Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF)

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a central institution established by the Government of India to promote, coordinate, and fund research and innovation across disciplines. Envisioned as a transformative step toward strengthening India’s knowledge economy, ANRF seeks to unify and expand the country’s fragmented research ecosystem, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and enhance the global visibility of Indian science and technology. The foundation marks a significant policy reform aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises research, innovation, and multidisciplinary learning.

Historical Background

The idea of a single, apex body to guide and fund research in India emerged from the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 and subsequent scientific policy discussions. India’s earlier research funding landscape was diverse but fragmented, managed by several agencies under different ministries such as the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
While these bodies played critical roles, they often operated in isolation, with overlapping mandates and limited coordination. Recognising the need for a more integrated system, the Government introduced the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023, which was passed by Parliament in August 2023. The Bill replaced the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008, and formally established the ANRF as India’s apex research-funding organisation.
The word “Anusandhan” means “research” in Sanskrit, reflecting the foundation’s purpose — to nurture scientific inquiry, innovation, and creativity across all domains of knowledge.

Mandate and Objectives

The ANRF is tasked with guiding the overall strategy for research and innovation in India. Its mandate extends across all major fields of study, including natural sciences, engineering, technology, health sciences, agriculture, social sciences, and humanities. The foundation’s objectives include:

• Promoting high-quality research in universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Developing long-term national research strategies, roadmaps, and thematic priorities.
• Providing funding through competitive grants, fellowships, and collaborative research programmes.
• Encouraging industry participation in research, innovation, and technology development.
• Supporting interdisciplinary and translational research, particularly projects addressing societal challenges.
• Facilitating international collaborations and promoting global partnerships in science and innovation.
• Building capacity in underrepresented institutions, including state universities and colleges.
• Encouraging inclusion of social sciences, arts, and humanities within the broader framework of research development.

Through these functions, ANRF aims to transform India into a global leader in science and innovation, while also ensuring that research outcomes contribute meaningfully to national development and public welfare.

Structure and Governance

The governing structure of the ANRF ensures representation from the highest levels of government, academia, and industry.

• The Prime Minister of India serves as the President of the foundation.
• The Union Minister for Science and Technology and the Union Minister for Education act as Vice Presidents.
• The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India serves as the Member-Secretary.
• The Board of Governors includes eminent scientists, academics, industrialists, policy experts, and representatives from various ministries and state governments.

An Executive Council oversees implementation, project approval, and monitoring of research initiatives. This structure allows ANRF to align research priorities with national policy goals, while maintaining autonomy and flexibility in scientific decision-making.

Funding Mechanism and Financial Structure

The ANRF’s financial model is designed to leverage both public and private investment. Over the first five years, the foundation is expected to mobilise around ₹50,000 crore, of which approximately ₹14,000 crore will be provided by the Central Government. The remaining funds are anticipated from:

• Private sector contributions,
• Philanthropic foundations,
• Public sector enterprises, and
• International research collaborations.

This model reflects the global trend of public–private partnership in research, encouraging industries and corporations to co-invest in national innovation.
To streamline research funding, the ANRF integrates several funding channels, including:

• The Science and Engineering Research Fund, continuing projects previously supported by SERB.
• The Innovation and Translation Fund, to promote technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
• The ANRF Fund, for administrative, capacity-building, and mission-specific purposes.

The foundation provides research support at multiple levels — from individual investigators and early-career scientists to large-scale institutional and interdisciplinary projects.

Key Programmes and Initiatives

ANRF supports a range of research programmes catering to various career stages and thematic areas:

• Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM-ECRG): Offers flexible funding for young researchers to establish independent laboratories and pursue innovative projects.
• Advanced Research Grant (ARG): Targets mid-career and senior scientists working on complex, long-term research challenges.
• Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA): Funds large-scale research projects in critical sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, climate technology, space science, and healthcare.
• Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR): Encourages academia–industry collaboration and the development of market-ready technologies.
• Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG): Focuses on promoting research in state universities, women’s colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
• Centres of Excellence for Research and Analytics: Established in universities to promote cutting-edge research and train future scientists.

The foundation also supports fellowships, research chairs, innovation hubs, and collaborative networks, thereby bridging the gap between education, research, and industrial application.

Significance in the National Context

The establishment of ANRF represents a fundamental restructuring of India’s research landscape. Its significance lies in several dimensions:

1. Unification of Research Ecosystem: ANRF consolidates scattered research schemes under a single strategic framework, improving coordination and reducing duplication.
2. Promotion of Research Culture in Higher Education: By focusing on colleges and state universities, it seeks to democratise access to research funding and build institutional capacity.
3. Boost to Innovation and Industry Collaboration: ANRF encourages private investment in R&D, ensuring that innovations translate into tangible economic and societal benefits.
4. Integration of Humanities and Social Sciences: The foundation recognises the role of social sciences in addressing complex challenges such as climate change, governance, and equity.
5. Alignment with National Vision: It complements national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Digital India, and Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering technological sovereignty and sustainable growth.

Challenges and Implementation Issues

While the ANRF is ambitious in scope, its success depends on effective governance, transparency, and institutional preparedness. Key challenges include:

• Ensuring timely disbursement of funds and efficient grant management.
• Developing a robust peer-review and evaluation system to maintain research quality.
• Balancing basic and applied research, ensuring that curiosity-driven science is not overshadowed by commercial priorities.
• Encouraging private sector participation without compromising academic autonomy.
• Building research infrastructure and mentoring networks in smaller institutions and rural regions.
• Maintaining accountability and ethical standards in the use of funds.

Addressing these challenges will determine whether the ANRF can achieve its goal of transforming India into a global research leader.

Future Outlook and Impact

In the long term, the ANRF is expected to:

• Strengthen India’s global standing in scientific research.
• Enhance the quality and visibility of Indian publications and patents.
• Generate technologies that address national priorities such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and digital transformation.
• Empower universities and colleges to become research-active institutions.
• Foster interdisciplinary and international collaborations.

By bridging the gap between science and society, ANRF aims to ensure that research outcomes contribute to real-world impact, from industrial innovation to rural development.