HEC ACCESS TO SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION PROGRAM

State-of-the-Art research equipment is critical to the development of scientific research in

Pakistan's universities. However, the costs of acquiring and maintaining this equipment can be a
major impediment. To address this, the Higher Education Commission has instituted the Access
to Scientific Instrumentation Program (ASIP). Under this program, HEC provides financial
support to the universities and R&D organizations for giving access to students of other HEIs to
use their laboratories.

Objectives:

• Providing financial support to scholars for their sample analysis through the latest
scientific equipment
• Providing financial support to institutions for providing services / opening their research
facilities for the use of scholars from other HEIs.
• Providing access to such facilities to promote research collaboration

Eligibility Criteria:

• This program is open to postgraduate students (MS/MPhil/PhD and equivalent) enrolled

in public sector universities recognized by HEC, and admitted as per HEC criteria
• HEC Indigenous scholars are eligible subject to submitting proof of funds utilization,
already provided to them under their scholarship
• Faculty members are ineligible for this program

How to apply (applicant):

To avail the facility, the applicant needs to apply online. Please visit: eportal.hec.gov.pk

i. Applicant needs to register himself or login (if an existing user).

ii. Enter the information and the details regarding samples analysis.

iii. Get print of system generated filled form and submit with following attachments:

a. Summary/description of research proposal

b. Copy of approval of Research Synopsis/Proposal

c. Consent (Letter) of Service Provider

d. Brief profile of Research Supervisor

iv. Endorsement by research supervisor, head of department and Director (ORIC) must be
obtained at appropriate section of the prescribed application form.
v. The applicant needs to submit the application at least 6 weeks prior to sample analysis.

vi. The applications will be evaluated and decided by the ASI Management Committee.

vii. The decision of the Committee will be communicated to the applicant within 6 weeks
from the date of submission of the application.

viii. The decision on the application may be delayed if additional information are required for
clarification.

ix. For all the approved cases, HEC will issue award letter to the applicant.

x. Upon receipt of award letter, the applicant may send samples to the service providers for
analysis.

xi. The service provider will analyze the sample and bill to the concerned applicant.

xii. The service provider will send the payment claims to HEC along with duly verified (i)
Original Invoice (ii) Results Acceptance Voucher (iii) copy of results

xiii. HEC will reimburse the sample analysis cost to the service provider upon receipt of the
bills.

Terms and Conditions:

• The postgraduate students enrolled in the HEC recognized public sector universities/DAIs
and admitted under HEC approved admission criteria are eligible to apply.
• The facility is available to the applicants who do not have analytical facilities at their own
institutions.
• The service provider should preferably be from the public sector.
• The application must be filed at least six weeks prior to sample analysis.
• One applicant may avail grant of up to Rs. 75,000 per annum or otherwise as stated in the
research project (depending on the nature of the project).
• The cost will be paid to the service providers upon completion of analysis and upon the
satisfactory report from the applicant.
• ASIP Committee may visit the facilities of both service providers and service seekers to
monitor the effectiveness of the program.
• i. Upon approval of the application, HEC will issue award letter giving its consent to
fund the cost of sample analysis. The letter will indicate the approved amount. The amount
must be spent only for specified sample analysis.
• ii. For approved cases, the sanctioned amount will be reimbursed to the service
provider after sample analysis to the satisfaction of the service seeker.
• iii. The reimbursement claim should be filed preferably within two months after the
sample analysis. No claim will be entertained after 6 months from the date of award of
grant
Contact Person:
Raja Asif Hussain

Superintendent, Research & Development

Higher Education Commission.
Sector H-9 Islamabad. Ph : 051 - 9040 1939
E-mail: rahussain@hec.gov.pk