The Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program, which the government will introduce, aims to improve research capacities in higher education institutions (HEIs) by establishing a collaborative mentorship environment between elite research institutions and those with limited research capability.
The choice was made on Tuesday during the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)’s first Governing Board meeting, according to Prof. Abhay Karandikar, the Department of Science and Technology’s secretary.
In a post-meeting press briefing, Karandikar brought attention to a critical problem impeding India’s research potential: now, less than 1 percent of the 40,000 higher education institutions in the country are involved in research activities.
“Through PAIR, ANRF will link top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment,” he stated.
The goal is to create a “Hub and Spoke” framework that will enable these institutions to systematically enhance their research excellence, he said.
Additionally, ANRF is set to launch the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) to focus on critical areas of research.
The programme, according to Karandikar, will “catalyse multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaborations to address scientific challenges”.
Priority areas for immediate focus include electric vehicle mobility and advanced materials.
The ANRF, established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to propel India to the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement.
Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, outlined ANRF’s broad mission.
“ANRF is set to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country, with a focus on diverse fields, including natural sciences, engineering, technology, environmental and earth sciences and health,” he said.
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Source: ET
