Deadline: 24-Dec-2025
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) invites applications for its Centre of Excellence for STI Indicators and Analytics (COE-STIIA) to strengthen India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) data ecosystem. The initiative provides up to ₹25 crores over five years to support data integration, AI-driven analytics, indicator development, policy insights, and capacity building. Eligible teams of researchers will conduct advanced analyses, align national STI indicators with global standards, and develop a sustainable institutional mechanism for high-quality STI metrics.
Overview
The COE-STIIA aims to strengthen India’s institutional capacity in STI indicators, analytics, and policy research. By integrating national STI data with global standards, the CoE will improve the quality, relevance, and dissemination of STI metrics while supporting India’s position in international rankings.
Objectives
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Develop a comprehensive STI indicator framework
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Integrate STI data with the ANUMAPI dashboard
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Conduct annual research performance surveys
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Build a central repository for STI analysis
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Generate policy insights from high-quality data
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Strengthen national capacity in STI data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Functions and Scope
The Centre of Excellence will:
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Design, validate, and analyze STI indicators
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Create derived indicators and composite indices
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Conduct advanced interdisciplinary STI research
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Engage in international collaborations for methodological alignment
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Leverage AI and Business Intelligence tools for data analysis
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Ensure cloud hosting and compliance within India
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Produce periodic data products for policy and research use
Funding Details
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Total Funding: Up to ₹25 crores for five years
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Coverage: Human resources, equipment, data acquisition, software licenses, analytical tools, capacity building, consumables, travel, contingency, and overheads
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Disbursement: Directly to the lead institution; lead institution manages fund distribution for multi-institution proposals
Who is Eligible?
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Teams must include one Principal Investigator (PI) and at least three Co-PIs
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PIs must have proven expertise in STI policy, scientometrics, data analytics, or related fields
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PIs must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized Indian institution
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Applicants must be Indian citizens or eligible PIO/OCI researchers
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PIs must have at least six years of service remaining before retirement
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Teams may be from single or multiple institutions
How to Apply / What to Do
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Register online via the ANRF portal (mandatory for PI and Co-PIs)
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Complete all application fields including:
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Title, vision, objectives, and keywords
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Team expertise and institutional affiliations
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Deliverables and expected outcomes
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Collaboration details (national and international)
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Detailed budget
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Prepare a technical document (single PDF, max 10 MB)
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Upload supporting documents including:
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Biodata of PI and Co-PIs
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Endorsement letters from institutions
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Certificates and plagiarism undertaking
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Submit application before the specified deadline
Tips and Best Practices
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Clearly articulate interdisciplinary and global relevance of STI indicators
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Highlight AI-driven integration and data analytics capabilities
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Emphasize potential policy impact and contribution to international frameworks
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Ensure institutional commitment and capacity to manage funds efficiently
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Collaborate with national and international partners for stronger methodology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of COE-STIIA?
To strengthen India’s STI indicator system, integrate data nationally and globally, and support evidence-based policy through advanced analytics.
2. How much funding is provided?
Up to ₹25 crores over a five-year period, covering HR, infrastructure, data acquisition, software, analytics, and operational costs.
3. Who can apply as Principal Investigator?
A researcher with proven expertise in STI, scientometrics, or data analytics, holding a regular academic or research position, with at least six years remaining before superannuation.
4. Can multiple institutions collaborate?
Yes, proposals may involve multi-institution collaborations, with the lead institution responsible for fund distribution to partners.
5. What are the submission requirements?
Online registration, completed application fields, technical document (PDF ≤10 MB), biodata, endorsements, certificates, and plagiarism undertaking.
6. What are the key focus areas for research?
STI indicator development, data integration, AI-driven analytics, policy insights, international alignment, and capacity building.
7. Is international collaboration encouraged?
Yes, for methodological rigor, global comparability, and visibility in international STI databases.
Conclusion
The COE-STIIA program provides a transformative opportunity for Indian research institutions to strengthen national STI data infrastructure, advance policy-relevant research, and integrate India’s STI metrics with global standards. Through substantial funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives, the Centre will establish a robust, sustainable, and high-quality institutional mechanism for STI indicators and analytics.
For more information, visit ANRF.