The UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID) provides funding for partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working on collaborative activity linked to development goals. British Council Pakistan runs this programme in collaboration with DFID. Partner institutions work on initiatives for skills development, knowledge sharing, problem solving research and other activities that will contribute towards achieving the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In addition to addressing core areas such as health, education, gender equality, DELPHE will also encourage projects aiming to promote science and technology in Africa and Asia. Higher Education Institutions from 25 DFID bilateral focus countries are eligible to apply. A broad definition of higher education institutions has been adopted; it includes universities, colleges, research institutes, medical institutions and other specialised agencies supporting advanced education and skills development.
During five Rounds of DelPHE, seven successful multilateral partnerships were formed in Pakistan covering a wide range of topics including scientific and technological research with a particular focus on local issues, health, education, infrastructure, water, fisheries, agriculture, ICTs and gender issues. Currently, there are two active DelPHE partnerships under round III and V respectively.
Pakistani partners have benefitted immensely from the project over the years. Many research papers, international conferences, exchange visits and workshops have resulted from these partnerships.
The partnerships that were developed during five Rounds of DelPHE are;
| Project |
UK Partner |
Pakistan Partner |
| Capacity building for enhancing R&D in manufacturing, testing and certification of composite materials |
National Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility (NCCEF),and the North West Composites Centre (NWCC),The University of Manchester,UK |
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) |
| Health systems research development in Higher Educational Institutions |
Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds |
Rawalpindi Medical College Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| Fluoride and arsenic contamination of drinking water |
University College London (UCL), London, UK |
Lahore College for Women University |
| Developing Sustainable Livelihoods for Communities |
University of Glasgow |
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences |
| Capacity Building for Urban Water Demand Management |
University of Exeter |
Mehran University of Engineering and Technology |
| Development of eco-friendly, cost effective biofertilizers: a step towards sustainable agriculture |
University of Dundee |
University of Karachi |
| Development of Partnership for Enhancement of Bio-diversity research, aquaculture & fisheries |
University of Stirling University (of London) Marine Biological Station at Millport |
University of Karachi |
Recent Activity
- Dr. Rizwan Saeed Choudhry from National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) has visited the United Kingdom under their partnership with the University of Manchester from May – Jul 2012.
- Dr. Fareed Minhas participated in a DelPHE partners workshop in Nairobi in June 2012.
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