In a significant boost to its collaborative effort to conduct advanced research in emerging and priority areas, the Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab) and five other partner institutions led by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, have been awarded the prestigious PAIR (Partnerships for the Advancement of Inclusive Research) Grant by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
CU Punjab is expected to receive approximately ₹14 Crore under ANRF-PAIR Grant out of the total ₹100 Crore to be allocated to JNU led PAIR Network by Ministry of Science and Technology, GOI. The ANRF-PAIR initiative is designed to strengthen India’s higher education and research ecosystem by promoting innovation, building research capacities, and fostering excellence across regions.
Under this initiative, JNU will act as the hub institution, leading a consortium of academic institutions. CU Punjab has selected as one of the five spoke institutions, alongside Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Tezpur University, Cotton University, and Berhampur University.
A total of 30 research hubs shortlisted based on NIRF rankings, each supported by spoke institutions. The proposal submitted by the JNU-led team stood out among these elite contenders and selected following detailed in-person presentations made by principal investigators (PIs) in Bengaluru.
Faculty teams from all partnering institutions contributed significantly to the proposal. Out of all applicants, only seven hub institutions ultimately select for this Category A highly competitive funding. These include three IITs, one NIT, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and two Central Universities—JNU and the University of Hyderabad (HCU).
Speaking on CU Punjab’s inclusion in this landmark project, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of CU Punjab, state this accomplishment is a testament to the growing academic and research capabilities of our university. Being part of this elite consortium—which includes some of India’s most distinguished institutions—reflects our commitment to contributing to the national research landscape.
As a spoke institution, CU Punjab will actively participate in high-impact projects and strengthen its research ecosystem under the mentorship of JNU. CU Punjab will contribute to all three thematic areas of the project: Advanced Materials led by Prof. S.K. Mahapatra, Environmental Sustainability led by Prof. K.N. Yogalakshmi, and Molecular and Synthetic Biology led by Prof. A.K. Mantha. Prof. R.K. Wusirika is the Project Investigator (PI) for CU Punjab. The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tiwari congratulate faculty members and researchers whose consistent efforts have made this achievement possible.
Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, stated that the PAIR grant not only provides substantial financial assistance but also paves the way for impactful interdisciplinary research of local, regional, national, and global relevance. It is uniquely designed to foster partnerships between established and emerging institutions through inclusive frameworks and diverse scientific strengths.
CU Punjab’s inclusion in this national-level consortium underscores the university’s rising academic profile and deepening commitment to excellence in research and innovation.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
