The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the ‘Partnership for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)’ an initiative to enhance research capabilities of universities particularly Central and State public institutions in the country.PAIR is a multi-institutional programme to boost research capability of institutions, where research is relatively at nascent stage, through a mentorship-driven hub and spoke framework by pairing them with well-established top tier institutions. Hubs will guide emerging institutions (spokes) in research activities, provide access to harness their resources and expertise, thus bridging the gap between institutions and nurturing a robust research ecosystem in the country.

The PAIR programme was launched on November 14, 2024 and no universities and institutions have been selected so far under the programme. Also, No fund release has been made so far under the programme.

The programme will be fully funded by the Central Government through Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).  

Institutions/universities will be identified from among the ones with the following eligibility criteria. Hub Institutions should be those institutions within 25 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) overall rankings in the preceding two years or institutions of national importance within 26 to 50 NIRF overall ranking in the preceding two years. Spoke Institutions should be Central Universities and State Public Universities within 200 NIRF overall ranking or within 200 NIRF University ranking or within 100 NIRF State Public University ranking, excluding those eligible as Hubs. Additionally, other Central and State Public Universities which are not NIRF ranked but have potential in specific research areas, are also eligible as spoke institutions, subject to a maximum of one such institution in each PAIR Network. Select emerging National Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Information Technology with promising research competence are also eligible as spoke institutions. Each PAIR network will consist of a Hub and 3 to 7 spoke institutionsand to ensure regional diversity, at least one spoke institution must be located outside the State of the Hub institution. Based on the merit of the proposal, ANRF, on recommendation of an Apex Committee of ANRF, will select the PAIR network.

This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/KS

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