New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) convened SANVAD 2026, a three-day national conclave aimed at strengthening doctoral research, fostering innovation, and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders in India. Held from February 19 to 21 at ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), the event brought together nearly 400 Ph.D. scholars alongside senior scientists, policymakers, and industry experts.
SANVAD, short for Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development, is an annual ICMR initiative under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Conceptualized as a rotating platform, it is hosted each year by a different ICMR institute to ensure wider institutional collaboration and exposure to diverse research ecosystems.
Promoting Research Excellence and Innovation
The central objective of SANVAD 2026 was to enhance the quality and rigor of doctoral research across ICMR institutions. The conclave focused on improving research design, strengthening innovation orientation, and preparing scholars for leadership roles in academia, industry, and policy.
Sessions covered a broad spectrum of themes, including systematic reviews, evidence synthesis, and effective utilization of national research resources such as NAMS, ONOS, and INFLIBNET. Scholars also explored career pathways beyond the Ph.D., gaining practical guidance on navigating opportunities in public health, pharmaceuticals, and interdisciplinary research.
Distinguished Speakers Inspire Young Minds
The event featured several eminent speakers who shared insights drawn from decades of experience. Padma Shri Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, founder of Honey Bee Network, encouraged scholars to anchor their research in grassroots realities and societal needs.
In a session on innovation and industry readiness, Dr. Vishwajeet Kumar of Community Empowerment Lab emphasized translating academic knowledge into measurable community impact. Padma Shri Prof. Kameshwar Prasad highlighted the importance of bridging laboratory research and clinical practice to achieve meaningful health outcomes.
Industry and academic leaders including Dr. Keyur Parekh, Dr. Kavita Singh, Prof. Manoj Dhar, and Dr. Neeru Saini discussed global health research trends, pharmaceutical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Health Communication and Policy Dialogue
A key highlight of SANVAD 2026 was a technical session on health communication, underscoring the importance of translating scientific findings into accessible and actionable knowledge. Speakers stressed that impactful research must go beyond publication and influence policy, practice, and public understanding.
The final day featured an interactive Town Hall with Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR. Addressing young scholars, he urged them to pursue meaningful research and avoid what he described as “tick-box research.”
Dr. Bahl encouraged participants to contribute voluntarily to high-quality publications and to learn to manage academic pressure constructively. The open dialogue also touched upon research funding landscapes and strengthening science–policy linkages.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
SANVAD 2026 also provided vibrant platforms for peer learning and scholarly exchange. The “Mindstorm@ICMR” Research Quiz 2026 generated enthusiastic participation, while oral and poster presentations showcased the diversity and depth of doctoral work across institutes.
These sessions enabled scholars to receive expert feedback and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The conclave concluded with a valedictory session and awards ceremony recognizing outstanding research presentations and academic contributions.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Anup Anvikar, Director, ICMR–NIMR, described SANVAD as a visionary initiative that strengthens networking and collaborative growth among young researchers. He expressed hope that similar platforms would continue to be institutionalized across ICMR institutes, reinforcing India’s national research ecosystem.
With sustained focus on quality, innovation, and collaboration, SANVAD 2026 has positioned itself as a cornerstone initiative in shaping India’s next generation of health research leaders.