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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the "Prime Minister Professorships" program to boost research in state universities.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

It was established through ANRF Act (2023), as an independent body, to catalyze and fund high-quality scientific research across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio President of the Governing Board, with the Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education as ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
The total estimated outlay over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) is ₹50,000 crore.

Budgetary provision of Rs. 14,000 crore is made from the Central Government
The remaining amount will be sourced through donations from other source, including from public sector enterprises, the private sector, philanthropist organizations, foundations or international bodies.

What is the main idea behind the Prime Minister Professorships?

Use the knowledge and experience of top scientists, especially those who have retired, to make research better in state universities.

Who is eligible to become a Prime Minister Professor?

Scientists who have retired can apply.
Scientists from other countries can apply, including:

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Indians living abroad.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): People of Indian descent living abroad.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): Foreign citizens of Indian origin.

People with a strong research and innovation background from private companies or industries can also apply.
Experienced "Professors of Practice" => These are experts who have a lot of practical experience and a "distinguished record" in research and innovation.

"Professor of Practice" is a relatively new concept in Indian academia, aimed at bringing real-world industry and practical expertise into universities, often without requiring traditional academic qualifications like PhDs if they have extensive professional experience.

What financial benefits do the selected professors receive?

Annual Fellowship => Each selected professor receives ₹30 lakh per year as a fellowship.

Research Grant => They also get ₹24 lakh per year as a research grant. This fund covers things like:

Consumables: Materials used in experiments (e.g., chemicals, lab supplies).
Domestic Travel: Money for trips within India related to their research.
Contingencies: Funds for unexpected expenses.
Equipment: Money to buy necessary research tools.

An additional ₹1 lakh per year is provided for administrative costs or other general expenses.

How does this new program compare to the previous one for retired scientists?

The new Prime Minister Professorships offer more support and are more inclusive.

Previous Scheme => The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which is now part of the ANRF, used to run a similar program. It offered a research grant of ₹20 lakh per year and a monthly fellowship of ₹60,000.

New Scheme => Offers a higher annual fellowship (₹30 lakh v/s ₹7.2 lakh from the old monthly fellowship) and a higher research grant (₹24 lakh v/s ₹20 lakh). It opens the doors to overseas scientists and industry professionals, making it much broader.

Where will these selected Professors work?

The selected professors must work at State universities. These universities are classified as "spoke" institutions under the Promoting Advanced and Inclusive Research (PAIR) program.

The PAIR initiative is designed to help universities that are just starting to develop their research capabilities. It connects them with top-tier research institutions in a "mentorship arrangement."
They receive the Prime Minister Professors to help them grow.

"Hub" Institutions are the leading research institutions, like some top Central Universities, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). They are ranked 25 or below in India's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). They act as the "mentors" or centers of excellence.

What is the main responsibility of the selected Prime Minister Professors?

Provide Sustained Support => Continuous academic and research help to the faculty members and students at these State universities.

Mentor => Involve in research and innovation, also show a strong commitment to guiding and teaching the faculty at these universities.

FAQ

Q1. What is the core objective of the Prime Minister Professorships?

A: To strengthen research capacity in State universities by utilizing the expertise of retired and overseas scientists, to promote mentorship, and integrating these institutions into a broader national research ecosystem for enhanced R&D.

Q2. How do the new Prime Minister Professorships differ from previous fellowship schemes like the SERB Distinguished Fellowship?

A: Unlike previous schemes, the PM Professorships are open to overseas scientists and industry professionals, more financial support, and provide sustained mentorship to faculty and students with emerging research capacity.

Q3. What role do the "spoke" and "hub" institutions play within the ANRF's PAIR programme?

A: The PAIR programme links "spoke" institutions (State universities with nascent research ecosystems, hosting PM Professors) to "hub" institutions (top-tier universities for mentorship), to create a collaborative network to enhance research capabilities nationwide.

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Source: THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. "Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are double-edged swords for R&D: promoting innovation while potentially hindering broader access." Critically analyze. 250 words