ICMR Hosts Engaging SANVAD 2026 for Next-Gen Researchers
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the auspices of the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, successfully organized SANVAD 2026 from February 19 to 21 at the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research in New Delhi. This annual event serves as a national forum aimed at enhancing doctoral research and fostering innovation among young scholars.
SANVAD, which stands for Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development, is an initiative set up by ICMR to promote continuous interaction and collaboration among doctoral scholars across various research fields. By rotating the hosting responsibilities among different ICMR institutes, the platform supports institutional synergy and diversifies research exposure. Following this year’s event, the next SANVAD will be hosted at the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad in 2027.
The primary goal of SANVAD is to elevate the standards of doctoral research, inspire excellence among young researchers, and fortify India’s research landscape. During the three-day program, about 400 doctoral scholars interacted with leading experts, policymakers, and seasoned scientists, enhancing their research capabilities and leadership skills.
Innovation and Impact at SANVAD 2026
The event featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Padma Shri Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, who motivated scholars to align their research with societal needs and grassroots innovations. Dr. Vishwajeet Kumar, Founder of the Community Empowerment Lab, emphasized the necessity of translating research into real-world impact. Additionally, Padma Shri Prof. Kameshwar Prasad discussed the vital link between clinical research and practical health outcomes.
One of the standout sessions addressed Health Communication, highlighting the importance of effectively communicating research to influence policy and build public trust. This session advocated that meaningful research extends beyond publication; strategic communication is key to creating societal change.
Interactive Dialogues and Future Directions
A pivotal moment of SANVAD 2026 was a Town Hall meeting featuring Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR. In this interactive session, Dr. Bahl urged young researchers to pursue substantial and meaningful inquiries, steering clear of superficial research practices. He encouraged them to exceed the minimal expectations of Ph.D. programs and focus on producing high-quality work.
Contributions from industry and academic leaders, such as Dr. Keyur Parekh and Dr. Kavita Singh, enriched the discussions on global health research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and potential career paths for scholars. Technical sessions provided attendees with valuable insights on systematic reviews, evidence synthesis, and navigating post-Ph.D. career options, aiming to prepare them for diverse roles in academia, industry, and policy.
A Celebration of Research Excellence
Participating scholars engaged enthusiastically in the “Mindstorm@ICMR” Research Quiz and presentation sessions, showcasing a wealth of doctoral research from various institutes. This vibrant environment fostered peer learning, expert feedback, and collaboration, celebrating academic inquiry and excellence.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Anup Anvikar, Director of ICMR–NIMR, praised the scholars for their dedication and contributions. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would be adopted across other ICMR institutes in the future, strengthening the national research ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. The conclave concluded with a Valedictory Session and an Awards Ceremony acknowledging outstanding research presentations and scholarly contributions.
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