Fostering research excellence among Ayurveda postgraduate scholars: The PG-STAR initiative

Investigations within the realm of health sciences have the potential to yield improved health outcomes and contribute to the advancement of national development. It is evident that research yields are critical elements for improving global health, health equity, and economic development.[1] More than 80% of the world's population in over 170 of WHO's 194 Member States currently use some form of traditional medicine, and WHO has long given high priority to research.[2] Researching Ayurveda extensively and leveraging its findings to enhance health policies and practices is crucial for the growth of Ayurveda, both nationally and for its broader acceptance internationally. In India, health research is conducted either by specialized research organizations or educational institutions operating within the framework of university structures. In the field of Ayurveda, research is currently conducted by dedicated research organizations, and there is a noticeable trend toward recognizing and valuing the research capacities of academic institutions. These institutions, alongside specialized research organizations, are increasingly contributing to the advancement of Ayurveda research, indicating a broader spectrum of stakeholders involved in exploring and understanding the science of Ayurveda. Research in Ayurveda In Ayurveda, research encompasses a wide range of areas, starting with scholarly examinations that require meticulous editing of available manuscripts, literature, and inscriptions. Fundamental research aims to scientifically confirm the core principles and practices of Ayurveda, while drug research focuses on ensuring consistency in both single botanicals and compound formulations. This includes the exploration of new drug development through pharmacological and clinical studies. Moreover, medicinal plant research addresses the cultivation and sustainable availability of high-quality drugs. In contrast, clinical research involves rigorous, well-designed studies to validate drugs and procedures scientifically. Collectively, these investigations significantly contribute to the extensive scope of Ayurvedic research.[3] Apart from the prominent research organization, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), numerous significant research endeavors are undertaken by academic institutes. These are Project studies done for advanced studies, like master's or PhD, at top Ayurvedic institutes such as All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, and others like the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and institutes connected to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nasik, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Dr SRR Ayurveda University Jodhpur and Atal Medical and Research University, Mandi etc. Additionally, universities and Ayurveda colleges of repute are actively engaged in various disciplines of Ayurvedic research. As of 2023, for the academic session 2023–24, there are 460 Ayurveda colleges in India offering UG/PG postgraduate programs, each with a specific number of seats available annually.[4] It is worth noting that a substantial portion of Ayurveda research is also conducted by other National and international scientific bodies. At the national level, organizations such as ICMR, CSIR, ICAR, DST, and DBT are working themselves at their institutes or through funding to other institutions. The majority of the research is in and around drug research, particularly finding out the role of single molecular entities of different botanicals. Many believe that academic institutions of excellence are ideal for conducting health research in Ayurveda, provided they are equipped with proper training. These institutions typically possess state-of-the-art facilities, abundant resources, access to a consistent patient pool, interdisciplinary support, and guidance from experienced experts from various fields. By doing so, Ayurveda can be more widely accepted and take its place on the global health stage. This involves making research a big part of what teaching hospitals and medical schools do, encouraging work across different areas of study, and making sure clinical research is seen as vital for improving health care. In this regard, one of the major initiatives recommended is capacity building. Research capacity building means helping individuals and institutions develop more skills and abilities to conduct meaningful research.[5] Health care not only benefits from research but also provides a research setting, creating a two-way relationship between health care and research.[6] In Ayurveda, educational institutions play a crucial role in health care. Therefore, Ayurvedic colleges offering postgraduate and Ph.D. programs can become centers for enhancing the subject/specialist specialization-specific research skills of young Ayurveda scholars. Upon finishing their studies, these scholars may opt for a research career or participate in research endeavors led by clinicians, even while practicing independently. This process also involves educating them on critical thinking, analyzing data, and evaluating evidence. The Scheme for Training in Ayurveda Research for Post Graduate Scholars (PG-STAR) is a recent initiative launched by the CCRAS on June 14, 2023. It aims to support outstanding postgraduate scholars in Ayurveda who are strongly inclined to research, innovation, and generating new ideas as follows: i. Nurturing a cohort of exceptional scholars to spearhead research that informs and shapes clinical best practices and policies in Ayurveda. Removing financial obstacles and offering technical assistance would help aspiring scholars overcome barriers hindering their involvement in medical research. Learning research skills encourages a mindset of continuous learning, enabling them to grasp research methods better and contribute to the scientific community. These scholars are ready to make meaningful contributions to improving clinical practices and policies in Ayurveda. Academic schools give basic knowledge, but practical research skills are crucial for healthcare workers to use evidence-based methods effectively. To fill this gap, the present scheme encourages excellent research skills early in professionals' careers. There is a need to break down existing barriers between healthcare, education, and research to apply research findings for everyone's benefit. We also need new leadership styles to help share knowledge in complex healthcare systems.[7] Today's health research is changing a lot, emphasizing how important it is to connect research with healthcare smoothly. As the apex research organization overseeing Ayurveda research, CCRAS is commited to keep working on ways to improve research in different areas. One of them is nurturing dedicated human resources in the diversified field of Ayurveda research, and working collaboratively to transform research into tangible health improvements is the other one. ii. Toward enhancing research skills and encouraging innovation among young Ayurveda experts. It aims to help Ayurveda MD/MS students pursuing their studies by offering them financial and technical backing to enhance the quality of their research and increase its visibility to a wider audience. The research proposals, which are dynamic and are being addressed to national health needs, are be given priority. The prioritized area includes literary research, Fundamental concepts as applied to current health care, standardization/ validation of the quality of Ayurveda drugs, assessment of safety of the drugs, techno innovation, Ayurveda interventions in Public health care, and the role of Ayurveda as a standalone or adjuvants treatment in National Health Program, etc. Ayurveda medical graduates, Indian nationals only, who are admitted to the post-graduation course, that is, MD/MS (from any NCISM/GoI recognized College/Institute) and who wish to avail CCRAS's financial assistance for pursuing their research project are eligible to apply. There is a provision of up to Rs 1,00,000 financial assistance per scholar to 100 scholars per year. The scholarships are allocated based on different research areas, viz., 50 for clinical research, 10 for pharmacological research, 20 for pharmaceutical research, including drug standardization and technological innovation, 10 for literary research, and 10 for fundamental research. In the first year, 392 research proposals were received from all the above fields. For the academic year 2023–24, 100 students were chosen to participate after a three-tier review by the panel of experts. Details about the procedure to apply, method of scrutinization, joining and release of scholarship, completion and timeline of the scholarship, including the application format are available in the official website of the CCRAS.[8] This is the potential step to enhance research capabilities and outcomes following the completion of postgraduate degrees, preparing scholars to become teachers, physicians, researchers, and leaders in various fields. Research is indispensable in every sector, and with proper training, these postgraduate scholars, as future leaders of Ayurveda, will constitute the backbone of its workforce. Ayurveda's progress relies on development across all sectors, including drug development, academia, policy, and clinical research. Upon completing their postgraduate degrees, scholars will devote themselves to advancing Ayurveda in their respective careers. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.