The Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (IRHPA) program of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) supports proposals in high priority areas where multidisciplinary / multi-institutional expertise is required which will put our nation in international science map in that particular discipline. The Scheme is designed to provide major support to a few selected areas of research that have high priority from the viewpoint of advances in fundamental science and that can be of great significance for scientific and technological development. SERB identifies the priority areas and makes a national call for seeking proposals. The necessary facilities required for implementing the identified high priority areas will be supported through this scheme.

The project will be set up around established research groups led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with at least two co-PIs of complementary expertise from different departments / institutes to transform the program truly interdisciplinary and multi institutional. The duration of the project is normally for a period of 5 years.

Instructions for Online Application
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

1. Principal Investigator (PI) should first register into the online website. click here to register
2. After successful registration, user will be sent a confirmation mail on registered emaiID .User must click on the url provided in the mail to confirm registration.
3. After log-in, Principal Investigator (PI) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Detail section under User Profile. which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address etc.
4. Ensure that all CO-PI"s in your proposal are registered into the system and has filled Profile Detail section under User Profile which includes Bio data, photo, Institute Address, etc.
5. Some of the details of your proposal like Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Budget (Manpower, Consumables, Travel, Equipment, Contingency, Overheads) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
6. Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded in single PDF file not more than 10 MB as other technical document (OTD). Download Template

Objective :
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been recently established by an Act of Parliament, ANRF Act 2023, to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the President of the ANRF Governing Board, the foundation is set to commence several new initiatives to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem and accelerate scientific advancement through programs with diverse mandates as well as a series of measures to enhance ease of doing research.

Early career researchers are at the forefront of innovation and excellence, playing a vital role in the scientific and technological progress of the country. ANRF recognises that early career researchers are committed to produce research of the highest quality, bringing in new skills, breakthrough ideas and the zest to explore new frontiers, thereby expanding the boundaries of knowledge. This commitment of the early career researchers will significantly contribute in driving the ambitions of ANRF in positioning the country as a global leader in science and technology as well as creating a vibrant research ecosystem. ANRF considers its responsibility to empower and support the early career researchers in their pursuit of research excellence, providing them with an enabling environment to effectively conduct research with ease and flexibility. Pursuant to this objective, ANRF is initiating the program, Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant with a flexible budget and progressive initiatives for ease of doing research.

ANRF invites early career researchers to be part of the transformative journey in leading the country to the forefront of scientific excellence.

Nature & Duration of Support :

• Research grant of Rs. 60 lakh plus overheads for a period of three years.
• The measures for ease of doing research include flexibility to utilize resources under recurring head; flexibility in manpower recruitment; enhanced travel, contingency and overhead charges; and support for expenses related to open access publications and patent filing changes.
• International travel for project related activities is also permitted.
• Maximum of 700 grants would be awarded per year across all subject areas.

(PM ECRG subsumes the Startup Research Grant (SRG) scheme of erstwhile SERB)

Eligibility :

• The applicant should be an Indian citizen. PIO/OCI working as regular employees in any of the public funded and recognized R&D laboratories/institutions in India are eligible to apply as PI in collaboration with an Indian Co-PI, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria notified by ANRF (ANRF Funding Guidelines for PIO/OCI). The applicant should hold a PhD degree in Science or Engineering or MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree.
• The applicant must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution, national laboratories, or any other recognized R&D institution.
• The applicant is eligible to apply within two years of joining the institution.
• The upper age limit for PM ECRG would be 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically challenged and women candidates.
• Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Ad-hoc faculties, Guest faculties, Visiting Scientists, Consultants, Project Fellows and faculty members whose contract is renewed every year are not eligible under PM ECRG. In respect of cases that are not mentioned above, ANRF reserves the right to determine the eligibility.
• Co-PIs are not allowed except in the case of PIO/OCI.
• The applicant should not have received YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG (erstwhile EMR) or any other grant of the erstwhile SERB or ANRF.

Mode of Application and Selection :

• The Call for applications will be notified through the website www.anrfonline.in. The application should be submitted online at www.anrfonline.in (Note : Already registered PIs with the SERBONLINE portal (www.serbonline.in) may Login using the same credentials).
• Selection will be based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee constituted by the Board.

Termination and Transfer of the Project :

• If any Principal Investigator (PI) wishes to terminate the project, they shall inform ANRF immediately with proper justifications. The implementing institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of the PI. The institute must also arrange for the submission of relevant documents.
• ANRF reserves the right to terminate the project at any stage if it is convinced that (i) appropriate progress is not being made, (ii) the grant has not been utilized properly, or (iii) furnishing of false information or suppression of factual information.
• Projects sanctioned under PM ECRG cannot be transferred to any other person/s.
• Transfer of approved/sanctioned PM ECRG project to another institution will be considered only in the following cases: (i) From private/public/government institution to any other public/government institution, (ii) General administrative transfers in government or public funded institutions.
• Change of institute will not be considered in any other cases.

Other conditions :

• An applicant is eligible to apply only one proposal during a call.
• The PM ECRG would be a one-time career grant.
• Extension of the project tenure is not permitted under PM ECRG.

How to Apply Online :
For online submission of the application, the following points may be noted:

• Applicants should register in the ANRF online portal, www.anrfonline.in (click here to register).
• After login, applicants are required to fill in all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile, which includes Bio-data, photo, Institute Address, etc.
• Some of the details of the proposal like Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of the project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Budget (Manpower, Consumables, Travel, Equipment, Contingency, Overheads) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
• Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded as a single PDF file, not more than 10 MB, as technical document (TD).

Documents Required (in PDF) :

• Biodata (under user profile section) Download
• Certificate from Principal Investigator Download
• Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution Download
• Age Proof Certificate (Class X marksheet or Birth certificate)
• Category Certificate (in case of Age Relaxation)
• Plagiarism Undertaking Download

Formats and Guidelines

The details of Programme Advisors / Coordinators and Programme Officers are given below:

Objectives :
This scheme aims to encourage emerging and eminent women researchers for an individual-centric and competitive mode of research funding to undertake R&D activities in frontier areas of science and engineering.

Eligibility :

1. Applicants [Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator(s) (Co-PI(s))] should be Indian citizens.
2. The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution or national laboratory or in any other recognized R&D institution in India.
3. Applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions will be considered under Level I Category, whereas applicants from State Universities / Colleges and Private Academic Institutions should apply under Level II Category.
4. There is a mandatory requirement for female CO-PI from the same institute.
5. Male CO-PI is not allowed in POWER Grant Research Scheme.
6. PhD guide cannot be a CO-PI.
7. PIs who have already got a POWER Grant, are not allowed to apply again in POWER Grant Scheme.
8. JC Bose fellows and the PIs who have already completed two CRG are not allowed to apply for POWER Grant Research Scheme.
9. The number of CO-PIs should not exceed two per project.
10. The budget under the equipment head is limited to not more than Rs 14 lakh for Tier II institutions (30 lakh limit).

Nature and Duration of Support :
POWER Grants will empower women researchers by funding them under following two categories:

1. Level I: The scale of funding up to 60 lakhs for three years.
2. Level II: The scale of funding up to 30 lakhs for three years.
3. The POWER Grant is provided for equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, and contingency. "Overheads" is also being provided to the implementing institution as per prevailing norms of SERB.
4. POWER Grant will be regulated through terms of reference conforming to SERB-CRG guidelines.

Application & Selection Procedure :
The SERB-Core Research Grant (CRG) Platform will be used to identify and support women scientists under the POWER Research Grant component. The proposals will be received only in direct mode.

The selection will be based on the recommendations of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) constituted by the Board. If required, the applicants may be called for discussion/ presentation.

Considering the overwhelming response for the fixed grant scheme MATRICS, devised for active researchers pursuing Mathematical Sciences and the demand from researchers belonging to other Theoretical Sciences, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has decided to extend the fixed grant scheme to other Theoretical Sciences including Quantitative Social Sciences.

Objective :
To provide fixed grant support to active researchers with good credentials in Mathematical Sciences, Theoretical Sciences and Quantitative Social Sciences. The main attribute of this scheme would be submission of a simple 1-2 page mathematical/theoretical proposal. The funding provided would cater to the specific needs of Mathematical/Theoretical Sciences research.

Scope :
Mathematical Sciences (MS): Mathematical and allied areas Theoretical Sciences (TS): All areas of Science and Engineering (other than mathematical and allied areas) Quantitative Social Sciences (QSS): Quantitative Social Sciences which involves quantitative analysis using mathematical, statistical or computational techniques in the areas of Social Sciences

Nature of Support :
Research grant of Rs. 2 lakh p.a. plus overheads for a period of three years.

Purpose for which grants can be used :

1. Purchase of text books and monographs.
2. Purchase of minor equipment such as workstation, laptop, etc.
3. Purchase of software for research purposes.
4. Travel support and payment of registration fee for invited talks or presenting a paper in national and international conferences.
5. Travel support for collaborative visits in India and abroad.
6. Travel support and other logistics for inviting students and young researchers for research activities.

Eligibility :

1. The applicant should be an active researcher in the field of (i) Mathematical Sciences and allied areas; (ii) Science and Engineering (excluding mathematical sciences) or (iii) Social Sciences involving quantitative analysis using mathematical, statistical and computational techniques.
2. The applicant should hold a Ph.D. or M.D./ M.S. / M.D.S./ M.V.Sc degree and must be working on regular basis in academic institutions/national labs or any other recognized R&D institutions.
   
   [The term “Regular” refers to: (1) Those who are appointed by the institutions against the ‘sanctioned‘ post and are regularized/confirmed after the probation period is over (2) Those who are appointed in a tenure post, but are likely to be renewed after the end of the tenure].
3. The applicant should have completed Ph.D. or M.D./ M.S. / M.D.S./ M.V.Sc degree atleast five years prior to the submission of proposal, in order to have gained individual experience.
4. The applicant should have at least four years of service remaining before superannuation as on the date of submission of the proposal.

Restrictions :

1. An applicant is eligible to submit only one proposal during a call.
2. PIs who have received grant under MATRICS/CREST cannot apply under SERB International Travel Support Scheme during the project duration.
3. Co-PIs are not allowed in the scheme.
4. Pls who have availed MATRICS grant can re-apply under the MATRICS Scheme only after completion of a two years cooling period started from the end date of previous MATRICS grant.
5. There is no provision for extension of project duration.

Mode of Application and Selection :
The call for applications will be notified through the website www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in. The proposal should be submitted online only at www.serbonline.in. The selection will be based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee and the criteria of consideration would be (1) credentials of PI (2) publications record and (3) mathematical/theroretical content of the proposal.

Review of Work Done :
At the end of each year, the recipients should upload annual report including list of publications and details of talks given in conferences and collaborations that have been initiated.

Plagiarism :
Proposals submitted need to be original and plagiarism in any form will not be acceptable. All submitted proposals would be subjected to a third party similarity check and proposals are liable to be rejected if found plagiarised. Any text taken verbatim from other source needs to be identified using quotation marks and proper reference. Applicants are requested to pre-check their proposals for plagiarism before uploading to avoid any serious repercussions at a later stage.

Scientific Social Responsibility :
SERB has adopted Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy to imbibe a culture of social commitment among SERB Grantees. The policy intends to effectively utilize scientific infrastructure and expertise of SERB grantees to benefit other S&T stakeholders especially the less-endowed researchers and the society. SSR activities need to be chosen after approval and SERB Grantees need to undertake these SSR activities during their project period.

How to Apply Online :

1. Applicants should first register in the online website,www.serbonline.in
2. After log-in applicants are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Details Section under User Profile which includes Bio data (as per defined template), Photo, Institute Address, etc.
3. Some of the details required to be entered for proposal submission include Project Title (max 500 characters), Mathematics review subject classification in case of MATRICS, Keywords (max 6), Project summary (max 3000 characters), etc.

Documents required (in PDF) :

1. Bio-data
2. 1-2 page(s) project proposal Download Template

International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme provides financial assistance to Indian researchers for presenting a research paper in an international scientific event (conference, seminar, workshop etc.) held abroad. In addition, support is also provided to young scientists (age limit below 35 years as on date of start of the event) for attending training programmes, Short-term schools and Workshops. Economy class air-fare by shortest route from Air India, airport-tax and visa fees are provided under the scheme. Registration fee as per actual or Rs. 50,000/- whichever is less will be provided to young scientist (Age < 35 on the date of start of event) in addition to the above support. Applications can be submitted within the window of 60-90 days in advance from the date of start of the event. The system will not accept early or late submission of applications. However, applicant who has already submitted a proposal will not be eligible to apply again within next 90 days from the date of submission of the first application.

How and When to Apply :

1. The researchers are required to apply online through the portal www.serbonline.in between 60-90 days in advance prior to the start date of the event. The system will not accept early or late submission of applications.

Formats and Guidelines


The details of Programme Advisors / Coordinators and Programme Officers are given below:

Enclosure required pertaining to the events :
Mandatory For All Appplicants

1. Certificate from the ConvenerDownload Template

Additional enclosure (for events being organized by Registered Societies) :

1. Local Chapters of the Society if not registered separately should submit their application only through their registered body. (Grants, if approved, will be released only in favor of main Society).
2. Registration Certificate of Society.
3. Memorandum of Association & Byelaws.
4. Audited Statement of Accounts of the Society for previous three years.
5. Latest Annual Report along with society elected members list.
6. Audited Income & Expenditure Statement and Utilization Certificates in respect of the grants received from SERB during previous three financial years.
7. NGO Darpan Portal Proof Document (For more information, please visit ngodarpan.gov.in)
8. Affidavit (Bond) on Rs. 100/- stamp. Download Template

Additional enclosures (for events being organized by private Colleges including Private Medical & Engineering Colleges) :

1. Letter of Affiliation/recognition thus obtained from regulatory bodies vis., UGC, AICTE, Central/State Universities;
2. A Resolution passed by the Governing Council thereby authorizing the Head of the Institution to receive the financial assistance from SERB.
3. Audited Income & Expenditure Statement and Utilization Certificates in respects of the grants received under this scheme during previous three financial years.
4. NGO Darpan Portal Proof Document (For more information, please visit ngodarpan.gov.in)
5. Affidavit (Bond) on Rs. 100/- stamp. Download Template

Important Notes :
The following acts / items may reject an application immediately, if found in a submitted application at any stage.

1. If an applicant fills different dates of an event instead of the lapsed / original dates to escape the days restriction protocol for submission of an application.
2. If the endorsement letter is not being authenticated by the Head of the institution.
3. If the information being filled on online portal is not matching with the submitted brochure / other documents, i.e. title of the event, dates etc.
4. If blank / other paper(s) have been submitted instead of the required mandatory documents while submission of an application.

"Accelerate Vigyan" (AV) strives to provide a big push to high-end scientific research and prepare scientific manpower which can venture into research careers and knowledge-based economy. Recognizing that all research has at its base as development of quality, well-trained researchers; AV will initiate and strengthen mechanisms of identifying research potential, mentoring, training and hands-on workshops, on a broad-based national scale. The aim is to expand the research base in the country, with three broad goals - consolidation / aggregation of all scientific training programs, initiating High end Orientation Workshops and creating opportunities for Research Internships.

This scheme is primarily to focus on young potential researchers with an aim to give an opportunity to them to spend quality time in the pre-identified premier institution, labs / organizations and empower them through best practices and environment, so that they acquire the requisite skills and vision for undertaking future research assignments requiring high standards. This will be achieved through two modes of learning, that is high end workshops & research internships. The aim is to reach out to those students from the universities / institutes / recognised colleges, who do not have access and exposure to such facilities and environment. Three key words: Encouragement, Aggregation and Consolidation. The SERB, through some of its existing programmes facilitates various forums for scientists and technologists by providing complete or partial grant-in-aid to scientific organizations and professional bodies to organize seminar / symposia, technical workshops, winter / summer schools etc, while the organizers of such events solicit funds from other funding bodies too. However, such efforts of all these ministries / departments and beneficiaries of such programs, often remains unnoticed for the want of a common database. Thus, another component of the AV aims towards branding and aggregation of all the scientific workshops and training programs conducted in the country under a common roof and logo of "Accelerate Vigyan".

With suitable intervention, liaison and facilitation, SERB will centrally coordinate with the other ministries/departments/organizations for achieving the three goals of AV. The AV will work on mission mode and an Inter-Ministerial Overseeing Committee (IMOC) among all the scientific ministries / departments as well as few others, constituted for the purpose will help and support SERB in implementing the scheme as a successful embodiment. The database of skilled manpower developed across different disciplines so generated and the final outcomes captured in the process will serve the cause of students, teachers, science administrators and other stakeholders, in respect of capacity building in the country to promote Science R&D.

In a nutshell, Accelerate Vigyan is expected to be a game changer for developing career paths and providing support to catalogue the skilled manpower development.

ABOUT SCHEME :
Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) Program of ANRF addresses priority-driven, solution-focused research in mission-mode that would catalyse multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary and multi-investigator collaboration to address scientific challenges and advance the frontiers of technology in key scientific areas.

ANRF has identified Electric Vehicle (EV) Mobility as the first priority area of focus under MAHA program.

The objective of the EV-Mission is to promote research & development of Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in India, fostering an ecosystem that enables self-reliance and global competitiveness. This involves research & development in some of the key EV components such as batteries, motors and controllers, power electronics, and related subsystems, chargers, grid interface to meet our current technological requirements on one side as well as doing cutting edge futuristic research to attain future global leadership, enhance domestic R&D capabilities, and position India as a hub for development of EV components thereby promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and aligning with the goals of Viksit Bharat. The relevant approach is required to bridge the current gaps through targeted research with an aim of indigenisation, and value chain self-sufficiency as well as aiming global leadership by working on areas which have not yet succeeded.

The proposals in consortia mode are invited under EV mission for establishing Electric Mobility Nodes (e-Nodes) in the country. An e-Node should be focused on at least one of the specified technology verticals. Each e-Node in a specific technology vertical will consist of about 3-4 academic institutions/R&D laboratories with provision for inclusion of startups/PSU/industry partners working in the respective domain. The Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) and PIs of these institutions will form an e-Node aligned with technology verticals and the e-Node will be located in the lead institution. The LPI will serve as the primary point of contact for coordination and cooperation among the other Principal Investigators (PIs) within each e-Node.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND OTHER DETAILS :

• Applicants [Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) and Principal Investigator (s) (PI (s))] should be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are also eligible to apply provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria notified by ANRF.
• The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution/national laboratory/ any other recognized R & D institution in India with proven track record in the relevant domain.
• Private Academic institutions with valid UGC / AICTE / PCI approval, Private R&D Institutions with valid DSIR-SIRO recognition and Voluntary and Non-Governmental Organizations registered under NITI-AAYOG Darpan portal are eligible to host a project.
• LPI should be having at least 5 years of service remaining at the time of submission of the proposal.
• ANRF may suggest restructuring the proposals and reorganisation of the members of the consortia based on the nature of area of work, merits and technology requirements. Accordingly, it may request revised project proposals from the e-Nodes.
• Proposals submitted must be original in ideation and content. Applicants are requested to pre- check their proposals for plagiarism before uploading. Plagiarism in any form will not be acceptable. All submitted proposals would be subjected to a third-party similarity check and proposals are liable to be rejected if found plagiarised. Any text taken verbatim from other source needs to be identified using quotation marks and proper reference.

GENERAL CONDITIONS :

• Project proposals with multiple PIs and multiple institutions/laboratories are invited in consortium mode from academia/research agencies/industry.
• The e-Node is required to be led by faculties/ scientists with proven track record in related areas and working in regular position in recognized academic institutions, public funded R&D Institution/ Laboratories, etc. The lead applicant should identify the e-Node partners, their roles and responsibilities and work towards the project targets/objectives for the successful completion. Post selection of the project, funds will be allocated to lead applicant which will in turn be distributed to other academic/ R&D lab partners.
• Participation of relevant industries/PSUs/start-ups is mandatory. The industry partner is expected to provide funding in cash or kind (in the way of extending R&D facilities, providing vehicles or systems for testing and validation, etc.) towards the successful execution of the project. At least 10% of the project cost should be supported by the Industry.
• The research grant is provided under the capital head for equipment including software, license fees and warranty charges, plant cost/fabrication systems/demonstration models; and under general head for research personnel, consumables, travel, contingency and other cost (user charges/outsource work etc.) etc. "Overhead" is also be provided to the implementing institution as per prevailing norms of ANRF.
• It is critical to be able to attract talent for these mission projects in areas of national priorities. Appropriate steps shall be initiated to ensure attractive scholarships, top-up fellowships, honoraria, staff salaries etc. as applicable and permissible under various organisational and institutional frameworks.
• At least one e-Node from each Technology Vertical will be established.
• Research proposals leading to the development of technology and products that are commercialized at the industry level will be prioritised for funding. Clear paths to global IP generation and technology transfer may be provided.
• In an e-Node, a maximum of 3 PIs shall be involved from the same institution.

SELECTION AND MODE OF APPLICATION :

• Lead-PI is eligible to apply only one proposal during a call.
• The Call for applications is notified through online portal of ANRF www.anrfonline.in. The proposals under EV mission should be submitted in online mode only through online portal of ANRF. The proposals submitted in any other mode/platform will not be considered by ANRF.
• The selection will be based on the recommendations of Mission Advisory Committee (MAC) constituted by ANRF. If required, the applicants maybe called for discussion/ presentation.

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE :
For online submission of the application, the following points may be noted:

• Applicants should register in the ANRF online portal, www.anrfonline.in (click here to register).
• After login, applicants are required to fill in all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile, which includes Bio-data, photo, Institute Address, etc.
• Some of the details of the proposal such as Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of the project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Budget (Manpower, Consumables, Travel, Equipment, Contingency, Overheads) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
• Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded as a single PDF file.

Documents Required (in PDF) :

• Performa (LPI) Download
• Performa (PI (s)) Download
• Endorsement from Lead and Collaborative Institutes. Download
• Consent letter from Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) and Principal Investigator (s) (PIs). Download
• Proof of Concept by Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)/Principal Investigator (s) (PIs). Download
• Plagiarism undertaking Download
• Other Technical Details (OTD) Download

TIMELINES :

Announcement of Call: October 14, 2024

Deadline for submission of project proposals: November 25, 2024

Formats and Guidelines