19 Pakistanis off for post-doctoral Fulbright scholarships

Nineteen Pakistani post-doctoral scholars have received the Fulbright Scholarship grants to do research at leading US universities, according to a press release issued Wednesday. 

The program is paid for by the United States government. It is a year’s scholarship for lectures and post-doctoral research. 

The 2021 Fulbright Scholar group includes professors in the fields of psychology, entomology, agriculture, finance, South Asian history, computer science, and biotechnology.  They have been accepted as researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and Purdue University, among other universities.

At a pre-departure orientation for the 19 scholars hosted by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), the Deputy Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy, Phillip Assis, said that, “the Fulbright scholar program is not only highly competitive and an honor for those who receive it, but it also advances the academic and professional ties of American and Pakistani scholars and communities.  The United States Government is proud to sponsor this program and celebrate the many years of academic cooperation between our two countries.”

USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar congratulated the scholars on their selection, noting that more than 425 potential scholars had applied. “We are proud and happy that you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with American colleagues as well as bring back new experiences, both academic and cultural, to share with your students,” she said.

The 2022 Fulbright Scholar Program was announced with a deadline of November 10, 2021. For details about the eligibility criteria and application, please visit www.usefp.org.  The grant funds airfare, an incidental research allowance, a living stipend, and health insurance.  Since the commencement of the program in 1950, over 400 scholars have embarked on the program.  Their research has been published in leading journals.  Moreover, 14 alumni currently serve as vice chancellors of leading public and private universities across Pakistan.

USEFP is a bi-national commission established in 1950 by the governments of the United States and Pakistan.  Since its inception, more than 9,000 Pakistanis and over 935 Americans have participated in USEFP-managed exchange programs.  For more information, visit www.usefp.org.