The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has opened applications for the Access to Scientific Instrumentation Program (ASIP) for the fiscal year 2025-26, a key initiative aimed at empowering PhD researchers with access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment. The program seeks to enhance the quality and scope of doctoral research by enabling scholars to utilize advanced scientific instruments that are not available at their home universities.
Through ASIP, eligible PhD students at public sector universities can receive up to Rs 200,000 per year to cover the costs of sample analysis at other public universities or recognized research and development organizations. Payments will be made directly by the HEC to the service providers after successful completion of the required analyses.
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled PhD candidates with research proposals approved by their university’s relevant boards, such as the Advanced Studies and Research Board or Ethical Review Board. Applicants can only request testing that cannot be conducted at their home institution unless a strong justification is provided. Each applicant must also secure a recommendation from their supervisor, who may endorse up to four applications per fiscal year.
While multiple applications can be submitted during a PhD program, the total annual support is capped at Rs 200,000, with a lifetime limit of three funding cycles under ASIP. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year via the HEC’s online research portal. Scholars are encouraged to apply at least twelve weeks before the intended analysis date to ensure timely processing and approval.
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By expanding research accessibility and reducing equipment-related barriers, HEC aims to strengthen Pakistan’s scientific research ecosystem and help doctoral scholars achieve higher-quality outcomes in their studies.