ISLAMABAD, May 27: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited research proposals from faculty members of public sector universities for the second time under Pak-US Science and Technology Cooperative programme.

Proposals are to be developed by institutional partnerships that should include at least one partner each from Pakistan and the US.

The HEC will fund proposals of a maximum duration of three years. Preference will be given to proposals which involve multiple individuals and contribute to building strengths of key institutions in Pakistan.

The proposals have been invited as part of a comprehensive science and technology cooperation agreement signed between Pakistan and the US in 2003.

The agreement had established a framework to increase cooperation in science, technology, engineering and education for mutual benefit and peaceful purposes between the two countries.

It is intended to enhance the level of cooperation and strengthen linkages between Pakistani scientists and institutions with their counterparts in the United States.