Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, participated in the consultative process led by the Higher Education Commission in partnership with the British Council to finalise the Research Excellence Framework. The meeting formed part of efforts to design a national system that better recognises research quality and real-world outcomes.
The Research Excellence Framework will be piloted in 10 selected universities before a wider national rollout, refining research assessment models with a clear emphasis on research outputs and societal impact. Launched under the Pak–UK Education Gateway, the initiative aims to strengthen the mechanisms that maximise the value of publicly funded research in Pakistan.
For Fatima Jinnah Women University, engagement in the consultative process underlines a renewed focus on policy-relevant scholarship and international academic collaboration. The university reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence and to contributing evidence-based research that addresses national priorities and community needs.
Stakeholder consultation is intended to ensure the Research Excellence Framework reflects local contexts and priorities while aligning with international best practice. Continued collaboration between HEC, the British Council and Pakistani universities is expected to help embed assessment criteria that reward quality, impact and cross-sector engagement.
