ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to broaden its traditionally security-focused nuclear sector into an international research hub, offering 20 fully funded scholarships for students from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member countries, according to a state media report on Friday.
The initiative, announced by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr. Raja Raza Anwar, is expected to attract foreign expertise and strengthening peaceful applications of nuclear technology in a field long viewed through the lens of national defense.
The move follows a new five-year cooperation plan with the IAEA signed this week to expand civilian uses of nuclear science in agriculture, healthcare, clean energy and environmental protection.
“Pakistan is offering 20 fully funded scholarships at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) for students from IAEA member states, along with an additional five scholarships dedicated exclusively to the IAEA’s Marie
Curie Fellowship Program for women for the year 2025-26,” the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Anwar as saying during a sidelines event of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Austria.
