Research Support

During 2001-2002, 87 projects in the fields of Agriculture, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Earth, Engineering, Environment, Medicine and Physics were processed for funding. Among these, 39 new projects were received while 48 had been carried over from the previous year. Out of these, 13 projects costing Rs. 6.33 million were sanctioned in various fields.As many as 18 research papers from PSF funded projects were published in different scientific journals. In addition, 1 Ph.D. and 1 M.Phil. degrees were awarded to the Research Associates employed under PSF supported projects.

Institutional Support

An amount of Rs.0.3 million was released to various institutions as institutional support grant for purchase of laboratory equipment, and accessories.

Financial Assistance

The Foundation provided financial assistance amounting to Rs. 0.198 million to various Universities and R&D Organizations for organizing 8 National and International Science Conferences, Seminars, Symposia, etc.

Science Caravan

During the year under report, the Caravan units organized 31 mobile exhibitions and planetarium shows, wherein 550 schools brought their students to witness the exhibition and planetarium/film shows.To strengthen the Science Caravan Units, equipment like VCP, Slide Projector, Computers alongwith Printers were provided to all five Units. It is worth mentioning here that to enhance the Caravan program the Government of Pakistan has approved a project entitled "Popularization of Science in the Rural Areas" worth Rs.22.00 million.

Laboratory Equipment & Other Fundings

Laboratory equipments were provided to four high schools of Sindh and Balochistan Provinces and order for the supply of equipment to four other schools was placed. An additional amount of Rs.50,000/- was released to Children Library Complex, Lahore (CLC) for the completion of the Science Corner at CLC under the PSF program to establish Science Centers and Science Corners in the country.

Financial Support to Scientific Societies in Pakistan

During the report period, an amount of Rs. 2.998 million was paid to 16 Scientific Societies for the achievement of their approved objectives.

Travel Grants

120 travel grant requests were received, out of which 43 requests were approved by the Foundation at a total cost of Rs.29.00 million. However, only 21 scientists could avail the grants. The remaining could not attend the conferences due to visa restrictions/non-availability of flights after the event of 11th September, 2001.

Career Development of Young Scientists

Ten (10) research projects in Biological Sciences, Seven (7) Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Two (2) Agricultural Sciences were approved for funding by the Foundation at a total cost of Rs. 2.50 million. In this way, one (1) unemployed and nine (9) employed young scientists were provided grants for initiation of research work.