The Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) organized a special ceremony to recognize Pakistan’s leading researchers and scientists for their outstanding contributions to research, innovation, and higher education.
The event, titled Recognition of Distinguished Pakistani Researchers and Scientists, celebrated scholars whose work has enhanced Pakistan’s international academic profile.
Over 1,200 Pakistani Researchers Make Global Top 2% List
The ceremony honored Pakistani researchers featured in the:
🌍 Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking 2025
published by:
- Stanford University
- Elsevier
According to HEC, around:
👨🔬 1,200 Pakistani researchers and scientists
were included in the prestigious global ranking.
Officials said the achievement reflects the growing contribution of Pakistani researchers to international scientific and academic communities.
Punjab Minister Attends Ceremony
Punjab Minister for Education:
👤 Rana Sikandar Hayat
attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
The event was held at:
🏛️ Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB),
University of the Punjab.
Researchers and NRPU Awardees Recognized
The ceremony also honored:
- Award recipients of the National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) Call 2025-26
- Scientists conferred gold medals and fellowships by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences
Recognition certificates were presented to distinguished researchers in acknowledgment of their academic and scientific achievements.
HEC Chairman Highlights Research Progress
HEC Chairman:
👤 Niaz Ahmad Akhtar
described universities as centers of knowledge creation and dissemination.
He said the inclusion of approximately 1,200 Pakistani researchers in the Global Top 2% Scientists Ranking represents a significant milestone that has strengthened Pakistan’s international academic standing.
The chairman encouraged researchers to transform their scholarly work into:
- Practical applications
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Social innovation initiatives
- Solutions to national challenges
More Than 500 Researchers From Punjab
HEC Advisor (Research, Innovation and Digitisation):
👤 Muhammad Ali Nasir
shared that:
📊 More than 500 researchers on the global list belong to Punjab.
He also highlighted the response to the:
📚 NRPU Call 2025-26
which received applications from:
👥 6,926 researchers
Following the evaluation process:
✅ 142 research projects were approved
with total funding exceeding:
💰 Rs. 1.267 billion
Focus on Strengthening Research and Innovation
During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the need to:
- Increase investment in research and development
- Strengthen higher education institutions
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
- Expand research collaborations
- Build scientific capacity in universities
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to further strengthen Pakistan’s research ecosystem and promote excellence in higher education and scientific research.
