About this Scheme

• Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) aims to encourage social science research in policy relevant areas so as to provide vital inputs in policy-formulation, implementation and evaluation.
• The IMPRESS is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and is being implemented by the Indian Council of Social Science Research.
• The basic idea to encourage policy research in social sciences is to have visible impact on polity, economy, society, culture, media, governance, health, environment, technology, law etc.
• It also aims to have enhanced coordination between academics and policy makers.

Objectives of this scheme

1. To find and support social science research ideas that have the greatest impact on governance and society.
2. To concentrate research on eleven broad themes, including state and democracy, urban transformation, media, culture, and society, employment, skills, and rural transformation, governance, innovation, and public policy, growth, macro-trade, and economic policy, agriculture and rural development, health and environment, science and education, social media and technology, politics, law, and economics. Before declaring the scheme and inviting applications, the Sub-Theme areas will be determined based on the advise of Expert Groups.
3. To ensure that projects are chosen through a transparent, competitive online process.
4. To provide opportunities for social science researchers at any institution in the country, including all universities (both public and private), as well as private institutions with a social science focus.