Enhancing Research and Academic Capabilities in Underserved Regions

In collaboration with the Association of Studies (AAS) and funded by the Swedish government, LUMS is leading a transformative project aimed at building the capacity of social sciences and humanities faculty in conflict zones across Pakistan. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the research capabilities and academic contributions of early-career faculty in regions where educational opportunities are often limited.

The impact of these workshops extends far and wide, benefiting 80 participants from diverse and remote regions of Pakistan, including Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Faculty members from places such as North and South Waziristan, Panjgur, Turbat, Loralai, Poonch, Kotli, and Dera Ismail Khan have participated, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines and institutions. The comprehensive five-day on-campus training sessions are conducted by LUMS faculty as well as Pakistani academics based in prestigious foreign universities. These sessions focus on equipping participants with the necessary tools to engage in multidisciplinary research that addresses the unique challenges and contexts of their immediate surroundings. Since its inception, this project has successfully completed four intensive workshops at LUMS.

Promising participants are provided with the opportunity to submit their research proposals to the Association of Asian Studies’ annual conferences held in Asia and the United States. Several selected candidates have already presented their work in international forums in Thailand and Korea, and preparations are underway for eight participants to present at the upcoming annual conference in Indonesia. These opportunities enable participants to showcase their research on an international stage, network with global scholars, and lay the groundwork for future collaborative research projects.

This initiative not only enhances the immediate research capabilities of participants but also fosters a culture of academic excellence and collaboration that will benefit the region for years to come.