ISLAMABAD, May 18: The research activities at Pakistani universities should have direct impact on community well-being and socio-economic development of the country, while adequate funding may be ensured to promote research in Pakistan.
This was stated by education experts during National Seminar on Future of Research in Pakistan at Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Saturday.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology and Education and Training Dr. Sania Nishtar said that Pakistan has been acknowledged as rising star by the international higher education community in a number of research disciplines.
The seminar and exhibition were organized to showcase the research contribution of higher education sector towards economy and community.
The event demonstrated the social and economic impact of creativity and research carried out in universities and how the professionals see the future of research in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson HEC Dr. Javaid R. Laghari said that since inception of HEC, universities in Pakistan have responded positively to the initiatives taken by HEC towards the promotion of research and development.
“As a result of these efforts, academic employment, retention of doctoral scientists and engineers grew over the last decade and has reached to a record high of 5,826 in 2012 in universities and degree awarding institutions. 80 percent of these research publications from Pakistan are coming from universities,” he said.
Due to this, the research activities have enhanced in public sector institutions, resulting in six folds increase in research published in impact factor journals and registration of five additional patents, he added.
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Executive Director HEC while informing about initiatives to promote research culture at the higher education institutions of Pakistan, said that six business and technology incubators, 26 Offices of Outreach, Research, Innovation and Commercialization, and three Centers of Advanced Study and Research specializing in energy, food security and water have been established and national innovation policy is being worked out.