About RASTA
The RASTA – PIDE & Planning Commission Competitive Research Grants programme is a key initiative to strengthen social science research in Pakistan. It connects academia, think tanks, and policymakers to generate high quality, evidence-based insights for public policy.
RASTA bridges the gap between research and decision-making by supporting policy-relevant studies, encouraging collaboration, and providing a platform for knowledge sharing. Through its competitive and demand-driven research streams, the programme helps shape informed policies and builds capacity across institutions involved in policymaking.
The objectives of RASTA programme are to
- Reduce research-policy gap by stimulating economic and social science research and debate across Pakistan;
- Build a network of thought communities stimulating internally defined and produced policy-relevant research.
- Provide a knowledge-sharing/generating platform where di erent actors can present and share evidence-based research to inform decision-making in the government;
- Revisit the future policy agenda in line with the evidence produced in this programme; and
- Build capacity and improve policymaking and implementation by involving and engaging local universities, think tanks, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
Research Grants and Policy Engagements
RASTA Stats
RASTA Volumes
Local Research, Local Solutions
RASTA Conferences
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Professional Web Development
Programming Masterclass
Social Science & Humanities
Project Management
Project Management Team
The Competitive Grants Programme is managed by the Project Management Team (PMT) at PIDE, Islamabad. Led by the Chairman RAC/Vice Chancellor PIDE, the PMT oversees grant administration, fund disbursement, and programme operations. It ensures transparent selection processes and effective implementation of all CGP activities.
Research Advisory Committee
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) provides strategic leadership and scholarly oversight for the RASTA programme. It selects research themes, reviews proposals, mentors awardees, and ensures the quality of policy-oriented research. The RAC comprises national and international academics, practitioners, and senior government officials.
Project Management Unit
The Project Management Unit (PMU) is the operational arm of RASTA, based at PIDE, Islamabad. It manages day-to-day activities, including grant administration, fund disbursement, and event coordination. The PMU supports monitoring, evaluation, and policy engagement to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.