Call for proposals under Prime Minister Professorship

Scope
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announces call for proposals for the new program PM Professorship, to utilize the expertise of superannuated scientists and faculty from reputed academic institutions, research laboratories and industry, who are willing to serve in the state universities where research is still at nascent stage. Prime Minister Professor is expected to mentor faculty and students of less endowed universities to improve/raise their research eco-system to be world class.

Objective :
Leveraging expertise of active, eminent and superannuated scientists for their outstanding contributions both nationally and internationally in the areas of engineering, science, and technology including agriculture, medicine and social sciences at the interface of science and technology. The program aims to strengthen R&D culture in less endowed state universities, by boosting their research and innovation aspects in collaborative mode.

Eligibility Criteria for Prime Minister Professorship
• Superannuated or retired faculty or scientists from reputed Indian institutions, research laboratories or from private institutions.
• Overseas scientists i.e. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
• Professionals from industry/experienced Professors of Practice with a distinguished record of research and innovation.
• Applicants should have strong research credentials, must be actively involved in research and innovation activities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to mentor faculty at the eligible state universities where research and innovation is still at a nascent stage.
• Eligible host institutions are the state universities that have been qualified as spoke institutions in Category A of the recently awarded PAIR program of ANRF.
• Applicants must be willing to relocate to the proposed host institution on full time basis and should have a proper plan to contribute significantly to the development of its research capabilities and innovation culture.

Responsibilities of the Prime Minister Professor :
• Enhancing the Research and Innovation capabilities of target host universities.
• Mentoring faculty and students of target universities for pursuing worldclass research in frontier areas of national interest including translational research.
• Strengthening research and innovation collaborations between established institutions, industry with less endowed universities.
• Promoting sustainable knowledge exchange.

Proposal Submission & Evaluation Process
• A joint proposal must be submitted by the superannuated or retired faculty member/scientist/industry professional or Professor of Practice in collaboration with the various departments from the proposed host university. The proposal should clearly articulate the mentor’s role in the proposed activity of research and innovation.
• The proposal should detail how the mentor will contribute to the formulation of research projects in collaboration with the host university and outline innovative strategies to enhance the quality of research and innovation at the university.
• It should also include plans to encourage and guide faculty and students in undertaking world-class research and innovation projects having potential to significantly impact the academic and research environment of the host university.
• Mentor has to collaborate with head of university/various departments willing to participate and work out the plan for raising the R&D ecosystem of the host university.
• Mentor may also contribute to establish a research lab in a specific department or common research facility in the host university, with the research/infrastructure fund or from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of the institute, subject to the approval of the head of the institution.
• Proposals will be evaluated by a designated selection committee based on the academic and professional credentials of the applicants with distinguished records and exceptional contributions in the fields of engineering, science, and technology (including agriculture, medicine and social sciences at the interface of science and technology) as well as the potential merit, novelty, and innovativeness of the approach of raising the target institution’s research ecosystem to globally competitive standards.
• Performance of the faculty in the proposed departments (to promote interdisciplinary approach in research activity) during the last 5 years w.r.t. publications in SCI journals/patents, awards received by the faculty members, past/present projects with govt. agencies, consultancy provided, collaboration & impact will be evaluated.
• Proposal should include a projected research plan/activity for next five years. Proposals for mentoring the faculty with their ongoing projects leading to the development of prototype/patents will be encouraged.
• Details of research facilities and number of manpower available including no. of faculty members with PhD degree and number of research scholars with the proposed departments of the host institute to carry out the proposed activity. The mentioned details are also required in case of proposing for upgrading/establishing a research lab/centre in the department/university with the research/infrastructure fund or from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund available with the university.
• Participation of a minimum of two departments (close to the expertise of mentor) is mandatory for the program. Not more than one proposal will be entertained from one university.

Duration : • The tenure of the PM Professorship will be 5 years. Performance review after 3 years by the expert committee constituted for the purpose .

Additional Criteria : Superannuated or retired on the date of application (for university/institute faculty, lab researchers/scientists). Industry and international senior professionals with minimum of 55 years of age, may apply.

Age limit : An applicant in any case, should not be less than 55 years of age on the date of application. No upper age limit.

Funding Support :
• A PM professor will receive a fellowship of Rs. 30 lakh (p.a.) plus Rs. 24 lakh as research grant (consumables, domestic travel, contingencies, minor equipment etc.) per annum. Also, an overhead of a fixed amount of Rs.1 lakh per year will be provided under the program.
• Host university should demonstrate commitment to provide office space, laboratory, library facilities, etc. to the PM Professor.

Note : The applicant should not hold any administrative roles and functions. He/she should not receive any honorarium/fellowship/salary from any other institute or organization during the tenure of PM Professorship.

Start Date : 22/07/2025
End Date : 01/09/2025