New Delhi: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) convened the inaugural stakeholder meeting of the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The initiative aims to bridge research disparities across Indian institutions by fostering collaboration and mentorship in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.

Prof. A K Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, highlighted the transformative potential of PAIR. “The program will pair top institutions with others to enhance research facilities and resources, benefiting both the scientific community and students through mentorship and leadership,” he stated.

ANRF CEO and DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar emphasized PAIR's phased approach to strengthening research capabilities. Initially targeting select institutions to promote regional diversity, the program will expand through subsequent phases to elevate research standards nationwide using a hub-and-spoke model.

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, underlined the critical role of research and development in driving national progress and fostering innovation.

The event brought together over 200 academic leaders, addressing their queries and paving the way for collaborative proposals. The PAIR program is set to establish a robust research ecosystem by nurturing emerging institutions through mentorship-driven partnerships.