Chemistry Research ANRF Grant | Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant
Chemistry Research ANRF Grant: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act 2023, has launched the Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) to empower India’s young scientists.
This initiative aims to strengthen the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem by supporting early-career researchers with flexible funding, operational independence, and resources that encourage cutting-edge discoveries. By fostering creativity and streamlining the research process, ANRF envisions building a future-ready generation of innovators who will drive India’s scientific progress.
Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, who serves as the President of the ANRF Governing Board, the foundation is initiating multiple programs to strengthen India’s research ecosystem and accelerate scientific advancement.
Early career researchers play a vital role in driving innovation and excellence, contributing significantly to the nation’s scientific progress. ANRF recognizes its commitment to producing high-quality research, exploring new frontiers, and expanding the boundaries of knowledge. To support this mission, ANRF has introduced the Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG), a program designed to assist researchers in initiating independent research in new institutions with a flexible budget and enabling policies.
Nature and Duration of Support
Researchers will receive a grant of up to Rs. 60 lakh, plus overheads, for a period of three years. The grant allows flexibility in resource utilization, manpower recruitment, travel, contingencies, open-access publications, and patent filing. International travel for project-related work is also permitted, with up to 700 grants awarded annually across all disciplines.
(PM ECRG subsumes the Startup Research Grant (SRG) scheme of the erstwhile SERB.)
Eligibility
- Applicants must be Indian citizens or researchers from India with PIO/OCI status working in recognized research and development (R&D) institutions (as per ANRF guidelines).
- They should hold a PhD in Science/Engineering or MD/MS/MDS/MVSc and have a regular academic or research position in a recognized institute.
- Candidates are eligible to apply within two years of joining the institution, with an upper age limit of 42 years (relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically challenged and women).
- Individuals serving as Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Guest or Ad-hoc Faculty, Consultants, or on temporary contracts renewed annually are not eligible.
- Co-PIs are not permitted except for PIO/OCI applicants. The applicant must not have received previous grants such as YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG, or EMEQ from SERB or ANRF.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted online via www.anrfonline.in. Registered users from the SERBONLINE portal can log in with existing credentials. Selection will be based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee, following a rigorous review.
Operational Flexibility and Research Management
The PM ECRG ensures ease of conducting research with operational flexibility under recurring heads, including consumables, manpower, travel, contingency, and other expenses.
- Travel & Contingency: Up to Rs. 3 Lakh each for three years, including international travel and conference participation.
- Research Personnel: Engagement allowed as per ANRF norms; all staff are temporary and governed by the host institute’s administrative rules.
- Publication & Patents: Expenditure on open-access publishing and patent filing is allowed with prior approval from the ANRF.
- Equipment & Budget: Changes to sanctioned equipment or budget reallocation require prior approval from ANRF.
Monitoring, Utilization, and Reporting
Principal Investigators (PIs) must submit annual progress reports through the ANRF online portal. The project will undergo periodic monitoring by expert panels, which will include site visits and evaluation meetings.
Funds must be used strictly for approved activities, with separate audited accounts maintained. Any unspent funds or interest accrued from research, including Chemistry Research, must be returned to ANRF via a demand draft in favor of “Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Fund,” payable at New Delhi.
Project Transfer and Termination
Projects are individual-centric and cannot be transferred to other PIs. Transfer between institutions is permitted only for administrative or public/governmental reasons, with prior approval from ANRF. The project may be terminated if progress is unsatisfactory, funds are misused, or false information is provided.
Submission and Settlement of Accounts
At the end of each financial year, institutions must submit an Audited Utilization Certificate (UC), a Statement of Expenditure (SE), progress reports, and publication details for the release of funds. Upon completion, a Project Completion Report (PCR) with accompanying financial documentation and a refund of any unspent balances must be submitted within three months.
Asset Maintenance
All assets procured with ANRF funds become part of the institutional inventory and cannot be disposed of without ANRF’s approval. These assets may be reassigned to other ANRF-sanctioned projects as needed.
Online Application Steps for Chemistry Research Grant:
Applicants must register and log in at www.anrfonline.in, complete their user profile with biodata, institute details, and upload required documents such as:
- Biodata
- Certificate from PI
- Endorsement from Head of Institution
- Proof of Age and Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Plagiarism Undertaking
The proposal (PDF ≤ 10 MB) should include the project title, summary, objectives, expected outcomes, budget details, and technical documents, all prepared using the prescribed templates.
LINK FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION
