NEW DELHI (20.05.2026): To promote the deep integration of scientific knowledge within social science and humanities frameworks for addressing complex and systemic challenges through a multi-disciplinary research approach, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the selection of ten Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoEs) institutions under one of its flagship initiatives, the Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoE) program. The initiative seeks to establish pioneering Centres that bring together Social Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Technology to address complex societal challenges through integrated and transdisciplinary research.

These institutes included: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar; National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras; National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala; Institute for Human Development (IHD), Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad; Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur; Chanakya University and; PSGR Krishnammal College for Women.

The program requires that each Centre involves intra- or inter-disciplinary collaboration, either within the same institution or across different academic, publicly funded organizations under various Ministries/Departments, or private institutions. The Co-PIs associated with these Centres represent a diverse network. Collectively, they come from 20 collaborating institutes which includes State Universities, Central Universities, Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), Private Universities, Colleges and recognized R&D institutions.

The program received an overwhelming response from academic and research institutions, with 945 proposals submitted, reflecting its strong relevance and national significance.

The ANRF Convergence Research Centres of Excellence Program draws inspiration from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for multidisciplinary education, research, and stronger integration across knowledge domains. It is also aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which seeks to transform India into a developed, inclusive, innovative, and self-reliant nation by the centenary of independence.

By combining scientific depth with contextual understanding, the program aims to address regional and national challenges through holistic approaches. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data analytics, such convergence can unlock new pathways for socioeconomic progress and support the Sustainable Development Goals.