The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will organize a national seminar titled `Future of Research in Pakistan and Projects Exhibition” on Saturday to showcase the research contributions of the higher education sector towards the country’s economy and community.
The seminar would demonstrate the social and economic impact of research by Pakistani universities and provide stakeholders the opportunity to define the future direction and role of research and higher education institutions.
Science, Technology, Education and Training Federal Minister Dr. Sania Nishtar would be the chief guest while HEC Chairman Dr. Javaid R. Laghari HEC and HEC Executive Director Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed would speak at the event, which would also be attended by federal secretaries, vice chancellors, industry representatives, academia and non-governmental organizations.
Since the HEC’s inception Pakistani universities have responded eagerly to its initiatives for promoting research and development. Academic employment and the number of doctoral scientists and engineers grew over the last decade due to these efforts, reaching a record high of 5,826 in 2011-12.
Research activities also increased in public institutions with six times more published articles.
Research quality also improved, and Pakistan has been acknowledged as a rising star by the international higher education community in a number of disciplines.
Business and Technology Incubators are being established in universities across Pakistan for university-industry collaboration. Universities have initiated different research projects related to agriculture, business, industrial needs, which are shared with related stakeholders and other sections of the society. HEC has focused on research which can have a direct impact on the community’s wellbeing and economy.