PM Narendra Modi presides over inaugural Governing Board Meeting of ANRF

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first governing board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This meeting marks a significant step in advancing research in India.

New programs and initiatives

The ANRF plans to launch a multi-institutional program called Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR). This initiative aims to foster collaboration between top-tier institutions and those with limited research capabilities. The goal is to enhance research excellence through a Hub and Spoke framework, which will provide mentorship and support high-quality research.

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The foundation also intends to establish the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA). This mission-mode program will focus on priority-driven research to tackle scientific challenges and advance technology. The immediate focus areas for the MAHA program include Electric Vehicle (EV) Mobility and Advanced Materials.

ANRF will support the creation of world-class Centres of Excellence (ACE) to boost research infrastructure and facilitate cutting-edge research. This initiative aims to place India at the forefront of global research excellence by providing substantial funding and support.

To enhance basic research and foster a vibrant R&D ecosystem, ANRF will offer increased support through its major programs. The foundation, established by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to create a thriving research environment and harness India's diverse talent pool.

Overall, the ANRF’s efforts are geared towards building systematic mechanisms to improve global competitiveness and advance key strategic and emerging research areas in India.