Author – Ritesh Ranjan: India’s higher education ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with universities playing a growing role in research, innovation, and societal transformation. At SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), this transformation was on full display during Research Day 2026, where academic leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to discuss how India can strengthen its position as a global innovation powerhouse.
Held at the Kattankulathur campus on April 17, the event carried a strong message from Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): India’s research future must be built on excellence, collaboration, and measurable impact.
The event was more than a celebration of achievements. It reflected the broader direction of Indian science and highlighted how institutions like SRMIST are contributing to the country’s research-driven ambitions.
Major Boost Through ANRF Grants
One of the biggest highlights of SRMIST Research Day 2026 was the announcement that the university secured ten prestigious grants under the ANRF–Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant Scheme, with total funding of Rs 6.03 crore.
These grants support projects across several critical areas, including:
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
- Medical research
- Genetic engineering
- Artificial intelligence-driven research
- Sustainable technologies
This funding represents more than financial support. It signals growing recognition of SRMIST’s research capabilities at a national level.
Importantly, the grants also highlight the increasing role of early-career researchers in driving innovation. Supporting young scientists has become central to building India’s long-term scientific ecosystem, and these projects reflect that strategy in action.
Research That Solves Real-World Problems
Modern research is increasingly judged not only by academic output but also by its relevance to society. This theme was strongly emphasized during the event.
Dr. Kalyanaraman noted that ANRF is focused on supporting research that creates societal and economic value, urging institutions to go beyond publications and focus on innovation that can scale into practical solutions.
This reflects a major shift in India’s research agenda. Universities are no longer expected to function solely as centers of theoretical knowledge. They are being called upon to solve pressing challenges in healthcare, sustainability, technology, and industry.
SRMIST’s funded projects in AI-led healthcare, advanced materials, and sustainable technologies align closely with this vision.
SRMIST’s Growing Research Footprint
Research Day also provided an opportunity for SRMIST to showcase the scale of its academic progress.
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, the institution recorded remarkable research outcomes in 2025:
Key Research Highlights:
- 8,673 publications in a single year
- 27% international collaboration
- 38% national collaboration
- 47% interdisciplinary research output
- 124 research projects awarded
- Rs 50 crore in research funding secured
These figures indicate both volume and depth in research productivity.
Equally significant is the quality of output. Around 70% of SRMIST’s publications appeared in Q1 and Q2 journals, considered strong indicators of research quality and global relevance.
The university also achieved 18th rank in India in the Nature Index, reinforcing its growing presence among high-impact research institutions.
Collaboration as the New Research Model
One major takeaway from the event was the emphasis on collaboration.
Today’s most important scientific problems often cannot be solved within a single discipline. They require expertise across fields, institutions, and even borders.
SRMIST’s research profile reflects this trend:
- International partnerships bring global perspectives
- National collaborations strengthen domestic innovation networks
- Interdisciplinary research enables complex problem-solving
This collaborative model is becoming essential for universities aiming to contribute meaningfully to scientific progress.
Research Day 2026 reinforced that collaboration is no longer optional — it is central to research excellence.
From Laboratory to Market: The Research Park Vision
Perhaps one of the most forward-looking announcements at the event was SRMIST’s plan to establish a state-of-the-art Research Park.
This initiative could become a major milestone in the university’s innovation journey.
Research parks serve as bridges between:
- Academic research
- Industry partnerships
- Startups and entrepreneurship
- Commercial innovation
- Translational healthcare solutions
Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan highlighted that the Research Park will help move discoveries from laboratory breakthroughs to real-world application.
This is especially significant in fields like:
- Precision medicine
- Drug discovery
- Diagnostics
- Deep-tech innovation
- Sustainable engineering
If executed effectively, the Research Park could position SRMIST as not just a research university, but as a major innovation ecosystem.
Recognizing Research Excellence
Research Day also celebrated achievement across the university community, honoring 145 awardees.
Awards Included:
Students
- 54 Gold Medallists
- 62 Silver Medallists
Faculty
- 26 Gold Medallists
- 3 Silver Medallists
Awards recognized excellence in:
- Nature-indexed publications
- Externally funded projects
- High-impact scientific contributions
- Faculty ranked among the world’s Top 2% scientists
Recognition programs like these play an important role in building a strong research culture. They reward excellence while motivating the next generation of scholars and innovators.
Supporting India’s Research-Driven Economy
The significance of SRMIST Research Day goes beyond the institution itself.
It aligns with India’s broader push to become a research-driven economy, where innovation contributes to:
- Economic growth
- Technological leadership
- Healthcare advancement
- Industrial competitiveness
- Global scientific influence
Achieving this vision depends on strong universities capable of combining research excellence with real-world impact.
SRMIST’s progress — through grants, publications, partnerships, and infrastructure — suggests it is positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to that national mission.
Why SRMIST Research Day 2026 Matters
Research Day 2026 sent a clear message: research is no longer a peripheral activity in higher education.
At SRMIST, it is becoming a core driver of institutional growth, innovation, and societal contribution.
The event demonstrated strength across multiple dimensions:
- Competitive research funding
- High-quality publication output
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Innovation infrastructure development
- Recognition of scientific excellence
- Focus on translational and industry-linked research
With Rs 6.03 crore in ANRF grants, 8,673 publications, and a Research Park on the horizon, SRMIST is building momentum as a major player in India’s innovation landscape.
As India accelerates its research ambitions, institutions capable of combining excellence with impact will help shape the country’s scientific future.
SRMIST appears determined to be one of them.
FAQs
1. What was the major highlight of SRMIST Research Day 2026?
The biggest highlight was SRMIST securing ten ANRF grants worth Rs 6.03 crore under the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant Scheme.
2. How many research publications did SRMIST produce in 2025?
SRMIST reported 8,673 research publications in 2025, with a strong share published in Q1 and Q2 journals.
3. What is the purpose of SRMIST’s proposed Research Park?
The Research Park aims to connect academic research with industry, startups, and translational innovation to bring lab discoveries into real-world application.
4. What role does ANRF play in supporting research?
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) supports high-quality research, innovation, and projects with societal and economic impact across India.
5. Why is SRMIST considered a growing research hub in India?
SRMIST has demonstrated strong performance through major grants, high publication output, global collaborations, significant research funding, and upcoming innovation infrastructure like the Research Park.