Call for Proposals under Prime Minister Professorship
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the Prime Minister Professorship (PM Professorship) program to harness the expertise of eminent, active, and superannuated scientists, faculty, and industry professionals. The initiative aims to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems in state universities and less endowed institutions, where research is still in its nascent stages.
Through this program, distinguished professionals will mentor faculty and students, enhance institutional research capabilities, and help create world-class ecosystems of innovation in alignment with national priorities.
Objectives of the Prime Minister Professorship
- To leverage the expertise of nationally and internationally recognized scientists, academicians, and professionals.
- To strengthen research and development (R&D) culture in state universities and emerging institutions.
- To mentor faculty and students for world-class research in frontier areas.
- To foster collaborations between institutions, industry, and research labs.
- To promote sustainable knowledge exchange and innovative practices in higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
The program invites applications from a wide pool of experts with diverse backgrounds:
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Retired/ Superannuated Faculty & Scientists | From reputed Indian universities, institutes, or research labs. |
| Overseas Scientists | Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). |
| Industry Professionals / Professors of Practice | With a strong record of research, innovation, and mentoring. |
| General Requirements | – Must have strong research credentials. – Actively engaged in research and innovation activities. – Willing to relocate full-time to the host institution. – Should present a clear plan for enhancing research and innovation culture at the host university. |
Age Limit: Minimum 55 years at the time of application. No upper age limit.
Host Institutions
- Eligible hosts are institutions that have applied for the PAIR program of ANRF.
- Preference will be given to state universities within each state.
- Participation of at least two departments (aligned with the mentor’s expertise) is mandatory.
- Only one proposal per institution will be considered.
Roles and Responsibilities of PM Professors
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Research & Innovation Enhancement | Strengthen institutional capacity in cutting-edge research and innovation. |
| Mentorship | Guide faculty and students to pursue high-quality research, patents, and prototypes. |
| Collaboration Building | Facilitate partnerships between universities, industries, and established institutions. |
| Knowledge Transfer | Promote best practices and knowledge exchange in emerging areas. |
| Infrastructure Development | Contribute towards establishing/ upgrading research labs and facilities (with institutional or CSR funds). |
Proposal Submission and Evaluation
Applicants must submit a joint proposal with the host institution, outlining:
- Mentor’s role in boosting research and innovation.
- Proposed research projects in collaboration with the host institution.
- Strategies to enhance faculty and student research activities.
- Plans for infrastructure development, including labs or common research facilities.
- Five-year projected research plan with measurable goals.
Evaluation Parameters:
- Research credentials and professional achievements of the applicant.
- Innovation and novelty of the proposed approach.
- Performance of the host institution in the last five years (SCI publications, patents, awards, collaborations).
- Interdisciplinary engagement across departments.
- Potential to build globally competitive research standards.
Duration
- Tenure: 5 years.
- Review: Performance evaluation will be conducted after 3 years by an expert committee.
Funding Support
| Funding Component | Amount (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹30,00,000 |
| Research Grant | ₹24,00,000 (consumables, travel, contingencies, minor equipment) |
| Overhead to Institution | ₹1,00,000 |
The host institution must provide:
- Office space, laboratory, and library facilities.
- Research support and infrastructure.
Note: PM Professors cannot hold administrative roles or draw salaries/fellowships from other institutions during the tenure.
Terms and Conditions
- Applicants must not be engaged in any administrative role during the fellowship.
- Fellowship is exclusive; no parallel honorarium or salary can be drawn.
- Host institutions must ensure adequate faculty participation and research support.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official ANRF portal.
Required Documents:
- Detailed CV with research contributions.
- Proof of retirement/superannuation (for faculty/scientists).
- Research proposal (jointly with host institution).
- Letters of commitment from host departments.
- Evidence of past research outcomes (publications, patents, awards, collaborations).
Conclusion
The Prime Minister Professorship is a prestigious opportunity for retired, eminent, and overseas professionals to make a meaningful contribution towards strengthening India’s research ecosystem. By guiding state universities and emerging institutions, PM Professors will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of world-class researchers and innovators.
For more details, visit the official ANRF Call for Proposals page.
