The Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (IRHPA) program of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) supports proposals in high priority areas where multidisciplinary / multi-institutional expertise is required which will put our nation in international science map in that particular discipline. The Scheme is designed to provide major support to a few selected areas of research that have high priority from the viewpoint of advances in fundamental science and that can be of great significance for scientific and technological development. SERB identifies the priority areas and makes a national call for seeking proposals. The necessary facilities required for implementing the identified high priority areas will be supported through this scheme.
The project will be set up around established research groups led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with at least two co-PIs of complementary expertise from different departments / institutes to transform the program truly interdisciplinary and multi institutional. The duration of the project is normally for a period of 5 years.
Scientist in regular service from academic and research institutions in India can submit a proposal under this scheme. For specific guidelines, Please refer IRPHA notification call for proposals in specific areas as per the details below :
The proposal should be submitted online only, through the website www.serbonline.in. The format, guidelines and other details of the scheme are available in the same website. No hard copy of the proposal will be accepted.
In the current year, R&D proposals are solicited in the following areas:
The component of grant is similar to other project submitted to SERB. However, the amount of grant is higher than regular projects. The duration of the project is 5 years. The host institute should have a sustainability plan to continue the research activities beyond the normal duration of 5 years. Commitment of the Institute should be specified in the proposal.
The proposals submitted for support are peer reviewed by the experts in the area. Specific expert committee will evaluate the proposals. SERB board takes the final decision following its appraisal and approval mechanisms. The sanctioned projects will be monitored through Management Advisory Committee constituted for this purpose.
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted: