HEC New Research Mobility Via Pak France PERIDOT Phase XIII

The Higher Education Commission HEC Pakistan has announced the launch of Phase XIII of the Pak-France PERIDOT Mobility Grant Programme, inviting faculty members from both public and private universities to submit research proposals in collaboration with French academic institutions. The initiative is designed to strengthen Pakistan-France research collaboration by promoting scientific exchange, researcher mobility, and long-term partnerships between universities and research laboratories in the two countries. According to the official announcement, the online application process began on July 6, 2026, while the submission deadline is September 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM PST.

PERIDOT Programme Continues to Promote Global Scientific Cooperation

The Pak-France PERIDOT Mobility Grant Programme operates under the Hubert Curien Partnership PHC and is jointly administered by HEC Pakistan, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The programme aims to encourage collaborative research projects by supporting the mobility of researchers between Pakistan and France, enabling them to exchange expertise, develop innovative ideas, and establish sustainable academic partnerships.

By connecting higher education institutions in Pakistan across both countries, the programme contributes to stronger international research networks while creating valuable opportunities for faculty members and young researchers to participate in globally relevant scientific initiatives.

Priority Research Areas Identified for Phase XIII

For the latest funding cycle, HEC has identified three strategic research themes that address global and national development priorities. Eligible research proposals should focus on Health Sciences, Sustainable Energy, Agriculture and Food Security, or the Economics of Climate Change. These priority areas reflect growing international interest in healthcare innovation, sustainable development, food resilience, and climate-related economic challenges.

Officials believe that concentrating research efforts in these fields will encourage practical scientific solutions while strengthening Pakistans contribution to international research and technological advancement.

Joint Applications Are Mandatory for Eligible Researchers

Faculty members interested in applying must prepare a joint research proposal with a collaborating faculty member affiliated with a French university or research institution. According to HEC guidelines, submitting the same proposal through Campus France is a mandatory prerequisite before completing the application on the HEC online portal. This dual-submission process ensures coordinated evaluation by both participating countries and reinforces the programmes collaborative nature.

Researchers are encouraged to establish academic partnerships early so that proposal preparation, institutional approvals, and documentation can be completed before the application deadline.

Mobility Grants Create New Opportunities for Research Excellence

Unlike conventional research funding programmes, the HEC PERIDOT Mobility Scholarships 2026 focuses on facilitating researcher exchanges rather than financing complete research projects. Through academic visits and collaborative activities, participating researchers gain access to international laboratories, advanced research facilities, and specialized scientific expertise that can strengthen future joint publications and long-term institutional cooperation.

The initiative also supports the professional development of emerging researchers by encouraging knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to international research environments.

Faculty Members Encouraged to Submit Applications Before Deadline

HEC has advised eligible faculty members from recognized public and private universities to begin preparing their applications well before the closing date. Early preparation allows sufficient time to identify French collaborators, finalize research proposals, and complete all institutional and administrative requirements.

With Phase XIII now officially open, the PERIDOT programme continues to strengthen Pakistans international academic engagement by creating new avenues for collaborative scientific research, innovation, and higher education cooperation with France. For researchers seeking to expand their global academic footprint, the latest call presents an important opportunity to establish meaningful international partnerships while contributing to research in areas of worldwide significance.