Pakistan Women in STEM Research Fellowship
Fellowships supporting Pakistani women researchers pursuing STEM doctoral or postdoctoral projects addressing national development priorities.
- Program Type
- Fellowship
- Deadline
- Mar 24, 2025
- Locations
- Pakistan
- Source
- Higher Education Commission Pakistan
- Reviewed by
JJ Ben-Joseph- Last Updated
- Oct 28, 2025
Pakistan Women in STEM Research Fellowship
Program Overview and Strategic Focus
The Pakistan Women in STEM Research Fellowship responds to gender gaps in advanced STEM research and limited funding for women-led labs by enabling women researchers leading projects in energy, health, climate, and emerging tech within women scientists advancing Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem despite systemic barriers. It prioritises solutions that can rapidly demonstrate impact while building institutions that champion inclusive, sustainable growth.
Applicants are expected to articulate how their work contributes to scientific breakthroughs, gender equity, and knowledge transfer and leverages ecosystems described in collaboration with universities, industry, and international labs. Evaluation panels look for operational plans that balance financial discipline with cultural and environmental stewardship unique to the region.
Funding Structure and Support Services
The program layers multi-year fellowships covering research costs, stipends, and mobility with advisory services so teams can move from pilots to resilient operations. Delivery partners curate expertise across finance, policy, and community engagement to translate strategic visions into executable roadmaps.
The program layers capital with capability-building services such as:
- Research design and grant management workshops
- Mentorship training connecting fellows with schools and universities
- International exchange grants for collaborative research
- Leadership coaching focused on lab management and entrepreneurship
| Cost Category | Description | Indicative Amount | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Stipend | Living allowance enabling full-time research focus | PKR ₨7,200,000 | Financial stability for fellows and their families |
| Laboratory and Fieldwork Costs | Equipment, reagents, and field data collection | PKR ₨5,400,000 | High-quality research outputs aligned with global standards |
| Mobility and Collaboration | Conference travel, visiting researcher placements, and industry internships | PKR ₨3,600,000 | Global exposure and collaborative networks |
| Mentorship and Outreach | STEM camps, workshops, and mentorship stipends for young women | PKR ₨1,800,000 | Expanded pipeline of women entering STEM fields |
Eligibility Deep Dive and Readiness Signals
Eligible applicants must already demonstrate momentum in conducting rigorous research while mentoring the next generation of women scientists. Proposals should clearly outline governance models, risk management frameworks, and collaboration protocols that honour local stakeholders.
Key eligibility markers include:
- Minimum CGPA or publication record demonstrating research excellence
- Supervisor and institutional endorsement
- Plan for community outreach and mentorship
- Ethics approvals or compliance protocols for proposed research
Application Pathway and Timeline Management
Fellowships commence in September 2025 with annual progress reviews and global conference participation.
Suggested internal timeline checkpoints:
- January 2025: Submit application with research proposal and CV
- April 2025: Participate in panel interviews and research pitch
- June 2025: Receive fellowship award and finalize work plan
- September 2025: Begin fellowship and mentorship activities
- August 2026 & 2027: Submit annual progress reports and policy briefs
Strategic Positioning Tips for Competitive Proposals
Competitive submissions highlight differentiated value propositions that reinforce women-led STEM excellence and national development. Narratives should weave quantitative evidence with community stories that show an authentic commitment to shared prosperity.
Focus proposal narratives on:
- Align research with national priorities such as climate resilience or health innovation
- Highlight interdisciplinary collaborations and technology transfer
- Detail mentorship strategies reaching girls in underserved regions
- Plan for commercialization or policy uptake of research findings
- Quantify anticipated publications, patents, or prototypes
Impact Measurement and Learning Agenda
Impact management is integral to the opportunity; organisers expect teams to translate fellows generating impactful research while inspiring young women to pursue science careers into measurable indicators and adaptive learning loops. Applicants should describe how data will inform iterative improvements and policy dialogue.
Illustrative indicators to embed in your monitoring framework:
- Research outputs published or patented
- Number of mentees engaged and their progression
- Collaborative partnerships established domestically and abroad
- Policy or industry applications derived from research
- Visibility metrics such as conference presentations and media coverage
Fellows submit annual research outputs, mentorship metrics, and policy impact briefs to the HEC gender equity office.
Documentation and Submission Checklist
Include research proposals, supervisor endorsements, and mentorship plans to demonstrate readiness for leadership.
- Completed application form and research proposal
- Academic transcripts and publication list
- Supervisor endorsements and institutional support letters
- Mentorship and outreach plan
- Ethics compliance documentation where applicable
Empowering women researchers accelerates scientific innovation and creates inclusive role models across Pakistan.