Central University secures the prestigious ANRF-PAIR grant as Spoke Institute
The Central University of Karnataka has been selected as Spoke Institute under the prestigious ANRF-PAIR (Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research) programme, an initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in a major boost to its research capabilities.
The research cluster is led by the University of Hyderabad (UoH), which serves as the hub institution.
'This is a highly competitive grant, with ₹100 crore allocated to each successful cluster,' said Director of the Research and Development Cell at Central University N. Sathyanarayana.
'The PAIR programme is designed to fast-track interdisciplinary research with real-world impact. It pairs emerging institutions with significant potential, like Central University, with established, top-tier research universities such as University of Hyderabad. This mentorship-driven, hub-and-spoke model aims to catalyse transformative research and bridge gaps in capabilities,' he said.
The PAIR team at Central University comprises 16 scientists working across diverse domains, including health sciences, synthetic chemistry, biophysics, traditional medicine, crystallography and health economics. In collaboration with University of Hyderabad and six other institutions, the team will focus on major public health challenges, particularly metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and cancers (MICs). Specific target conditions include diabetes, fatty liver disease, dengue, malaria, breast cancer and blood cancer.
To advance biomedical research, the Central University team will also work closely with hospitals and medical institutions in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The research initiatives at the university will be spearheaded by Mr. Sathyanarayana.
Central University Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana expressed his delight over the university's inclusion in this high-impact programme. 'This initiative is a mission-driven approach that addresses societal needs and will help in developing science-based, accessible healthcare solutions. It will also further enhance the university's research infrastructure,' he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university has shown significant progress in securing research funding in the recent years. 'Last year, we received nearly ₹5 crore in extramural grants, including support from the Fund for Improvement of Science & Technology Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (FIST) for the Department of Chemistry. This year, the university has again been awarded several major grants from prestigious agencies such as the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and ANRF, spanning multiple disciplines. These strides will enrich the university's vibrant research and innovation ecosystem,' he said.
Registrar R.R. Biradar congratulated the faculty and research team for this remarkable achievement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
PAIR grant for IIT-I to lead collaborative research network
Indore: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore was recognised as one of seven premier institutions in the country to receive the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) grant. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This substantial funding of Rs 100 crore, awarded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aims to drive significant advancements in the fields of sustainability, healthcare, and materials science. The ANRF-PAIR initiative aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on bridging the gaps in research capacity among Indian educational institutions. Its purpose is to cultivate sustainable research ecosystems through capacity building, resource sharing, research training, and infrastructure enhancement. Professor Suhas Joshi, director of IIT Indore, said, "This grant is a testament to IIT Indore's dedication to advancing interdisciplinary research and creating transformative academic partnerships. Through the SAKSHAM network, we aspire to nurture a collaborative, inclusive, and globally competitive research ecosystem that addresses real-world challenges." As part of this initiative, IIT Indore will spearhead the collaborative research network known as SAKSHAM – Scientific Advancements in Knowledge for Sustainability, Healthcare, and Materials. The network will operate on a mentorship-based hub-and-spoke model and will include six partner institutions: Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (Indore), Vikram University (Ujjain), IIIT Bhopal, Bundelkhand University, NIT Kurukshetra, and RTM Nagpur University. Through the SAKSHAM network, 165 faculty members across 56 departments will work together to conduct interdisciplinary research that aligns with national priorities. The focus areas of the network will include Advanced Materials, Environmental Sustainability, and Health and Medical Technologies.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Hans India
UoH Prof chosen to visit NIMS, Japan under MANA scheme
Hyderabad: Professor GS Vaitheeswaran from the School of Physics, University of Hyderabad (UoH) has been selected to visit the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan, under the International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) scheme for 2026. During his five-week visit from January 13, 2026, to February 20, Professor Vaitheeswaran will collaborate with Professor Kazunari Yamaura's research group on Quantum Solid State Materials. This collaboration aims to explore the technological applications of these materials and establish a long-term research partnership between the University of Hyderabad and Vaitheeswaran is a distinguished researcher with numerous accolades, including the DAE Young Achiever Award, BM Birla Science Prize in Physics, and Fellow Royal Society of Chemistry. He is also listed among the top two per cent scientists globally by the Stanford Survey for 2024 and serves as an Associate Editor of the Bulletin of Materials Science,' said a senior officer, UoH.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Indian Express
It's not enough to overtake another country in GDP rankings. The challenge is to lead in ideas and innovation
India is projected to surpass Japan in nominal GDP as the fourth-largest economy. That is more than just a statistical feat. It is a moment of national pride, but also one of introspection. How do we transform this economic milestone into a sustainable, equitable future? The answer, as history and evidence suggest, lies not just in markets or manpower, but in mastering science. Historically, nations that led the world economically were also those that led in scientific endeavour. The United States' supremacy in the 20th century wasn't only due to capitalism, but its deep investments in basic and applied science — from the transistor and GPS to the Human Genome Project. China's rapid ascent has been propelled by high-tech ambitions, state-driven R&D, and long-term science planning. Sustainable leadership comes not from momentary success but from robust systems rooted in innovation and openness. India's growth so far has been powered by services, IT exports, and consumption. These have delivered gains, but do not constitute the deep, durable foundation that a science-driven economy offers. Episodic success in space or pharma isn't enough. We must build an ecosystem where success becomes systemic, not sporadic. That shift begins with public policy. India currently invests around 0.7 per cent of GDP in R&D — far below the levels of South Korea, Israel, or China. The newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) could be a turning point — if backed by sustained funding, transparent governance, and the right priorities. Basic research, though less visible in the short run, yields far-reaching and longer-lasting economic dividends than applied research. It seeds future technologies, spills across sectors, and fuels cross-border knowledge flows. Second, science must be embedded in education. Beyond IITs and IISc, we need regional universities to become innovation anchors — collaborating with local industries and solving real-world problems. These institutions remain India's most underleveraged resource for scientific decentralisation. This calls for reform: Autonomy in governance, creative pedagogy, and faculty evaluation metrics that reward mentorship, problem-solving, and community engagement. Third, India must develop a confident and future-oriented scientific vision. Economic strength alone does not define national stature. It must be accompanied by purpose, planning, and pride in original thinking. Our innovation goals must be tied to our unique needs: Clean water, energy security, equitable healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. These challenges are not constraints — they are opportunities to lead in frugal, inclusive innovation. Fourth, we must upgrade our industrial strategy. In 2022, high-tech sectors accounted for less than 10 per cent of Indian manufacturing, compared to 30 per cent in South Korea. To rise further, India must foster world-class innovation by building domestic technology clusters — integrating labs, startups, manufacturers, and training institutes, and enabling them with shared infrastructure, IP support, and financing. Fifth, our research evaluation system must evolve. Patents and citations matter, but they cannot be the sole metrics. We must also assess real-world utility, interdisciplinary reach, and long-term societal impact. Scientific culture must reward risk-taking, embrace failure, and support collaboration across domains and institutions. Innovation is rarely linear — it thrives on detours. Sixth, we must address population dynamics in a scientific and sensitive manner. Though India's GDP will eventually surpass Japan's, our per capita income remains significantly lower. A stable population base is essential for translating economic growth into individual prosperity. India's total fertility rate is declining, but unevenly across states. A voluntary, rights-based approach — focusing on education for girls, reproductive health services, and awareness of economic opportunities — can help create a more balanced and empowered demographic landscape. Finally, science must be seen not just as an engine of economic growth, but as a cornerstone of democratic vitality. A society that values curiosity, evidence, and experimentation is better equipped to solve problems, question authority, and nurture a shared sense of purpose. We must build a culture where science is aspirational, inclusive, and woven into everyday life — from classrooms to boardrooms to village labs. India today stands at a crucial juncture: A rising economic power, but still finding its voice as a scientific leader. To move forward, we must make science not just a policy priority but a national ethos. It is not enough to overtake another country in GDP rankings. The true challenge is to lead in ideas, discovery, and innovation. That requires making science the backbone of India's growth story — not just for today's headlines, but for tomorrow's generations. The author is former Director, Agharkar Research Institute, and Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay. Views are personal
