Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible Indian research institutions and organisations for recognition as ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE). The initiative aims to identify leading biomedical research teams and strengthen collaboration, capacity building, training, and research efforts supporting national health priorities in India.
ICMR-CCoE recognition will be awarded for five years and is honorary in nature, with no direct financial assistance provided. Eligible applicants include public and private research institutions, universities, medical colleges, NGOs, and other research organisations led by experienced Principal Investigators with strong biomedical research achievements.
ICMR Invites Expressions of Interest for Collaborating Centres of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible Indian research institutions and organisations seeking recognition as ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE).
The initiative aims to identify and recognise outstanding research groups that have demonstrated excellence in biomedical research and have contributed significantly to healthcare advancement in India.
Through this programme, ICMR intends to create a strong collaborative network of high-performing research centres working together to address national health challenges.
Purpose of the ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence Programme
The ICMR-CCoE initiative is designed to strengthen biomedical research collaboration between ICMR, its institutes, and recognised Centres of Excellence.
The programme aims to:
- Recognise institutions and research teams with outstanding biomedical research achievements.
- Promote collaborative and multidisciplinary research.
- Strengthen national research capacity in health sciences.
- Support information sharing, research services, and training resources.
- Encourage innovation across different areas of biomedical research.
- Support national public health priorities.
- Build long-term partnerships between leading research organisations and ICMR.
Objectives of ICMR-CCoE Recognition
The recognition programme focuses on developing a sustainable research ecosystem in India.
Key objectives include:
- Creating a network of expert biomedical research centres.
- Encouraging collaboration between scientific institutions.
- Supporting knowledge exchange and capacity building.
- Enhancing research quality and innovation.
- Promoting solutions for major health challenges.
- Strengthening India’s biomedical research capabilities.
Recognised centres will contribute expertise and knowledge to support ICMR’s broader research and public health objectives.
Areas of Research Recognised Under ICMR-CCoE
Research teams from multiple biomedical research domains can apply for recognition.
Eligible research areas include:
- Basic biomedical research.
- Translational research.
- Clinical research.
- Laboratory-based research.
- Population-based research.
Applicants should demonstrate excellence and significant contributions within their respective research areas.
Role of ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence
Recognised Centres of Excellence will support national health research efforts through:
- Collaborative biomedical research.
- Scientific expertise sharing.
- Research training and mentoring.
- Development of research proposals.
- Capacity-building activities.
- Contribution to national health programmes.
The centres may also provide honorary support to ICMR initiatives through scientific expertise and institutional knowledge.
Duration and Nature of Recognition
ICMR-CCoE recognition will be provided for:
- Recognition period: Five years.
- Extension: Possible based on performance review.
Important details:
- The recognition is honorary.
- It does not include direct financial assistance from ICMR.
- No dedicated funding support will be provided under this programme.
- Recognition is based on research excellence and contribution to national health objectives.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include Indian institutions and organisations involved in biomedical research.
Applicants may include:
- Public research institutions.
- Private research institutions.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
- Academic institutions.
- Medical colleges.
- Universities.
- Veterinary colleges.
- Engineering colleges.
- Other recognised research organisations.
Applicants must demonstrate strong research capabilities and alignment with ICMR’s objectives.
Principal Investigator and Research Team Requirements
Applications must be submitted by research teams led by a senior Principal Investigator (PI).
The Principal Investigator should have:
- Extensive experience in biomedical research.
- A strong record of scientific achievements.
- Cutting-edge research expertise.
- Excellent publication record.
- Demonstrated collaboration with ICMR or contributions to ICMR activities.
- Commitment to supporting ICMR objectives on an honorary basis.
The research team should demonstrate:
- Scientific excellence.
- Institutional research capacity.
- Ability to conduct collaborative projects.
- Commitment to national public health priorities.
Expected Contributions from Recognised Centres
Selected ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence are expected to contribute to:
- Research collaboration with ICMR institutions.
- Scientific advisory support.
- Capacity-building programmes.
- Training activities.
- Development of research proposals.
- Sharing of technical expertise.
- Advancement of biomedical knowledge.
These contributions will support India’s healthcare research ecosystem.
How to Apply for ICMR-CCoE Recognition
Eligible institutions should follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should confirm that their institution and research team meet ICMR requirements.
This includes:
- Institutional eligibility.
- Research excellence.
- Principal Investigator qualifications.
- Publication record.
- Previous collaboration or contribution to ICMR.
Step 2: Prepare the Expression of Interest
The EoI should highlight:
- Institutional profile.
- Research strengths.
- Major biomedical research achievements.
- Publication record.
- Contributions to health research.
- Future collaboration potential with ICMR.
Step 3: Submit Research Team Details
Applications should include information about:
- Principal Investigator.
- Research team members.
- Research expertise.
- Previous achievements.
- Relevant projects and collaborations.
Step 4: Demonstrate Alignment with National Health Priorities
Applicants should explain how their expertise can contribute to:
- Public health priorities.
- Biomedical innovation.
- Research capacity building.
- National healthcare development.
Why ICMR-CCoE Recognition Matters
Recognition as an ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence provides national-level acknowledgement of biomedical research leadership.
The programme helps:
- Highlight outstanding Indian research institutions.
- Encourage scientific collaboration.
- Improve research visibility.
- Strengthen healthcare innovation.
- Support national health goals.
- Build a connected biomedical research network.
Although the programme does not provide financial support, the recognition offers an opportunity to contribute to major health research initiatives.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without demonstrating significant biomedical research achievements.
- Submitting applications without strong evidence of research excellence.
- Failing to highlight publication records.
- Not explaining contributions to public health priorities.
- Selecting research teams without appropriate leadership experience.
- Expecting financial assistance from the recognition programme.
Tips for Preparing a Strong EoI
Applicants should:
- Clearly present major research achievements.
- Highlight impactful publications and discoveries.
- Demonstrate national relevance of research activities.
- Explain previous collaboration with ICMR or similar organisations.
- Show commitment to scientific collaboration.
- Describe how expertise can support ICMR programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ICMR-CCoE recognition?
ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE) recognition is an honorary designation provided by ICMR to outstanding biomedical research teams and institutions demonstrating excellence in health research.
Does ICMR-CCoE provide research funding?
No. The recognition does not include financial assistance. No special funding support will be provided under this programme.
How long is the recognition valid?
The recognition is granted for five years and may be extended based on performance evaluation.
Who can apply for ICMR-CCoE recognition?
Indian public and private research institutions, NGOs, academic institutions, universities, medical colleges, and other research organisations can apply if they meet eligibility requirements.
What type of research areas are eligible?
Applications are accepted from teams working in basic, translational, clinical, laboratory-based, and population-based biomedical research.
Who should lead the application?
Applications must be led by a senior Principal Investigator with strong biomedical research experience, excellent publications, and demonstrated research leadership.
What is the purpose of creating ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence?
The programme aims to build a collaborative biomedical research ecosystem that supports national health priorities through research excellence, training, capacity building, and scientific partnerships.
Conclusion
The ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence programme provides an opportunity for leading Indian biomedical research institutions and teams to receive national recognition for scientific excellence and contribute to healthcare advancement.
Through this initiative, ICMR aims to strengthen collaboration, encourage multidisciplinary research, and build a sustainable network of expert research centres supporting India’s public health goals. Eligible institutions with strong research achievements and experienced leadership should consider submitting Expressions of Interest to participate in this national initiative.
For more information, visit ICMR.