Lahore: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan organized a ceremony at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, to honor outstanding Pakistani researchers featured in the Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking 2025. The event highlighted Pakistan’s growing international academic prestige, showcasing the achievements of the researchers and scientists in advancing research and innovation.
According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the ceremony recognized the contributions of Pakistani researchers included in the Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking, published by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier. The event also celebrated awardees of the National Research Programme for Universities (NRPU) Call 2025-26 and scientists honored by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences. Recognition certificates were awarded to these scholars for their academic excellence and research achievements.
Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, the chief guest, commended HEC’s efforts in promoting research and innovation across Pakistan. He emphasized the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, noting increased funding for universities and research initiatives. He stressed the importance of quality education and impactful research for national development.
Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, in his address, emphasized the role of universities as hubs of knowledge creation. He highlighted the inclusion of around 1,200 Pakistani researchers in the Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking as a significant achievement for the country’s academic standing. Dr. Akhtar urged researchers to focus on practical applications and entrepreneurship to address national challenges.
Chairman Punjab HEC Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan congratulated the awardees, emphasizing the need for increased investment in research and development. Advisor HEC Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir provided an overview of the Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking and NRPU programme, noting that 142 research projects received funding exceeding Rs. 1.267 billion.
The ceremony concluded with a commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s research ecosystem and promoting excellence in higher education.