'ANRF SETS STAGE FOR INDIA TO BECOME GLOBAL POWERHOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE'

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) represents a transformative initiative aimed at elevating India to global prominence by building an ecosystem that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking.

- UJWALA CHAKRADEO

ANRF is designed to direct research and innovation across various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, technology, environmental and earth sciences, health, agriculture, and the interdisciplinary space of humanities and social sciences.

One of the central elements of this mission is the establishment of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUS), envisioned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These universities are designed to set high standards for multidisciplinary education in India. The aim is to open up new opportunities for young people, promote interdisciplinary research, and turn India into a global hub for research and development. Educational institutions have already begun to revise their curriculum frameworks for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programmes. With the implementation of choice-based credit systems and the introduction of minor programmes in cutting-edge technologies as per the guidelines of the UGC, students are being encouraged to pursue research and innovation as essential parts of their academic experience.

The NEP 2020 recommends the creation of Research and Development (R&D) cells in every university, encouraging students and faculty to engage in innovative projects that address both local and global challenges. Additionally, there is a strong focus on encouraging women's participation in research and development, acknowledging their vital role in driving change and innovation.

The ANRF Act is a landmark move, aiming not only to fund research but also to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports researchers at every stage of their careers. The act seeks to elevate India's educational institutions by aligning them with global standards while also fostering a culture of high-quality research. By building a robust research infrastructure, it ensures that researchers have access to the resources and mentorship.