Department of Microbial Biotechnology

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) accepting proposals to
establish "convergence" research Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to undertake
cutting edge, innovative and impactful research at the interface of Science,
Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences and Society.

These Centres will address complex societal challenges that require
integrated perspectives from both technical and social sciences/humanities
domains.

Contemporary societal challenges requires integrated, trans-disciplinary
solutions. Critical challenges at the regional and national level
necessitates a new generation of interdisciplinary research that brings
together the depth of the core sciences with the contextual insight of the
social sciences and humanities. In the advent of modern technologies such as
artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, etc., the
interdisciplinary approaches will aid in understanding the regional
socioeconomic problem and also pave way to achieve the sustainable
development goals.

Program Objectives:

The program encourages multi-disciplinary research approach to address the
challenging societal problems in some of the indicative thematic areas at
the intersection of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences and
Humanities. The proposed centres are expected to:

*         Catalyse interdisciplinary research at the interface of the
natural sciences, engineering, and the social sciences and humanities.

*         Establish institutional platforms that anchor high-impact,
transdisciplinary research aligned with societal priorities.

*         Promote the deep integration of scientific knowledge within social
science and humanities frameworks to address complex and systemic
challenges.

*         Foster long-term academic partnerships to accelerate research,
build capacity, and create public value at the science-society interface.

The centre will be anchored in the institution/department specialized in
social sciences and humanities, should collaborate with investigators from
Science, Technology or Policy research areas as partners from the same or in
other institution(s).

The centres can also involve investigators from management science
disciplines as a strategic partners to provide practical solutions for
implementation in real world condition.

Fostering partnerships between Social Science and Humanities scholars and
researchers from Science, Engineering, and Technology domains will aid in
catalysing a shift toward integrated knowledge ecosystems, and inculcate a
culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration in response to global
challenges. Furthermore, research outcome or findings will contribute to
societal and economic development, promotes technological innovation, and
progress society. Research teams from Social Sciences and Humanities are
encouraged to submit the project proposal in collaboration with natural and
applied scientists. The proposals that are impactful, innovative and taking
a bold stride in addressing societal problems will be supported under this
program.

Nature and duration of support:

The nature of funding support will be aligned with the scope and proposed
thematic areas defined by ANRF.

Each project will be supported for a maximum period of 5 years, with a
maximum funding of INR 25 crore.

We can assist in the application process.

Request for telecon.

Warm Regards,

Ranen
+91-8097578752