ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced its Research Awards 2026-27, offering Pakistani researchers, academics and scholars an opportunity to win cash prizes of up to Rs1 million.
The commission has invited applications from researchers across Pakistan for its annual research awards, aimed at recognising and encouraging contributions to intellectual, academic and social development.
According to the HEC, the awards will be presented in three main categories: Best Researcher, Best Young Researcher and Best Publication. Winners will receive certificates along with cash prizes.
The Best Publication Award carries a cash prize of Rs1 million, while winners of the Best Researcher and Best Young Researcher categories will each receive Rs500,000. The Young Researcher category is open to researchers below the age of 40.
The awards will cover three broad disciplinary groups.
The first includes social sciences, arts and humanities, law, education, management and public policy. The second covers physical sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, statistics and mathematics. The third includes life sciences, biological sciences, health sciences, pharmacy, agriculture and veterinary sciences.
Eligible Pakistani researchers can submit their applications through the HEC’s online research portal by October 31, 2026, at 11:59pm.
The commission said all applications will first undergo administrative screening. Eligible submissions will then be evaluated by subject specialists and relevant review panels before the final selection of award recipients.
