A new innovative scheme named State University Research Excellence (SERB SURE) has been introduced by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
- SERB promotes high-level research collaboration at State and Private Universities and Colleges.
- The SERB was established by an Act of Parliament, the SERB Act of 2008.
- Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar is the Chairman of SERB and the Secretary of DST.
State University Research Excellence (SERB SURE)
It is a new scheme that fosters collaboration for high-end research to enhance research capabilities in a structured way in order to create a healthy Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem in State Universities and Colleges.
Objective: To offer research support to active researchers at State Universities and Colleges, as well as Private Universities and Colleges across India, in order to conduct R&D in frontier fields of Science, Engineering and Quantitative Social Science.
Nature & Duration of Support: For a period of 3 years, a total amount of research grants not exceeding Rs. 30 lakhs is allocated for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, domestic travel, contingencies, and other expenses (analytical charges, equipment user charges, feldwork charges, etc.). According to current SERB norms, “Overhead” is provided to the implementing institution.
Future Prospects of SERB SURE
i. The growth of existing research capabilities at these institutions is essential for the horizontal diffusion of research excellence.
- It seeks to assist all research students who seek to increase quality through SERB support and contribute to India’s R&D ecosystem.
ii.In addition to creating new research opportunities, the scheme will cultivate a scientific temper among the faculty and students at various State & Private Universities and Colleges.
Significance of SERB-SURE
i. The new scheme, SERB-SURE, will help integrate the University System into mainstream research and provide young faculty members access to cutting-edge research.
ii.This scheme will provide much-needed research opportunities to the faculties of state universities, 45 % of which are located in rural areas.
iii. Additionally, the new programme would also support data-driven social science research and would greatly encourage the untapped potential of India’s universities.
iv.Since a large number of State Universities are located in rural areas, it empowers them to participate in ground-level research that benefits local industries and farmers, as well as work on grassroot problems that require innovative solutions.
v.Under this scheme, State Universities will have a level-playing field for research funding and have excellent prospects to improve their research ecosystems.
- It will also raise their research capabilities to levels comparable to those found at the national and international levels.
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About Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T):
Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Dr. Jitendra Singh (Udhampur Constituency -Jammu and Kashmir)
