IN Pakistan, universities as well as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) offer faculty scholarships to pursue research degrees overseas. Universities and higher education institutions invest millions of euros annually on such researchers by sending them to universities in Europe, the United States and Australia, among others.

This is done hoping that they would one day return to serve their respective institutions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Sadly, that does not happen often. Universities, as such, provide grants to researchers who never return to work for them.

This has left universities with inadequate funds to invest in research and there is lack of trust in their teaching faculty. On the other hand, students deserve access to the faculty members who made knowledge advancements but never returned.

The institutions and the government must ensure that these researchers return home after completing their studies abroad to utilise their expertise. The government might provide incentives to such teachers, such as tax benefits or increased salaries.

In addition, universities should have procedures that facilitate their reintegration into the university after returning from overseas. The simplest method to prevent researchers from refusing to return is to add a commitment clause to their agreements. This could entail signing a contract committing them to work at the university for a specified period or agreeing to share the knowledge and resources they acquire during their research with the school.

By investing in the development of researchers, universities can also profit from a more capable and experienced workforce that may finish projects more swiftly and efficiently. In addition, by collaborating with the researchers, universities can increase the number of students interested in studying a particular subject while enhancing their reputation as research-focussed institutions.

Additionally, universities should engage in mentorship programmes to assist researchers in achieving professional success. Universities may provide vital advice on navigating the research industry and up-to-date information on current trends by fostering interactions between experienced professionals and early-career researchers.

By providing resources, such as workshops and seminars that teach professional development skills, institutions can ensure that their researchers are able to handle any obstacle they may encounter while pursuing their academic objectives.

Through collaboration, universities can benefit from new ideas and viewpoints that may not have been available within their own walls. This enables a more efficient method of addressing complicated research challenges in a constantly evolving area.

Universities may ensure that they remain at the forefront of research and advancement in their professions by providing resources that stimulate collaboration and creativity. Additionally, a more significant emphasis should be placed on research collaborations with institutions in different countries, which would assist in bridging the gap between local and international research, and promote the flow of knowledge among faculty members.

This might be accomplished by offering financial assistance for joint projects or travel grants for faculty members from both countries, allowing them to interact more effectively. Universities may ensure that their faculty members remain committed to their jobs and driven to contribute effectively to the academic environment by providing such possibilities.

However, when they return to Pakistan, these scholars experience difficulties due to lack of resources. The universities need more resources and infrastructure to support them fully. This is a significant barrier for returning researchers who may continue their work only with enough financial assistance from the university administration. Moreover, even if the university can provide some funding, it frequently needs to cover all its expenses, leading to faculty stress and frustration.

The universities should create new posts for returning scholars, like placement as research associates or some post-doctoral fellowships. They should concentrate on supporting returnees with grants, fellowships and scholarships. The institutions should provide access to mentorship progra-mmes so that the returnees may receive vital information and experience to advance their careers.

They should also strive to provide a suitable climate for the returnees by providing library access, laboratory facilities and administrative support at the respective institution. This will allow them to undertake fruitful studies without any resource-related obstacles.

Ghulam Abbas Khushik
University of Jyvaskyla
Finland

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2023