Soon IIT Research Scholars To Get A Boost As Proposed National Research Foundation To Integrate Funds

The research capability of IITs is expected to receive a boost as the proposed National Research Foundation (NRF) is expected to integrate funds from various government ministries and then supplement it with more grants, Economic Times has reported.

The foundation would also identify areas of national importance which need the most attention, thereby preventing duplication of effort or expenditure.

The research is also set to become more relevant and application oriented, but at the end of the day, the quantum of funds available remains a key in improving research quality.

“This integrated approach is a logical and efficient move. It will benefit the entire research ecosystem in the country and the IITs, which have reached a certain level of efficiency in utilising research funds, will surely benefit from it”, said IIT Madras’ academic dean A K Mishra.

Another aspect which might change is that currently, just the HRD Ministry is directly involved in the research process but the NRF may ensure that more and more ministries also get involved to spur research.