Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad (UoH) has been selected to lead one of seven national research clusters under the prestigious ANRF-PAIR (Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research) initiative. The grant, awarded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, is designed to accelerate interdisciplinary research with real-world impact in the health sector.
Formed under a hub-and-spoke model, the UoH-led cluster will focus on major public health challenges—specifically metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and cancers (MICs). Target conditions include diabetes, fatty liver disease, dengue, malaria, breast cancer and blood cancer. UoH will serve as the hub, working in collaboration with six ‘spoke’ institutions: Osmania University, Central University of Karnataka, Sri Venkateswara University, Yogi Vemana University, Mahatma Gandhi University and Kannur University.
The network brings together 173 co-principal investigators with expertise spanning health sciences, bioinformatics, molecular biology and public health. The initiative is built on collaboration rather than competition. “The synergy among the institutions and the shared mission made our proposal stand out,” said UoH Vice Chancellor Prof. B.J. Rao. “This isn’t just a research win—it’s a step toward transforming India’s health innovation ecosystem. We’re aligning science with society’s needs, with a mission-mode approach,” he explained.
The effort is being led by Prof. Bramanandam Manavathi, project director, Prof. Siba Kumar Udgata, co-project director, and Prof. Samrat L. Sabat, director of the R&D Cell. This leadership team will oversee execution across partner institutions and disciplines. According to Prof. Rao, the broader aim is to develop science-based, accessible healthcare solutions while simultaneously strengthening the research infrastructure within India’s university system.
