The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is launching a program to establish "convergence" research Centres of Excellence (CoEs). These CoEs will focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Science, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Society, addressing complex societal challenges with integrated perspectives.

Program Objectives

The program aims to foster multi-disciplinary research to tackle societal problems by integrating Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities. It seeks to catalyze interdisciplinary research at the interface of natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences/humanities.

The objectives include establishing institutional platforms for high-impact, transdisciplinary research aligned with societal priorities. It also promotes the deep integration of scientific knowledge within social science and humanities frameworks to address complex challenges.

The program further aims to foster long-term academic partnerships to accelerate research, build capacity, and create public value at the science–society interface. The CoEs will be anchored in institutions/departments specialized in social sciences and humanities, collaborating with investigators from Science, Technology, or Policy research areas.

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants (Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator(s) (Co-PI(s)) must be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals employed in recognized academic/R&D institutions are eligible if they meet ANRF's criteria.

The PI and all associated investigators must hold regular academic or research positions in an academic institution recognized by UGC/AICTE/PCI or a publicly funded organization/laboratory. Proposals must involve interdisciplinary collaboration within the institution.

• The Investigator from the Social Sciences or Humanities with proven track record will serve as the Principal Investigator.

• The Principal Investigator must hold a doctoral degree in Social Sciences or Humanities.

• The Principal Investigators and co-Principal Investigator must have considerable research experience in the proposed field of study.

Funding Details and Duration

The funding support will align with the scope and thematic areas defined by ANRF. Each project will be supported for a maximum period of five years, with maximum funding of ₹25 cr.

Funds will be provided directly to the lead institution where the PI and Co-PI(s) are affiliated. If multiple institutes are involved, the lead institution will disburse funds to partnering institutions.

The CoE will receive support in two tracks: funds for the first three years, with a possible extension for another two years based on performance. The exact amount of funding for each institution will be decided by the ANRF.

Thematic Areas

The program focuses on thematic areas at the intersection of Science, Engineering, Technology, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Investigators can submit proposals addressing complex societal challenges beyond the listed areas.

Some indicative thematic areas include Digital Humanities, Health and Psychology, Computational Economics, Climate Change Resilience, and Rural Development. Other areas include Law and Emerging Technologies, and Data Science in Public Policy.

Support under this Centre of Excellence (CoE) program will be provided through a competitive funding model. The proposals that are impactful, innovative and taking a bold stride in addressing societal problems will be supported under this program.

Application and Submission

The call for applications will be notified on the ANRF website www.anrf.gov.in and online portal www.anrfonline.in. Proposals will be considered for evaluation only if submitted through the ANRF online portal.

PI and Co-PI(s) should first register in the ANRF online portal. Applicants are required to fill in all mandatory fields as specified in that section.

A detailed technical document should be uploaded as a single PDF file, not more than 10MB. The selection will be based on the recommendation of the committee constituted for this program by ANRF.