National Awards for Outstanding Researchers in Pakistan

In today’s fast-paced world, research and innovation play a vital role in shaping nations. To encourage a culture of academic excellence, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan proudly organizes the National Awards for Outstanding Researchers every year. These awards are considered one of the highest honors for Pakistani scholars, recognizing their groundbreaking work, impactful publications, and dedication to solving real-world problems.

For Pakistani academics, this award is more than a medal — it’s an acknowledgment of years of hard work, persistence, and contribution to the global knowledge economy.

Purpose of the Awards

The HEC Outstanding Research Awards aim to:

Acknowledge high-impact research carried out by Pakistani scholars.
Encourage young researchers to innovate and contribute to science and society.
Highlight publications of international standard, ensuring Pakistan’s visibility in the global research landscape.
Motivate academic staff at universities to go beyond teaching and play a strong role in knowledge creation.

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Categories of Awards

HEC has introduced multiple categories so that researchers at different career stages can be recognized:

Best Researcher Award – for senior scholars with consistent contributions and a long research record.
Best Young Researcher Award – designed for emerging scholars under the age of 40, showcasing promise and innovative thinking.
Best Publication Award – for outstanding single research papers or books that have created significant academic or social impact.

Eligibility for Pakistanis

One of the most common questions is: Are Pakistanis eligible for this award?
The answer is YES — these awards are exclusively for Pakistani researchers working in universities or recognized research institutions across the country.

For the Young Researcher Award, the applicant must be under 40 years of age on 1 January of the award year and should have been a resident of Pakistan for at least one year.
Other categories, such as Best Researcher or Best Publication, have different criteria, but all are focused on Pakistani nationals contributing to academia and research.

Application Deadline

Kindly submit your application by September 17, 2025. Don't miss out on this fantastic chance! Apply Now. For latest updates visit News and Scholarships.