New Delhi, February 22 – Aiming to strengthen institutional collaboration and expand exposure to diverse research ecosystems, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organized a three-day conclave, SANVAD 2026, according to an official on Sunday.
The ICMR, which falls under the Department of Health Research (DHR) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organized the "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), the official stated in a press release.
A highlight of the three-day event was a technical session on Health Communication – Translating Science for Impact. The discussions emphasized the critical role of strategic communication in ensuring that research informs policy, builds public trust, and effectively reaches communities.
The session emphasized that impactful research doesn't end with publication; it must be communicated strategically, clearly, and persuasively to influence policy, practice, and societal change.
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 the minimum PhD 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 PhD scholars."
"I hope similar initiatives will be embraced and institutionalized 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 conceptualized as a rotating national platform, hosted each year by different ICMR institutes to promote sustained engagement with doctoral scholars across the network.
By decentralizing its organization, 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.