Image Courtesy: Free Press Journal

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme to strengthen R&D in higher education institutions across India. Amongst the 31 Hub universities chosen for the initiative, IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune were chosen to represent Maharashtra.

The Hub universities were chosen based on their rankings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the Institutes of Eminence list. They will mentor Spoke institutes ranked below 200 in the NIRF rankings. The selected Hub universities will mentor three to seven Spoke institutes by fostering collaboration and improving research quality in institutions with limited R&D capabilities. The central government will provide ₹100 crore annually to each Hub university, with 70% earmarked for the Spoke institutes.

Shri Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, emphasized the programme’s goal of elevating the quality of research across central and state public universities. “The Hub institutes will guide the Spoke institutes in their research efforts and may co-supervise PhD students. The aim is to publish research in leading indexed journals,” he explained.

In a significant development for researchers, Shri Karandikar also announced the upcoming launch of the Advanced Research Grant (ARG) under the aegis of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) . This initiative will provide faculty and scientists with grants ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore, disbursed as needed through zero-balance accounts. However, the programme will not extend to PhD students.

The ANRF has allocated ₹13,500 crore over five years to fund advanced research, with the possibility of increased funding if the programme delivers strong results. Success will be measured by improved research output, the establishment of new labs, and an increase in patents filed. “The ultimate goal is for all universities to excel in research, making this model unnecessary in the future,” Shri Karandikar added.

With this initiative, the DST aims to create a robust ecosystem for cutting-edge research, bridging gaps in capability and fostering collaboration among institutions across India.

IIT Bombay’s selection highlights its critical role not only in advancing its own research and innovation but also in supporting institutions across the nation. As a mentor under the PAIR program, IIT Bombay takes pride in contributing to the growth of India’s research ecosystem, sharing its expertise to strengthen other universities. This recognition by the government is both an honour and a reflection of the Institute’s dedication to excellence in education and research, ensuring that the collective potential of the country’s academic community is achieved.