humanities, engineering and technology.

Lack of basic equipment, laboratory supplies and scientific literature often impede the productivity of many creative and talented researchers.

In most cases, these researchers need modest financial support to enable them pursue their projects.

The HEC has initiated a number of programmes under which researchers are awarded grants for the acquisition of necessary equipment and other facilities.

The programme is essentially for faculty of public sector universities.

However, to encourage interaction between the public and private sector institutions, such projects of the private universities which have collaboration with a public sector university are also funded.

The HEC provides funds for the purchase of scientific apparatus, equipment, specialized literature, on-line literature search and other items needed for a project.

The grant covers the honoraria of the principal and co- principal researcher if justified and salaries of research associates and the supporting staff.

It can also cover travel within the country for project- related activities and for local participation in scientific conference.