The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially invited applications for its Access to Scientific Instrumentation Program (ASIP) 2025–26, a national initiative aimed at helping PhD scholars in public sector universities access advanced scientific equipment and analytical facilities to strengthen their research.
The ASIP program provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 200,000 per year, enabling scholars to conduct specialized scientific testing and analyses that are unavailable at their home institutions. According to HEC, this initiative is designed to bridge the research infrastructure gap across Pakistani universities and promote collaborative innovation in science and technology.
An official from HEC’s Research & Development Division said,
“ASIP ensures that no researcher in Pakistan is held back due to limited laboratory access. The program has significantly enhanced research quality and collaboration in recent years.”
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program at a public sector university with an approved research proposal. All tests must be conducted at HEC-recognized public universities or R&D institutions, and supervisors may endorse up to four applications per fiscal year.
Applications are accepted year-round via the HEC Research Portal at https://research.hec.gov.pk. HEC advises scholars to apply at least twelve weeks before their proposed analysis timeline for smooth processing.
The program’s continued funding and nationwide reach underscore HEC’s broader commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s research ecosystem and fostering a culture of scientific excellence.