First in the World Challenge

Why in news?

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a new initiative called ‘First in the World Challenge’.

First in the World Challenge Initiative:

• This initiative will inspire scientists to find solutions to health problems.
• Its objective is to promote the discovery and development of futuristic ideas, breakthrough health technologies (vaccines, drugs, therapies, diagnostics, etc.) with innovative and out-of-the-box thinking. 

Eligibility:

• Scientists and faculty working in Government Medical Colleges, Institutes of National Importance (INI), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) affiliated institutes, universities, recognized R&D laboratories and NGOs.
• Other private institutes and NGOs working as research organizations and Indian Startups/MSMEs/Industries
• Proposals submitted by an individual or team of researchers (single or multiple institutes)

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

• Establishment: Established in the year 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA)
• It was renamed as ICMR in the year 1949
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Objective: To advance biomedical research with the aim of improving public health and addressing national health challenges

Functions:

• To generate, manage and disseminate new knowledge
• To conduct and support medical research that benefits society
• To promote the use of modern biological tools to address the health concerns of the country
• To encourage innovations related to diagnosis, treatment, preventive methods, vaccines
• To develop a culture of research in academia, particularly in medical colleges and other health research institutions by strengthening infrastructure and human resources