Intro
These centres will focus on interdisciplinary solutions for societal challenges, sustainability and emerging technologies
New Delhi
India’s apex funding agency, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), has selected 10 Convergence Research Centres of Excellence to strengthen multidisciplinary innovation across science, technology, social sciences and humanities, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to build pioneering research hubs that integrate diverse academic fields to address complex societal challenges through transdisciplinary approaches. Selected institutions include IIT Gandhinagar, NIAS Bengaluru, IIT Madras, NIT Agartala, IHD Delhi, IIT Dharwad, IIM Jammu, IIT Kanpur, Chanakya University and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women.
These centres will focus on thematic areas such as archaeology, traditional knowledge systems, digital humanities, rural development, healthcare innovation and computational economics. The programme encourages collaboration both within institutions and across national research bodies, universities and private organisations to expand the scope and impact of research outcomes.
According to the statement, the initiative received an overwhelming response, with 945 proposals submitted from academic and research institutions across India. Each selected centre will involve interdisciplinary teams drawn from at least 20 collaborating institutions, including IITs, NITs, central and state universities, private universities and recognised R&D organisations.
Officials said the programme reflects the growing importance of integrating scientific research with contextual social understanding to address regional and national development challenges. It is designed to align with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
By combining advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and big data analytics with insights from social sciences and humanities, the centres aim to create innovative solutions that support sustainable development and inclusive growth. The initiative is also expected to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by encouraging collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange across disciplines.
