The Department of Science & Technology on August 04, 2023, notified Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023.
- Seeks to establish a new body, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), to promote and fund research and innovation in science, technology, engineering and social sciences. The NRF will replace the existing Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was created by the Science and Engineering Research Board Act 2008.
- The Bill states that the SERB Act will be repealed and the SERB will be dissolved upon the commencement of the NRF Act.
- The Bill aims to create a robust research ecosystem in India by supporting researchers across disciplines and institutions, fostering collaboration and excellence, and enhancing the quality and impact of research outcomes.
- Prepare short-term, medium-term, and long-term roadmaps and formulate programs for research and development (R&D) in natural sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences.
- Facilitate and finance the growth of R&D and related infrastructure in universities, colleges, and research institutions through grants, fellowships, scholarships, awards, prizes, etc.
- Support translation of research into capital-intensive technology by providing financial assistance for proof-of-concept development, prototyping, testing, validation, scaling up, etc.
- Encourage international collaboration by facilitating the exchange of researchers, students, faculty members, etc. and participating in joint research projects with foreign institutions.
- Encourage investments in the Foundation by private and public sector entities by creating an enabling environment for philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, endowments, etc.
- Undertake an annual survey of scientific research, outcomes, and spending in India and benchmark them with global standards.
[BILL NO. 115 OF 2023]
