AcSIR's Role in India's Science Landscape

Summary of Key Points from AcSIR Convocation Address

Event Overview:

• The 9th Convocation of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) was addressed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• AcSIR aims to link academia with industry, promoting innovation and imagination among scholars through its new i-PhD program.

Key Programs and Initiatives:

• i-PhD Program (2023): Focused on integrating industry with academic research; mandates creation of technologies for translational research/startups, emphasizing imagination, innovation, and practical application.

Institutional Achievements:

• Established as a transformative scientific institution in just over a decade.
• Hosts approximately 7,000 students and involves over 3,100 scientists across 79 campuses.
• Recognized as one of India’s largest doctoral research institutions in STEM with 831 PhDs awarded in 2024.

Ranking and Recognition:

• NIRF 2025 (Research Category): 9th place
• CWUR 2025: Top 3.5% globally
• Nature Index: 10th rank
• Scimago 2025: 9th rank
• Over 25,000 publications and numerous patents contributed to its rapid rise in rankings.

International Collaborations:

• Partnerships with universities such as RMIT University, Deakin University, and others.
• Initiatives facilitating joint supervision, dual-degree pathways, and access to global research facilities.

Vision and Goals:

• Aligns with the national vision of moving towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), emphasizing innovation and technology to drive economic growth.
• Focus on making India a leading global economy through technology and industry-driven initiatives.

Government Support:

• Emphasized the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in prioritizing science and innovation, aligning with India’s economic and global competitiveness goals.

Community and Engagement:

• Initiatives like the AcSIR Science Club and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Transdisciplinary Lecture Series promote a vibrant intellectual ecosystem and enhance student creativity.

Future Aspirations:

• Graduating scholars are encouraged to embody innovation and contribute to India’s technological self-reliance and competitiveness.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted AcSIR as a central player in India’s scientific future, urging scholars to leverage their education to further national aspirations and contribute to global advancements in technology and research.