Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
The National Science Foundation (Sri Lanka) and Pakistan Science Foundation have launched a joint funding program to support collaborative research projects between scientists from Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The program funds applied research in areas such as climate change, biotechnology, AI, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture, with a maximum budget of USD 26,000 per project for up to 2 years.
Overview of the NSF–PSF Joint Research Program
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) joint initiative aims to strengthen scientific cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan through structured research partnerships.
The program supports bilateral research and development (R&D) projects that involve active collaboration between research teams from both countries.
It prioritizes projects with strong potential for:
- Technological innovation
- Industrial application
- Prototype development
- Commercialization potential
- Socio-economic impact
Priority Research Areas
The program focuses on applied and interdisciplinary scientific domains:
Core thematic areas
- Environment and Climate Change
- Herbal Medicine and Traditional Knowledge Systems
- Biotechnology and Yield Improvement
- Engineering and Material Sciences
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity
- Smart Agriculture and Value Addition
Program Objectives
The initiative is designed to:
- Strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation
- Promote applied and industry-relevant research
- Encourage innovation and technology development
- Support prototype creation and commercialization pathways
- Enhance socio-economic development in both countries
- Build long-term research partnerships
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to deliver:
- New technologies and processes
- Prototype development
- Industrial applications
- Research-based innovations
- Improved agricultural or environmental solutions
- Strengthened scientific collaboration between countries
Projects with clear practical and industrial relevance are given priority.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility requires joint collaboration between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Sri Lankan Team
Must be led by a scientist from:
- Universities in Sri Lanka
- Recognized research institutes
Pakistani Team
Must be led by a scientist from:
- HEC-recognized universities
- R&D organizations
- Centres of Excellence in Pakistan
General Eligibility Conditions
- Mandatory bilateral collaboration (Sri Lanka + Pakistan)
- Research teams must demonstrate synergy and shared goals
- Projects must be applied in nature
- Strong preference for industry-linked proposals
Funding Details
- Maximum funding per project: USD 26,000
- Project duration: Up to 2 years
- Funding supports joint research activities across both countries
Key Evaluation Priorities
Proposals are assessed based on:
- Scientific quality and innovation
- Degree of collaboration between partners
- Practical applicability of research
- Industrial or commercial potential
- Socio-economic relevance
- Strength of bilateral synergy
- Contribution to national development priorities
How the Program Works
Step 1: Form a Joint Research Team
- One lead institution from Sri Lanka
- One lead institution from Pakistan
- Define roles and shared responsibilities
Step 2: Identify Research Problem
Select a topic within priority areas:
- AI, biotech, agriculture, climate, engineering, etc.
Step 3: Design Applied Research Proposal
Include:
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outputs (prototype, product, or system)
- Industrial relevance
- Collaboration structure
Step 4: Demonstrate Bilateral Synergy
Explain:
- Why collaboration is necessary
- Shared benefits for both countries
- Complementary expertise
Step 5: Submit Application
Ensure compliance with:
- Institutional eligibility rules
- Funding limits
- Duration requirements
Why This Program Matters
This initiative strengthens South–South scientific cooperation by enabling:
- Shared innovation between developing countries
- Applied solutions for real-world problems
- Strengthened research ecosystems
- Technology transfer opportunities
- Industry-linked scientific advancement
- Improved regional competitiveness in R&D
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Theoretical research without application potential
- Weak collaboration between Sri Lanka and Pakistan teams
- Missing justification of bilateral synergy
- Proposals outside priority sectors
- Overly broad or unfocused objectives
- Lack of industrial or commercialization pathway
- Unbalanced participation between partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the funding limit for each project?
Up to USD 26,000 per project.
2. How long can projects run?
Maximum duration is 2 years.
3. Which countries are involved?
Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
4. What type of research is preferred?
Applied research with industrial or commercial potential.
5. Can a single-country team apply?
No. Projects must include both Sri Lankan and Pakistani researchers.
6. What are the main priority areas?
AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, climate change, agriculture, engineering, and herbal medicine.
7. Who leads the project teams?
Sri Lankan teams must be led by a Sri Lankan institution; Pakistani teams must be led by an HEC-recognized institution.
Conclusion
The NSF–PSF Joint Research Program provides a structured opportunity for Sri Lankan and Pakistani researchers to collaborate on applied science and innovation. By focusing on real-world challenges in agriculture, technology, climate, and engineering, the program promotes bilateral scientific advancement, industrial relevance, and long-term socio-economic impact.
For more information, visit NSF.