US Charge d’ Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland announced $4 million in new grants for Pakistani and American researchers to collaborate on projects in science and technology.
Together with Executive Director Sohail Naqvi of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Secretary Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ambassador Hoagland praised the successes of over 70 joint projects funded over the previous four phases, and encouraged Pakistani scientists and researchers to apply for the Pakistan-US Science and Technology Cooperation funds before the November 30, 2012 deadline, with on goal in mind: improving life for Pakistani people throughout the country.
“The US-Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Program is one of the highlights of the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship. This opportunity will not only support joint US-Pakistan research across a wide range of topics, but will also help bring the fruits of research into the hands of the private sector, increasing technology transfer opportunities and supporting broad-based economic growth in Pakistan,” Ambassador Hoagland stated.
During the event, a select cadre of scientists shared their innovative work with the US Embassy guests. Ambassador Hoagland was impressed to see the impact of a telemedicine project at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi that brings doctors to remote areas of Pakistan through the use of teleconference technology.
Speaking to scientists working on a solar energy project housed at COMSATS Institute of Information and a sewage treatment project at Quaid-e-Azam University, the Ambassador praised these projects for improving access to energy and clean water for residents of the community.
