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ICMR SANVAD 2026 Conclave Aims to Forge India's Next-Gen Research Leaders

The Indian Council of Medical Research successfully concluded its three-day SANVAD 2026 conclave at the National Institute of Malaria Research. The event highlighted the critical importance of translating scientific research into impactful communication for policy and public trust. A key town hall session featured Dr. Rajiv Bahl urging scholars to conduct meaningful research beyond minimum requirements. The annual, rotating initiative will next be hosted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad in 2027.

Key Points: ICMR SANVAD 2026 Conclave Nurtures Future Research Leaders

  • Fosters research networking
  • Emphasizes science communication
  • Strengthens institutional collaboration
  • Addresses science-policy linkages
2 min read

ICMR convenes SANVAD 2026 to nurture next-generation research leaders

ICMR's SANVAD 2026 conclave focused on strategic science communication, policy impact, and collaborative growth for PhD scholars across India.

"I encourage you to go beyond minimum Ph.D. requirements - Dr. Rajiv Bahl"

New Delhi, Feb 22

Aiming to strengthen institutional collaboration and expand exposure to diverse research ecosystems, the Indian Council of Medical Research organised a three-day conclave SANVAD 2026, said an official on Sunday.

The ICMR which comes under the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organised Scholars' Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development (SANVAD 2026)) from February 19 to 21 at the ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), said the official in a statement.

A highlight of the three-day event was the technical session on Health Communication - Translating Science for Impact. Discussions underscored the critical role of strategic communication in ensuring that research informs policy, builds public trust, and reaches communities effectively.

The session emphasised that impactful research does not end with publication; it must be communicated strategically, clearly, and persuasively to influence policy, practice, and societal change, said the statement.

The final day featured a town hall with Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR.

The interactive dialogue addressed science-policy linkages, research funding landscapes, and emerging opportunities for young investigators.

He urged scholars to conduct serious and meaningful research and avoid what I call 'tick-box research.'

"I encourage you to go beyond minimum Ph.D. requirements and voluntarily contribute to writing high-quality research papers. There is a distinction between pressure and stress, and researchers must learn to manage both constructively," he said.

Anup Anvikar, Director, ICMR-NIMR, lauded the scholars for their dedication and scholarly excellence.

He stated, "I see SANVAD 2026 as a distinctive and visionary platform that fosters meaningful research networking, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaborative growth among Ph.D. scholars."

"I hope similar initiatives will be embraced and institutionalised across other ICMR institutes in the years ahead, strengthening the national research ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders," he said.

SANVAD is an annual ICMR initiative conceptualised as a rotating national platform, hosted each year by different ICMR institutes to promote sustained engagement with doctoral scholars across the network.

By decentralising its organisation, the initiative strengthens institutional collaboration and expands exposure to diverse research ecosystems.

Following the successful conduct of the First edition at ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, the 2027 edition of SANVAD will be hosted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Arjun K
Great initiative, but I hope this leads to real-world impact. We have brilliant minds in our research institutes, but often the findings don't reach the common man or influence policy quickly enough. The rotating model across institutes is a smart way to build a national network.
R
Rohit P
As a PhD scholar myself, I appreciate the focus on managing pressure vs. stress. The environment can be very demanding. Platforms like SANVAD for dialogue with top officials are invaluable. Looking forward to the NIN Hyderabad edition next year!
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Sarah B
This is encouraging. Building the next generation of research leaders is critical for any nation's progress. The emphasis on interdisciplinary work and clear communication is what will help Indian science truly shine on the global stage.
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Vikram M
A good step, but I respectfully hope the "meaningful research" also addresses our local health challenges—like vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and antimicrobial resistance—with the same vigor as pursuing international publications. Jai Hind!
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Kavya N
More power to our young scientists! 👩‍🔬 It's heartening to see structured efforts to mentor them. The town hall concept is excellent. Hope the scholars' feedback is actually implemented to improve the research ecosystem.

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