The scheme aimed to promote or popularize science and technology among teenagers, young adults, and especially out-of-school children through various platforms.
A total of Rs99.42 million was spent on monetary benefits and additional interventions for students participating in the Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS) Phase-I of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) in 2021–22.
According to an official source, the main goal of the STFS, which was conceived by the then Chairman of PSF, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, was to support and groom talented but underprivileged science students from government schools in their studies and to groom them to become productive scientists.
The Science Talent Farming Scheme was also aimed at grooming and supporting the selected students by progressively exposing them to advancements in science and mathematics through an inquiry-based learning approach and arranging training sessions for students on Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE).
It is worth mentioning that after the Chairmanship of Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, no leadership at PSF continued the program in its true letter and spirit.
The scheme also aimed to promote or popularize science and technology among teenagers, young adults, and especially out-of-school children through various platforms, such as social, print, and digital media.
A database or tracking system of all the project’s beneficiaries was also established. Under the STFS, up to 500 students are chosen each year after being evaluated by a specialized testing agency such as NTS, CTS, etc.
The scientific aptitude test is divided into three stages: a specialized written or screening test; a paper-based IQ test; a test of 60 points; and a presentation or interview on innovative ideas. Each successful student receives a monthly scholarship of Rs 15,000 for five years, while disabled students receive a monthly scholarship of Rs 18,000.
The program also includes a yearly tuition fee of Rs10,000 for each student. Every year, under the STFS, each student develops a research project under the supervision of a university teacher or researcher, while science graduates also provide guidance to these students.
Science lectures, presentations, film/planetarium shows, and hands-on activities in mobile science labs, as well as visits to universities and science and technology organizations both at national and international levels were also part of the program.
The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) is the country’s apex body for promoting and funding scientific and technological research, as well as other related activities.
The activities and programs of the Foundation included the promotion and funding of scientific research in the country, as well as the use of research results, the promotion and popularization of science in society, international liaison, and the establishment of comprehensive scientific and technological information dissemination centers.
The Science Wing of the Foundation performs the foundation’s primary functions, which include research support, science popularization, planning and development, and so on.