IIT-Bombay and IISER Pune Named Hubs for Advanced National Research Foundation Initiative
IIT-Bombay and IISER Pune Named Hubs for Advanced National Research Foundation Initiative
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, have been designated as Hubs under the Advanced National Research Foundation (ANRF), which is a key initiative aimed at enhancing research capabilities in India’s state-run universities and institutions. Each of these institutions is set to receive ₹100 crore over the next five years for thematic research, contingent upon departmental approval.
This announcement was made by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), during a talk at the University of Mumbai prior to its convocation ceremony on Tuesday. Karandikar emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing basic sciences and shared plans to provide funding to principal investigators through grants ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore over a three-year period.
“To promote research in state-run universities, we are introducing various schemes under ANRF. While the central government is providing substantial funding, we also expect state governments to contribute,” Karandikar stated.
Research across multiple disciplines via T-Hubs.
The ANRF has recognized 31 institutions throughout India as T-Hubs, each aimed at promoting multidisciplinary research. Karandikar noted that these hubs bring together expertise from various fields such as physics, computer science, engineering, and material science, utilizing a Hub-Spoke-Spike model. This approach seeks to enhance collaboration among central hubs, regional research initiatives, and individual researchers, facilitating the sharing of resources and knowledge across institutions.
India’s research output has experienced significant growth, with publications increasing from 78,000 in 2012 to over 2.07 lakh in 2024. This achievement places India among the top five countries globally in 45 out of 64 vital research areas, as reported by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. However, Karandikar recognized that there are still gaps in technology development. “With ANRF, we aim to bridge these gaps by collaborating with industry through various schemes,” he stated.
Emphasis on funding and innovation:
Although gross research expenditure has increased to 0.7% of GDP, contributions from the private sector are still relatively low at 36.4%, while the government contributes 65%. To tackle this issue, ₹14,000 crore has been designated for the ANRF, with plans to establish a ₹1 lakh crore fund to assist deep-tech startups in their early stages.
The ANRF initiative is connected to national missions like the Quantum Technology Mission and the Cyber Systems Mission, which aim to enhance India’s science and technology landscape.
Karandikar highlighted the government’s dedication to fostering a supportive research environment by reducing bureaucratic obstacles. He concluded, “The future of Indian science is brighter than ever.”
The annual convocation of the University of Mumbai took place on January 7, at 10 am in the Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Convocation Hall located in Fort. The ceremony was presided over by Maharashtra Governor and University Chancellor C P Radhakrishnan, with professor Abhay Karandikar, the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, serving as the chief guest.
A total of 1,64,465 graduates will receive their degrees, which includes 85,511 women and 78,954 men.
