The HEC has launched the Global Scholars Network (GSN), a new digital platform that connects Pakistani diaspora academics, researchers, professionals, and international experts with universities across Pakistan. The initiative aims to improve collaboration between higher education institutions and experts working around the world.
The platform has been developed through the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE). It serves as a centralized system where overseas professionals can contribute their knowledge and expertise to Pakistan’s higher education sector.
According to HEC, the platform allows global scholars to participate voluntarily in several academic activities. These include PhD supervision, collaborative research, guest lectures, faculty development, workshops, curriculum improvement, innovation projects, and stronger industry-academia partnerships.
Experts who join the Global Scholars Network can create detailed professional profiles. These profiles include academic qualifications, research interests, publications, work experience, and areas of specialization. Once the information is verified and approved, universities across Pakistan can access the profiles to identify suitable experts for collaboration.
The HEC said the new platform replaces manual and fragmented engagement methods with a single national digital system. This approach is expected to improve transparency, efficiency, and coordination between universities and overseas experts.
Universities using the platform can search verified experts through different filters. These include academic discipline, specialization, country of residence, years of experience, and research field. Institutions can also send collaboration requests, manage projects, and monitor ongoing partnerships through the integrated system.
HEC Chairman Niaz Ahmad Akhtar described the initiative as an important milestone for Pakistan’s higher education sector. He said the platform will help local universities benefit from global expertise while strengthening research cooperation and improving academic quality.
The chairman added that international collaboration can create new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members. By connecting with experienced scholars worldwide, universities can improve research output and academic standards.
NAHE Managing Director Noor Amna Malik said the platform has been designed with scalability, security, and transparency in mind. She explained that it also includes dashboards and analytics for monitoring engagement and measuring the impact of academic partnerships.
The analytics system will help HEC evaluate participation levels and support evidence-based policymaking. It will also allow the commission to monitor how universities and international experts work together through the platform.
The commission acknowledged the technical support provided by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) during the project’s development. It also recognized Vice Chancellor Syed Najeeb Ahmad for his leadership throughout the initiative.
HEC further appreciated the work of the IST development team led by Rizwan Majeed. The team played an important role in designing and building the Global Scholars Network.
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With the launch of the new platform, HEC aims to strengthen international academic cooperation and provide Pakistani universities with easier access to global knowledge, research expertise, and professional experience. The initiative is expected to support long-term improvements in higher education, research, and innovation across Pakistan.
