The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the launch of the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme.

• 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 Prime Minister as the President of the Governing Board (GB).

Key Initiatives Announced at ANRF’s First Meeting

• Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA): Focus on solution-driven research in priority areas such as EV mobility, Advanced Materials, Solar Cells, and Health & Medical Technology.
• ANRF Centre of Excellence (ACE): Establishing world-class research centers with significant funding support.
• Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) : To transform research and innovation across Indian universities using a hub-and-spoke model.
• These initiatives align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to transform Research and Development across India.

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About Anusandhan National Research Foundation

• Established by: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act 2023.
• Recommended by: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Apex body for: Providing strategic direction for scientific research in India.
• Aim: To promote and nurture R&D activities and foster a culture of research and innovation in Indian universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• Integration: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008, has been subsumed under the ANRF.

Governing Board of ANRF

• Headed by: Prime Minister of India.
• Vice Presidents: Union Ministers for Science and Technology and Education.
• Member Secretary: Principal Scientific Advisor.
• Other Members: Secretaries of the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Scientific and Industrial Research.
• Executive Council: With Principal Scientific Advisor as Chairman.
• Key Functions:
  • Evaluate applications for grants.
  • Prepare budgets and maintain accounts of the Foundation.

About PAIR

• Objective: The Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme aims to enhance research and innovation capabilities in Indian universities with limited research infrastructure. 

• • This is achieved through a mentorship-driven hub and spoke model involving collaborations between high-ranking institutions (hubs) and emerging institutions (spokes).
• Ministry: Under Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Implementing Body: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act 2023.

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Concept of PAIR (Hub and Spoke Model)

• Hub Institutions: In the first phase, the Hub institutions would include institutions within the top 25 NIRF overall ranking as well as Institutions of National Importance within top 50 NIRF overall ranking.
  • Serve as mentors and provide access to resources and expertise.
• Spoke Institutions: Central and State Public Universities ranked in the top 200 (NIRF Overall) as well as  top 100 (NIRF University/State Public University Rankings).
  • Eligibility conditions will be expanded to include other universities and institutions in subsequent phases
• Budget Structure:
  • Maximum funding per network: ₹100 crore.
  • 30% allocated to hub institutions.
  • 70% allocated to spoke institutions.
  • Private institutions acting as hubs must contribute 25% of their allocated budget.
• The PAIR programme aims to:
  • Establish a robust research ecosystem through collaborative mentorship.
  • Boost research quality and innovation in emerging institutions.
  • Promote regional diversity and improve infrastructure for impactful, globally competitive research.

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