New Science Research Board ANRF – Anusandhan National Research Foundation: Revolutionizing Science Research in India
The Indian government has initiated the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a new research board that aims to provide strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in various fields of science. With an initial corpus of ₹50,000 crore, the ANRF is set to transform India’s scientific landscape and foster collaboration between the private sector and research institutions. This article discusses the key features of the ANRF and the positive impact it will have on scientific advancement in the country.
1. The Creation of Anusandhan National Research Foundation:
The ANRF, a research funding organization, has recently come into effect in India. With the appointment of Abhay Karandikar as the interim CEO, the ANRF aims to bring together researchers, innovators, and startups to drive scientific progress. The primary objective of this foundation is to provide strategic direction in natural sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and the interfaces between humanities and social sciences.
2. Financial Support and Funding:
The ANRF will have an initial corpus of ₹50,000 crore, with a significant portion of ₹36,000 crore expected to be contributed
by the private sector. The government has also allocated ₹2,000 crore for the ANRF for the financial year 2024-25. This substantial financial support will enable researchers and scientists across disciplines to pursue breakthrough discoveries and innovation.3. Rules and Regulations:
Although the ANRF Act was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 2023, the rules accompanying the act have not yet been made public. However, it is expected that these rules will be notified within 30 days of their public announcement. Once the rules are in place, researchers and stakeholders can benefit from the foundation’s initiatives and grant opportunities.
4. Impact on Scientific Research and Innovation:
The establishment of the ANRF is viewed as a significant milestone for the scientific community in India. It will provide a boost to researchers, scientists, and startups, as they will have access to substantial funding and resources for their research endeavors. The foundation’s expanded mandate, which includes activities beyond the scope of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), will further facilitate groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements.
5. Structure and Leadership:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the administrative department of the ANRF and will be led by a Governing Board comprising eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines. The Prime Minister will serve as the ex-officio President of the Board, while the Union Minister of Science & Technology and Union Minister of Education will act as the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. The Executive Council, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will oversee the day-to-day functioning of the ANRF.
The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation marks a new era in scientific research in India. With its significant financial backing, strategic direction, and collaborative efforts with the private sector, the foundation is poised to accelerate scientific advancements in various fields. The ANRF will create a favorable environment for researchers, scientists, and innovators, enabling them to push boundaries and make groundbreaking contributions to science and technology.
Keywords: Anusandhan National Research Foundation, research funding organization, strategic direction, scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, natural sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, humanities and social sciences, financial support, rules and regulations, Science and Engineering Research Board, impact on scientific research, structure and leadership.