The Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) hosted the DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2024 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, marking ICMR’s 113th Foundation Day. This landmark event celebrated more than a century of ICMR’s contributions to advancing biomedical research and healthcare innovation in India.
The Summit featured prominent leaders from the healthcare and research sectors, including Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda (via video message); Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel; Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr. V.K. Paul; and Secretary DHR and Director General ICMR, Dr. Rajiv Bahl.
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in his video address, lauded ICMR’s role in addressing critical health challenges, including infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19, as well as non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and nutrition. He emphasized ICMR’s transformative impact on India’s healthcare landscape and announced that the tradition of recognizing research excellence on ICMR’s Foundation Day would continue annually. He congratulated the honorees and encouraged a shared commitment toward building a healthier and stronger India.
In her inaugural speech, Smt. Anupriya Patel highlighted ICMR’s decorated history of pioneering scientific research and its ongoing contributions to India’s biomedical advancements. She underscored the organization’s role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through its leadership in research and innovation. Acknowledging the transformative impact of ICMR’s work, she applauded the dedication of its researchers and emphasized the importance of recognizing these contributions to inspire future generations.
Dr. V.K. Paul highlighted the significance of the advancements showcased at the Summit, stating that they not only address pressing health challenges but also position India as a global leader in health research. He called for collective efforts toward achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Dr. Rajiv Bahl emphasized ICMR’s unwavering commitment to fostering impactful research and thanked the researchers and institutions for their dedication to building a healthier and more prosperous nation.
Several key initiatives were launched during the Summit, including the Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (I-RISE) Policy, designed to expand access to ICMR’s extensive research network to foster innovation. The I-Drone initiative, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024 (Ayurveda Day), was demonstrated during the event, showcasing its potential in healthcare delivery. Additionally, the ICMR History Book, detailing over a century of contributions to healthcare, was unveiled, along with new guidelines on Intellectual Property Policy, CSR Funds, and Technology Transfer to drive innovation and optimize resources.
The Summit also celebrated excellence in medical research by honoring distinguished researchers and institutions. Awards were presented for Best Research Paper, Best Innovation, Best Team Research, and Best Ph.D. Student. Institutional awards recognized achievements in categories such as Best ICMR Institute, Best Extramural Institute, Best Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, and Best Health Technology Assessment Centre.
The event highlighted ICMR’s legacy of leadership in biomedical research and its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a healthier future for India. It served as a testament to the organization’s dedication to addressing the nation’s health challenges while fostering progress in scientific research and healthcare excellence.
