Context

• The executive and governing boards of the ‘Anusandhan National Research Foundation’ (ANRF) have no representation from the Indian industry. 

Key Highlights

• There is also no representation of State universities.
• The only academic institutions represented are the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• The 15-member Governing Board has only one industrialist, Romesh Wadhwani, an American industrialist and two professors of Indian origin.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• ANRF is a high-level body that provides strategic guidance for scientific research in India, including research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in natural sciences.
• Established: Under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023 
• Enforced: December 1, 2023
• It replaced the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008.
• Source of funding: It can fund and receive money from private sources, and philanthropic and international organisations. 
• Estimated budget: ₹50,000 crore over five years (2023-2028)

Structure

• Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio President of the Board
• Other Members: 
  • Vice President: Union Minister of Science and Technology and Union Minister of Education
  • Secretary: Principal Scientific Advisor
  • Secretaries to the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Scientific and Industrial Research.
  • Member of the NITI Aayog

Significance of the NRF

• The democratisation of science and research funding
• Efficient and integrated management system
• Enhance collaboration between business, academia, government agencies, and research institutions