National Research Foundation

About National Research Foundation (NRF):  

• It is an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines. 
• The Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Governing Board and the Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. 
• NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Mission and Vision

• The NRF is entrusted with the mission of catalysing the transformation of Indian institutions into world-class Centers of Excellence (CoEs).
• Its vision is to provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across a wide spectrum of fields, including natural sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and the interfaces of humanities and social sciences with science and technology.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Formulating Comprehensive Roadmaps: The NRF is responsible for developing comprehensive research and development roadmaps that guide India’s scientific and technological progress.
• Fostering R&D Infrastructure: It actively works towards facilitating and financing the growth of research and development infrastructure in universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Grant Provision:
  • The NRF plays a crucial role in providing grants for research proposals, enabling scientists and researchers to undertake innovative projects.
  • Funding competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals to eligible persons.
• International Collaboration:
  • Evolving participation in international collaborative projects and fostering exchange of scientific information.
  • Encouraging collaboration with scientists from within and outside India, including scientists of Indian origin, with a view to enrich the Indian scientific ecosystem.
• Coordination at National Level: Evolving nationally coordinated programmes to identify scientific and practical solutions for societal, developmental, financial and techno-economic challenges.  
• Public and Private Investment: The NRF aims to foster investments from both the public and private sectors, further boosting the growth of India’s research ecosystem.
• Translation of Research: Supporting translation of research undertaken into capital intensive technologies.
• Global Participation: Increasing India’s role and participation in key areas of national and global importance.