The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) announced on 19 October 2026 a partnership with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) to advance doctoral research. Under a Memorandum of Understanding executed on 21 August 2026, all ten MoES research institutes are now recognized as AcSIR Associated Research Institutes. This allows PhD students to conduct research at MoES facilities under the supervision of MoES scientists, with degrees awarded by AcSIR. The collaboration covers diverse fields including oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and AI/ML applications in earth sciences.
Key points
- All 10 MoES institutes are now recognized as AcSIR Associated Research Institutes (AcSIR-ARIs).
- PhD students will research at MoES institutes; AcSIR will award the degree referencing the host institute.
- Research areas include weather forecasting, deep-sea mining, seismology, and marine robotics.
- Joint intellectual property will be shared mutually, with students credited as inventors.
- Nodal AcSIR Coordinators have been appointed at each institute to manage operations.
When it applies
- execution of the MoU
- ceremony to declare the strategic MoU
Who it affects
- PhD students and scientists