” Prime Minister Modi chairs the inaugural meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, outlining a transformative vision for India’s research ecosystem, including localized solutions, enhanced funding, and strategic focus areas ”
INVC NEWS
New Delhi : In a landmark event that marks a significant turning point for India’s research and development sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the inaugural meeting of the Governing Body of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This pivotal meeting underscored the Prime Minister’s vision to enhance India’s scientific capabilities and foster innovation through strategic interventions and resource optimization.
PM Modi Emphasizes a New Beginning for Research in India
The first meeting of the ANRF’s Governing Body, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, signaled a groundbreaking start for India’s approach to research and development. The Prime Minister articulated a clear commitment to identifying and removing obstacles within the country’s research ecosystem. His emphasis on setting ambitious targets and pursuing path-breaking research is set to redefine how research initiatives are approached and executed.
Localized Solutions for Global Problems
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of localized solutions to address global challenges. While global problems often require global cooperation, the Prime Minister stressed that solutions must be tailored to meet Indian needs. This approach ensures that research and innovations are not only relevant but also practical and implementable within the Indian context.
Upgradation and Standardisation of Institutions
The discussion also covered the necessity for the upgradation and standardisation of research institutions across the country. The Prime Minister suggested creating a comprehensive list of domain experts based on their specific expertise. This move is intended to streamline research efforts and ensure that institutions are equipped to handle the evolving demands of scientific inquiry.
Development of a Research and Development Dashboard
To enhance transparency and accessibility, the Prime Minister proposed the development of a dashboard for tracking research and development activities. This digital platform will facilitate real-time monitoring and provide valuable insights into ongoing research projects, thus promoting better coordination and efficiency.
Scientific Monitoring and Resource Utilisation
A key highlight of the meeting was the Prime Minister’s call for scientific monitoring of resource utilization for research and innovation. He assured the scientific community of adequate resources and emphasized that there should be no shortage of support for their endeavors. This assurance is expected to bolster confidence among researchers and encourage more ambitious projects.
Evaluation of Atal Tinkering Labs
The Prime Minister also touched upon the success of the Atal Tinkering Labs, suggesting that these labs be subject to a grading system. This evaluation will help in recognizing the effectiveness of these labs and ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the innovation ecosystem.
Focus Areas for Research and Development
During the meeting, several strategic focus areas were identified, including:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Mobility
- Advanced Materials
- Solar Cells
- Smart Infrastructure
- Health & Medical Technology
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Photonics
These areas were chosen for their potential to drive impactful innovations and contribute to India’s progress towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The ANRF’s programmes will be launched in a mission mode to tackle these priority areas effectively.
Hub and Spoke Model for Research Institutions
One of the key strategies discussed was the hub and spoke model, which involves pairing universities with nascent research capabilities with top-tier institutions in a mentorship role. This initiative aims to enhance research quality and output by leveraging the expertise and resources of established institutions to support emerging ones.
Empowering Researchers with Flexible Funding Mechanisms
The Governing Body emphasized the need to empower researchers through flexible and transparent funding mechanisms. This approach will facilitate an ease of doing research, allowing scientists and researchers to focus on their work without being hindered by bureaucratic constraints.
Centers of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research
To support interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences, the establishment of Centers of Excellence was agreed upon. These centers will provide the necessary infrastructure and support to foster collaborative research across various disciplines.
Aligning ANRF Strategies with Viksit Bharat 2047
The ANRF’s strategies will align with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047, a vision for India’s development over the next two decades. The Governing Body underscored the importance of adopting global best practices in research and development to ensure that India’s efforts are on par with international standards.
Conclusion
The first meeting of the ANRF’s Governing Body represents a significant step forward in reshaping India’s research landscape. With a focus on removing obstacles, localized solutions, and strategic interventions, the foundation is set for a transformative era in Indian science and technology. The establishment of frameworks for effective research management, coupled with robust support mechanisms, promises to elevate India’s position on the global research map and contribute to the realization of the nation’s long-term goals.
