The Advanced Research Grant (ARG) MATRICS program supports active researchers with strong backgrounds in Mathematical Sciences, Theoretical Sciences, and Quantitative Social Sciences. It provides fixed grant support to further research in these critical areas.

Scope of Research

This grant covers a wide array of research areas. It includes Mathematical Sciences (MS) and allied fields, as well as Theoretical Sciences (TS) encompassing all areas of Science and Engineering (excluding mathematical sciences). Also included is Quantitative Social Sciences (QSS), which involves quantitative analysis using mathematical, statistical, or computational techniques in the Social Sciences.

The program aims to foster innovation and advancement within these disciplines. By providing funding, MATRICS seeks to enable researchers to explore new frontiers and contribute to the knowledge base.

Applicants should align their proposals with one of these three core areas. The proposal should clearly demonstrate the relevance and impact of the proposed research within the chosen field.

Nature of Financial Support

The grant provides a research fund of Rs. 5 lakh per annum plus overheads for up to five years. A maximum of Rs. 5 lakhs in total can be used for international travel.

The grant can be used for various research-related expenses. This includes the purchase of textbooks, monographs, minor equipment like workstations and laptops, and software for research purposes.

Funds can also cover travel support and registration fees for conferences. Collaborative visits within India and abroad, as well as inviting students and young researchers for research activities, are also supported.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is primarily based on section C (1), (3), (4), (6) for researchers in public, private universities, National Research Laboratories, and other recognized research organizations in India. However, there are some additional changes.

• The applicant must be an active researcher in Mathematical Sciences, Science and Engineering (excluding mathematical sciences), or Social Sciences involving quantitative analysis.

• Only one proposal can be submitted per applicant during a call.

• Co-PIs are not allowed in the MATRICS program. OCI/PIO holders can apply without a Co-PI.

There is no provision for extension of the project duration. Applicants should carefully plan their research activities within the given timeframe.

Application Process

The call for applications will be announced on www.anrfonline.in. Proposals must be submitted online through the same website.

Applicants must first register on the website and complete all mandatory fields in the Profile Details section. This includes bio-data, photo, and institute address.

Proposal submission requires a Project Title (max 500 characters), Mathematics review subject classification (for MATRICS), Keywords (max 6), and a Project summary (max 3000 characters).

Selection Criteria and Required Documents

Selection is based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee. The committee considers the credentials of the Principal Investigator (PI), publication record, and the mathematical/theoretical content of the proposal.

Several documents are required in PDF format. These include a bio-data, a 1-2 page project proposal, a list of ten most significant publications, and a list of all publications in the last five years.

A certificate from the Principal Investigator and an Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution are also required. Templates for some documents will be provided online.