United States announce $4 million grants for Pakistani and American researchers to collaborate on projects in science and technology

Islamabad, September 05, 2012 (PPI-OT): US Charge d’ Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland announced $4 million (more than 378 million Pakistani rupees) in new grants for Pakistani and American researchers to collaborate on projects in science and technology during the launching ceremony of Phase-V of Pakistan United States Sciences and Technology Cooperation Program held here at Higher Education Commission HEC Islamabad .

Together with the Secretary of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Akhlaq Ahmad and Tarar Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Sohail H. Naqvi Ambassador Hoagland praised the success of the 70 joint projects funded over the previous four phases.

He also encouraged Pakistani scientists and researchers to apply for the Pakistan-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation funds before the November 30, 2012 deadline, with one goal in mind: improving life for the people of Pakistan throughout the country.

“The U.S.-Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Program is one of the highlights of the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relationship. By supporting joint U.S.-Pakistan research across a wide range of issues critical to Pakistan’s prosperity – like education, economic development, and energy – this program will bring the fruits of research into the hands of Pakistan’s private sector and support broad-based economic growth in Pakistan,” Ambassador Hoagland stated.

During the event, a select cadre of scientists shared their innovative work with the U.S. 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 commended these projects for improving access to energy and clean water for residents of the community.

For more information, contact:
Aayesha Ikram
Director (Media)
Higher Education Commission
Sector H-9, Islamabad
Tel: 90402404, 90402412
Email: aikram@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk