PERIDOT Research Program 2026

PERIDOT Research Program 2026 – Franco Pakistani Joint Research Mobility Grants

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Overview of PERIDOT Research Program

PERIDOT is the Franco-Pakistani Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC) Program providing opportunities for Pakistani and French researchers to interact through joint research activities. The program is implemented in Pakistan by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and in France jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (MAEDI) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESRI). The objective is to develop new scientific and technological cooperation between French and Pakistani higher education institutions and research laboratories by supporting researcher mobility . Launched in 2014, the program has now opened its 13th phase (Phase-XIII) for 2026 .

◆ Mobility grants for Pakistani and French researchers.
◆ Joint research collaboration between Pakistani and French institutions.
◆ Maximum project duration of 03 years.
◆ Funding for travel and living expenses only.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in France for international students for similar opportunities.

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Priority Thematic Areas

This mobility grant focuses on supporting research in the following priority areas:

◆ Health Sciences.
◆ Sustainable Energy.
◆ Agriculture and Food Security.
◆ Economics of Climate Change.
◆ Explore latest scholarships in France for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria for PERIDOT Research Program

◉ Applicant (PI) must be a regular faculty member (PhD or FCPS/MCPS/FRCS) of a Pakistani Higher Education Institution (public or private) .
◉ Must hold a contract equivalent to the length of project duration .
◉ The major cost of the main research project will be borne by the participating universities from Pakistan and France .
◉ The program will support only mobility of researchers to and from Pakistan .
◉ Mobility of young researchers, especially doctoral students enrolled under PI supervision, is a key objective .
◉ Host institution must guarantee having needed capacities to accommodate visiting fellows .
◉ Project life can be maximum for 03 years .
◉ A joint application submitted to Campus France is a mandatory pre-requisite .
◆ See financial aids for students in Europe for more funding options.

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Funding Details

◆ HEC Pakistan will cover:
◉ Travel expenses of Pakistani researchers (round trip including inland travel): Rs. 280,000 .
◉ Living allowance in France for Pakistani Researchers:
 ◆ €125 per diem for short stay (≤ 10 days) .
 ◆ €65 per diem for long stay (> 10 days up to 1.5 months) .

◆ Visits Structure:
◉ Faculty Member: 2 visits (Year 1 and Year 3), maximum 10 days per visit .
◉ Students: 2 visits (Year 2 and Year 3), maximum 45 days per visit .

◆ French Contribution:
◉ Travel expenses for French researchers .
◉ Living allowance in Pakistan for French researchers .

◆ Note: Funding for the core research project will be borne by the participating universities .
◆ Explore France's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Required Documents

✓ Joint application developed in collaboration with a French PI .
✓ Application submitted on Campus France website by the French PI .
✓ Online application submitted through HEC online portal (research.hec.gov.pk) .
✓ Joint application (already submitted on Campus France) uploaded in the document section .
✓ Scientific and financial progress reports for annual renewals .
✓ Project Completion Report after successful project completion .
✓ list of all open scholarships in Europe for additional funding sources.

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 .

◆ Projects can be submitted under Phase-XIII of the PERIDOT program .
◆ The call is open for collaborative research proposals between Pakistani and French researchers .
◆ Check official HEC and Campus France websites for any updates.

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Application Process

◆ Step 1 – Identify French Partner:
◉ It is the sole responsibility of the researcher to identify and establish collaboration with a suitable research partner in France .
◉ Contact Director of International Relations in French universities or Director (ORIC) in Pakistani universities .

◆ Step 2 – Develop Joint Application:
◉ Develop a single joint application in English .
◉ The French PI submits the application on Campus France website: http://www.campusfrance.org/fr/peridot .

◆ Step 3 – Submit Pakistani Application:
◉ Submit online application through HEC online portal: research.hec.gov.pk .
◉ Upload the already developed Joint Application in the document section .

◆ Note: Maximum one research project can be submitted by one principal investigator for funding .

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Evaluation and Selection Process

◆ Evaluation Criteria:
◉ Relevance to priority areas.
◉ Scientific quality of proposed research.
◉ Research track and experience of the visiting fellow.
◉ Principal Investigator's and host institute's suitability.
◉ Complementarity of co-applicants (benefit for each co-applicant).
◉ Potential for long-term collaboration.
◉ Impact on economy and society.

◆ Selection Process:
◉ Independent Review by at least two Expert Reviewers from Pakistan .
◉ Review from Experts in France .
◉ Joint Committee Meeting for sharing results and selection of top performers .

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Monitoring and Reporting

◆ Renewal of annual funding is subject to submission of scientific and financial progress report at the end of each year .
◆ A joint final report is required no later than three months after project completion .
◆ All progress reports will be reviewed by experts .
◆ After successful completion, PI must submit a Project Completion Report endorsed by the collaborating partner .

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Why Choose PERIDOT Research Program

◆ Prestigious Franco-Pakistani research mobility program.
◆ Opportunity to establish long-term collaborations with French institutions.
◆ Funding for travel and living expenses for both Pakistani and French researchers.
◆ Focus on priority research areas of national importance.
◆ Support for doctoral student mobility and capacity building.
◆ Strengthen research linkages between Pakistan and France.
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in France for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – PERIDOT Research Program

◆ This is an excellent opportunity for Pakistani researchers to collaborate with French counterparts.
◆ Identify a French partner early and develop a strong joint application.
◆ Submit applications on both Campus France and HEC portals .
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in France for all nationalities.

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Apply Link

Apply Now for PERIDOT Research Program