IIT-Delhi launches programme to boost young faculty research

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, has launched the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the institute’s research ecosystem, and supporting high-potential young faculty members.

The programme has been instituted by distinguished alumnus Deepak Raghavan, and is facilitated by the IIT-Delhi Endowment Management Foundation. It is designed to provide sustained academic and financial support to faculty members, enabling them to pursue independent, high-impact research while contributing to teaching and academic leadership.

A key component of the initiative is a five-year Endowed Chair Professorship for faculty aged 45 years and below.

The Chair will be supported by a dedicated research fund, access to research staff, and resources required to build and scale advanced research programmes.

The accelerator programme offers flexible research funding that can be used for purchasing equipment and software, conducting experiments and fieldwork, developing prototypes, and hiring postdoctoral researchers and research staff.

It also promotes collaboration with industry and external institutions, encouraging the translation of research into real world applications, patents, and new technology.

The programme also includes a fully funded PhD fellowship once every five years, allowing a doctoral scholar to work closely with the Chair Professor.

The fellowship also supports participation in national and international conferences, providing young researchers with global exposure.

Speaking about the initiative, IIT-Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee said: “IIT-Delhi has some of the best researchers and academic talent in the country. Initiatives like this programme help our faculty take their work to the next level, and ensure that India remains competitive in research and innovation in the years to come.”