ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has granted 200 fellowships to PhD scholars as part of its International Research Support Initiative Programme (IRSIP), facilitating their access to international research opportunities. The awards were announced during a ceremony for IRSIP Batch 59 at the HEC Secretariat.
According to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, since IRSIP’s establishment in 2006, it has awarded over 6,900 fellowships. The event was attended by Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, who served as the chief guest, alongside Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul Haq, senior HEC officials, vice chancellors, faculty members, awardees, and their parents.
Dr. Akhtar addressed the scholars, emphasizing the programme’s significance in developing human capital and urging recipients to leverage this opportunity while maintaining national values. He stressed the importance of knowledge, skills, and moral values for academic and professional advancement. Describing the fellowships as pivotal in shaping careers, he encouraged scholars to expand their research perspectives and produce impactful research.
Dr. Zia Ul Haq highlighted the role of scholarships in progressing academic careers and national development. He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to a transparent, merit-based selection process, noting the programme’s role in integrating Pakistani scholars with the global academic community. He encouraged awardees to remain dedicated to contributing to Pakistan post-fellowship.
Dr. Nasir Mahmood Khan, Member of HEC’s Human Resource Development Division, outlined IRSIP’s objectives and the programme’s national reach, citing 806 applications for Batch 59. He reiterated HEC’s initiatives to enhance international academic exposure through its Transnational Education Policy and announced the opening of applications for the next IRSIP batch.
Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, echoed these sentiments by urging scholars to act as ambassadors for Pakistan. He framed the fellowship as both an honor and a duty, encouraging awardees to maximize the opportunity for Pakistan’s development.
The IRSIP programme, initiated in 2006, offers six-month international research fellowships to full-time PhD scholars at Pakistani universities. It provides research exposure, access to advanced facilities, collaborative opportunities, and aims to enhance the quality of doctoral research through international academic linkages.