The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited Pakistani researchers and scholars to apply for the HEC Research Awards 2026–27. Applications will close on 31 October 2026. The awards cover three categories: Best Researcher, Best Young Researcher, and Best Publication.
Winners will receive certificates and cash prizes of Rs. 500,000 or Rs. 1 million, depending on the category.
According to HEC, the awards recognise research achievements, contributions to intellectual development, and publications that demonstrate a lasting impact.
HEC Research Awards 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Higher Education Commission, Pakistan |
| Award cycle | 2026–27 |
| Eligible applicants | Pakistani researchers and scholars meeting the relevant criteria |
| Award categories | Best Researcher, Best Young Researcher and Best Publication |
| Cash prizes | Rs. 500,000 for each researcher category; Rs. 1 million for Best Publication |
| Application deadline | Saturday, 31 October 2026, at 11:59 pm Pakistan time |
| Application method | Online submission |
| Application portal | research.hec.gov.pk |
General Eligibility Criteria
The applicant or submitted publication must not have received the same award previously.
None of the publications credited to the applicant or relevant authors may be plagiarised under HEC’s plagiarism policy.
The current advertisement and application guidance use 1 January 2026 as the reference date for the category-specific age, residency and publication-age requirements.
Award Categories and Requirements
Best Researcher
The Best Researcher Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 500,000. Applicants must have been residents of Pakistan for at least three years as of 1 January 2026.
This category recognises researchers whose published work demonstrates significant research contributions and impact.
Best Young Researcher
The Best Young Researcher Award also carries a cash prize of Rs. 500,000.
Applicants must have been under 40 years old on 1 January 2026. They must also have been residents of Pakistan for at least one year by that date.
The category recognises the achievements and future potential of researchers at an early stage of their careers.
Best Publication
The Best Publication Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1 million. Entries must be scholarly books or journal articles that were no more than three years old on 1 January 2026.
A publication must have no more than three authors. All authors must have been residents of Pakistan for at least three years as of the same reference date.
Research articles must appear in an HEC-recognised W-category journal and have at least 100 citations. Books must have been published by a recognised or renowned academic press.
Publications previously submitted in the same award category cannot be submitted again. This restriction also applies to extended versions of previously submitted papers.
HEC allows only one publication per Best Publication application. Applicants may apply for a maximum of two award categories, but they must choose between Best Researcher and Best Young Researcher.
Research Fields Covered
HEC offers the awards across three broad disciplinary groups.
The first covers social sciences, arts and humanities, law, education, management and public policy.
The second includes physical sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, statistics and mathematics.
The third covers life sciences, biological sciences, health sciences, pharmacy, agriculture and veterinary sciences.
Required Documents
According to HEC’s application instructions, applicants must provide a CV of no more than two pages. It should include their education, employment history, research projects, publications, patents, honours and relevant service contributions.
Applicants must also submit three letters of support from three endorsers using the prescribed form. Copies of supporting publications and the relevant declaration certificate are required.
A two- to three-minute video must demonstrate the impact of the applicant’s research or submitted publication. Applicants must complete every section of the online form and upload the required documentary attachments in PDF format.
For a book submitted under Best Publication, HEC’s FAQs also require a physical copy to be sent to the commission.
Selection Process
HEC’s 2026 application guidance sets out two stages: administrative screening and panel evaluation.
During screening, HEC will check eligibility and whether applicants have submitted all required documents. Incomplete or ineligible applications will be rejected.
Eligible applications will then go to review panels for the relevant disciplinary group. The panels will shortlist entries before arranging detailed assessments by subject experts.
Shortlisted applications will normally receive two independent reviews. Panels may seek additional reviews where needed before comparing entries and recommending awards.
How to Apply for HEC Research Awards 2026–27
Applicants must submit their forms through the HEC Research Portal. They should select the relevant award category, complete all sections, and upload the required supporting material.
The deadline is 11:59 pm Pakistan time on Saturday, 31 October 2026. HEC states that it will not accept incomplete or late applications.
Application guidance, declaration certificates, and endorsement forms are available through the HEC Research Awards website.
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