NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday launched an initiative, called Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), to support research in universities, especially central and state public universities.
Making the announcement, the Department of Science and Technology Secretary Abhay Karandikar, said, “PAIR has been initiated to boost the research capability of those universities where research is at a nascent stage but which have the potential to perform well, in a mentorship mode by pairing them with well-established top-tier institutions in a hub and spoke framework and providing substantial funding.”
In its first phase, the programme will focus on universities that have demonstrated potential through national ranking and those that have promised to scale their research.
In subsequent calls, the scope would be expanded, posted the former Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Kanpur director on X.
“To be considered for support under this program, the hubs in tandem with select spokes are expected to come up with competitive, impactful research proposals with potentially significant outcomes in specific themes,” he said.
Karandikar said the program aims to establish vibrant PAIR networks, each consisting of a hub and several spoke institutions, involving faculties of multiple departments conducting outstanding research across several disciplines, in a collaborative enabling environment.
“The operationalisation of the ANRF was initiated with the First Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) on September 10, 2024, which was chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister as the President of the Governing Board (GB). ANRF was conceived as a part of National Education Policy 2020 #NEP2020 and expected to develop research culture in our universities,” he added.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established by an Act of Parliament, ANRF Act 2023, to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country.
Prospective institutions meeting eligibility criteria are invited to apply online at anrfonline.in/ANRF/PAIR?Home
For more details on eligibility, funding guidelines, and application deadlines, institutions are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and submit their applications promptly.