PM Modi Chairs First ANRF Governing Board Meeting, Launches Key Research Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the inaugural meeting of the ANRF's governing board. The meeting announced the launch of major research initiatives including PAIR and MAHA programs aimed at fostering high-quality research collaborations, establishing Centres of Excellence, and bolstering India's global research competitiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the governing board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on Tuesday. According to sources, a multi-institutional program, Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), is set to be launched. This program aims to enable collaborations between top-tier institutions and those with limited research capability, fostering a uniquely collaborative environment for transformational research. ANRF will support high-quality research through a Hub and Spoke framework in a mentorship model.

The aim is to systematically enhance research excellence and permeate research culture across various institutions. ANRF will play a pivotal role in building mechanisms to bolster global competitiveness in strategic and emerging areas.

To accelerate research in these key areas, a mission-mode program called Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) will be introduced. This will support priority-driven, solution-focused research, encouraging multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration to tackle scientific challenges and advance technology frontiers. Priority areas for immediate support under the MAHA program include EV Mobility and Advanced Materials. Additionally, an initiative to establish world-class Centres of Excellence with substantial support is envisioned to propel India to the forefront of research excellence.

The ANRF Centre of Excellence (ACE) program aims to provide funding to establish premier Centres of Excellence that facilitate a world-class research environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure. These Centres will support ambitious, cutting-edge research. To sustain a vibrant R&D ecosystem, a dedicated effort to foster basic research through major ANRF programs with enhanced support has been planned.

ANRF aims to create an environment conducive to nurturing research and harnessing India's diverse talent pool. Established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, ANRF aims to seed, grow, and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)