ICAR and AcSIR Sign MoU to Advance Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation

16 July 2025, New Delhi

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to strengthen collaboration in multidisciplinary research, academic exchange, and capacity building in agricultural and allied sciences.

AcSIR, an Institution of National Importance established in 2012, focuses on advanced education and research in frontier areas of STEM with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. The MoU envisions joint initiatives such as a collaborative Ph.D. programme, specialized courses, short-term training, internships, student competitions, innovation challenges, and networking events.

The MoU was signed by Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, and Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Director, AcSIR.

Dr. Jena emphasized the strategic value of this partnership in bridging agricultural science with emerging innovations, while Prof. Dhar highlighted its potential to create one of the country's largest platforms for integrated scientific collaboration.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General (EPHS), ICAR, expressed confidence that the partnership would redefine the landscape of interdisciplinary research and national capacity building.

Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, shared use of research infrastructure, and co-authored publications. Key focus areas include climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, digital agriculture, and sustainable development.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU and a vote of thanks by Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General (EPHS), ICAR.

The event was attended by senior officials, ADGs, principal scientists, and administrative representatives from both ICAR and AcSIR, including Dr. Bimlesh Mann, Former ADG, EPHS, ICAR.

(Source: Agriculture Education Division, ICAR)