The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, successfully organized SANVAD 2026 (Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development) from 19th to 21st February 2026 at the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi.
A Rotating National Platform for Doctoral Excellence
ICMR conceptualized SANVAD as an annual, rotating national platform to sustain meaningful engagement with doctoral scholars across its institutes. By decentralizing the organization each year, ICMR strengthens inter-institutional collaboration and exposes scholars to diverse research ecosystems.
Following the successful first edition at ICMR–NIMR, the 2027 edition will be hosted by the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, further expanding the initiative’s national footprint.
Advancing Research Quality and Leadership
SANVAD aims to elevate the quality of doctoral research, inspire young investigators to pursue excellence, and reinforce India’s national knowledge ecosystem. The platform enhances research rigor, innovation orientation, leadership readiness, and collaborative capacity among ICMR Ph.D. scholars.
Moreover, SANVAD 2026 brought together nearly 400 doctoral scholars along with senior scientists, policymakers, academicians, and research leaders from across the country. Through structured networking opportunities, the event facilitated meaningful dialogue between academia, industry, and policy stakeholders.
Distinguished Voices Driving Innovation
As reported by pib.gov.in, the conclave featured eminent speakers who encouraged scholars to align research with societal needs. Padma Shri Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Founder of Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN, and NIF, urged participants to root their research in grassroots innovation and community relevance.
Similarly, during the session on Innovation in Research: Bridging Societal Needs and Industry Readiness, Dr. Vishwajeet Kumar, Founder, Community Empowerment Lab, emphasized translating academic knowledge into tangible community impact.
In addition, Padma Shri Prof. Kameshwar Prasad highlighted the critical importance of bridging bench research and bedside application to achieve meaningful clinical outcomes.
Health Communication: Translating Science into Impact
A major highlight of SANVAD 2026 was the technical session on Health Communication – Translating Science for Impact. Experts underscored the pivotal role of strategic communication in ensuring that research informs policy, builds public trust, and reaches communities effectively.
Importantly, speakers emphasized that impactful research does not end with publication. Instead, researchers must communicate findings clearly, strategically, and persuasively to influence policy decisions, clinical practice, and societal change.
Science–Policy Dialogue at the Town Hall
The final day featured a highly anticipated Town Hall with Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and Director General, ICMR. During the interactive dialogue, he addressed science–policy linkages, research funding landscapes, and emerging opportunities for young investigators.
He encouraged scholars to pursue meaningful and high-quality research, stating, “Avoid ‘tick-box research.’ Go beyond minimum Ph.D. requirements and voluntarily contribute to high-quality research papers. Understand the distinction between pressure and stress, and learn to manage both constructively.”
Strengthening Research Skills and Career Pathways
Industry and academic leaders, including Dr. Keyur Parekh, Dr. Kavita Singh, Prof. Manoj Dhar, and Dr. Neeru Saini, shared valuable insights into global health research, pharmaceutical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and diverse career trajectories.
Furthermore, technical sessions on Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis, national research resources (NAMS, ONOS, INFLIBNET), and What After Ph.D.? Career Pathways and Choices equipped scholars with practical tools to navigate careers in academia, industry, and policy. These sessions also enhanced awareness and utilization of national research support systems, thereby fostering informed and future-ready researchers.
Celebrating Scholarly Excellence
Scholars demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm during the “Mindstorm@ICMR” Research Quiz 2026, as well as the oral and poster presentation sessions. These platforms showcased the depth and diversity of doctoral research across ICMR institutes. At the same time, they promoted peer learning, expert feedback, and interdisciplinary collaboration, transforming the conclave into a vibrant celebration of scientific inquiry.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Anup Anvikar, Director, ICMR–NIMR, commended the scholars for their dedication and academic rigor. He described SANVAD 2026 as a visionary platform that fosters meaningful research networking, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaborative growth among Ph.D. scholars. He further expressed hope that similar initiatives would be institutionalized across other ICMR institutes to strengthen the national research ecosystem and nurture the next generation of scientific leaders.
The conclave concluded with a Valedictory Session and Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding research presentations and scholarly contributions.