SANVAD 2026, the Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development, was organised by the Indian Council of Medical Research at the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi. The three-day annual platform brought together doctoral scholars, senior scientists, policymakers, academicians and research leaders to strengthen India’s health research ecosystem and improve the quality of Ph.D. work across ICMR institutes.
Annual Rotating Platform
SANVAD is designed as a rotating national initiative hosted by different ICMR institutes each year. This decentralised model promotes institutional collaboration and exposes scholars to varied research environments. After the first edition at ICMR–NIMR, the 2027 edition will be hosted by ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.
Focus on Research Quality and Innovation
The programme aims to improve doctoral rigor, innovation orientation and leadership readiness among ICMR Ph.D. scholars. It also creates structured opportunities for networking with experts from academia, industry and policy. Speakers stressed research rooted in societal needs, community impact, and the translation of scientific knowledge into practical outcomes.
Key Themes and Technical Sessions
Important sessions covered:
- Health communication and the need to translate science for policy and public trust.
- Systematic reviews and evidence synthesis for stronger research design.
- National research resources such as NAMS, ONOS and INFLIBNET.
- Career pathways after Ph.D. in academia, industry and policy.
The Town Hall with the Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, brought into light science-policy linkages, research funding and the need to avoid tick-box research.
Scholarly Engagement and Recognition
Around 400 doctoral scholars participated in oral and poster presentations, as well as the Mindstorm@ICMR Research Quiz 2026. The event encouraged peer learning, expert feedback and interdisciplinary collaboration. The conclave ended with a valedictory session and awards ceremony recognising outstanding research contributions.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026