Context: Recently, Ministry of Science & Technology launched State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE).

State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE)

• It is a scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

• Aim: To augment the research capabilities to create a robust R&D ecosystem in state and private universities and colleges.

• The total maximum research grants of Rs. 30 lakhs for a period of three years are provided for minor equipment/s, research personnel, consumables, domestic travel etc.

Significance

• It will help bring the university system into mainstream research and enable the faculty to participate in cutting-edge research.

• It would support data-driven social science research.

• It would provide research opportunities to the faculties of state universities, 45% of which are located in rural areas.

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)

• SERB was set up through the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.

• Aim: To build up management systems which would match the global practices in the area of promotion and funding of basic research.

Objectives of SERB

• Serve as a premier agency for planning, promoting and funding of internationally competitive research in emerging areas.

• Identify major inter-disciplinary research areas, and individuals, groups or institutions and funding them for undertaking research.

• Assist in setting up infrastructure and environment for scientific pursuit.

• To achieve synergy between academic institutions, research and development laboratories and industry for promoting basic research in science and engineering.

• Evolve a system of approach to provide funding for research, including monitoring and evaluation, by adopting modern management practices.