The Governments of the United States and Pakistan announced today the awarding of science and technology cooperative research grants to 14 joint teams of U.S. and Pakistani researchers.  These grants are a part of the U.S.-Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Program, co-funded by the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in coordination with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

This is the seventh round of science and technology research grants between the two countries made through the program.  The joint research resulting from these grants will strengthen scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries, which will support economic development in Pakistan in health, water, agriculture, and energy.

This jointly funded program is designed to increase cooperation between Pakistani scientists and institutions and their American counterparts.  Congratulating the researchers, Tim Donnay, the Acting Mission Director for USAID in Pakistan, said, “This program will increase the strength and breadth of cooperation and linkages between Pakistani scientists and institutions with counterparts in the United States.  Together, we will work toward strengthening academic institutions and building a more prosperous and resilient Pakistan.”

Since 2005, the S&T Cooperation Program has funded 110 collaborative research projects through a transparent, merit-based, joint decision-making process.