Navbar
PHEC Flagship Initiative

R&D Cluster for Food & Nutrition

Strengthening Pakistan's food systems through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and policy-driven collaboration — led by the Punjab Higher Education Commission.

Center of Excellence

Center of Excellence in Food & Nutrition

Dedicated hub for cutting-edge research, advanced laboratories, and collaborative innovation to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in Punjab.

Explore Consortium
Lead Institution

University of Agriculture Faisalabad

As the lead university, UAF anchors governance, financial oversight, and strategic coordination for the entire Food & Nutrition R&D Cluster.

View Governance Model
1
Center of Excellence
7+
Partner Universities
7
Research Themes
Consortium Network

Lead & Partner Universities

Collaborative academic network driving the Food & Nutrition R&D Cluster

University of Agriculture Faisalabad
University of the Punjab
University of Home Economics
University of Management & Technology
University of Sargodha
Kohsar University Murree
MNS University of Agriculture, Multan
GC Women University, Faisalabad
University of Agriculture Faisalabad
University of the Punjab
University of Home Economics
University of Management & Technology
University of Sargodha
Kohsar University Murree
MNS University of Agriculture, Multan
GC Women University, Faisalabad

Message from Chairman PHEC

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (HI, SI)

Chairperson, Punjab Higher Education Commission

The Punjab Higher Education Commission is committed to strengthening the research ecosystem across higher education institutions through collaboration, innovation, and impactful knowledge generation.

Thematic Research and Development clusters represent a strategic step toward addressing critical societal challenges through interdisciplinary partnerships and academic excellence.

The Food and Nutrition cluster is expected to support better nutritional outcomes, improved food systems, and sustainable development across Punjab.

Message from Vice Chancellor UAF

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has always been at the forefront of academic excellence, innovation, and research-driven development in Pakistan.

Our commitment is to empower students, researchers, and faculty through modern education systems, collaborative research, and practical solutions that address real-world challenges.

We strongly support initiatives like thematic research clusters that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved nutrition for a better future.

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali

Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF)

Core Objectives

National Coordinating Hub

Central platform for research collaboration, data sharing, and joint projects.

Nutrient-Rich Products

Innovative healthy food solutions for vulnerable communities.

Multidisciplinary Research

Applied research in food safety, fortification, and value addition.

Capacity Building

Trainings, research competitions, and faculty development.

Commercialization Support

Enabling spin-offs, patents, and industrial linkages.

Policy Contribution

Data-driven policy recommendations for nutrition security.

Thematic Research Areas

Theme 1: Nutritional Status & Malnutrition

Awareness, baseline studies, protein enrichment, and by-product valorization.

Theme 2: Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals

Formulation, safety trials, and scale-up support.

Theme 3: Food Processing & Value Addition

Optimization, nutritional enhancement, and shelf-life evaluation.

Theme 4: Sustainable Food Systems

Agri-waste utilization, sustainable packaging, and climate-resilient systems.

Theme 5: Food Safety & Policy

Safety practices, regulatory analysis, and evidence-based policy drafts.

Theme 6: Women's Nutritional Health

Dietary surveys, awareness workshops, and gender-sensitive policy briefs.