ICFRE-Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Convened 32nd Research Advisory Group Meeting

The ICFRE-Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, convened its 32nd Research Advisory Group (RAG) Meeting on September 8, 2026, bringing together eminent forestry experts, scientists and forest officials from various states, with extensive knowledge and experience in forestry and allied disciplines. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sudhir Kumar Director, Forest Research Institute.

The meeting served as a significant platform for detailed scientific deliberations on the Institute’s research priorities and ongoing scientific programmes. The Research Advisory Group critically examined the proposals on the basis of their scientific merit, relevance, innovation, feasibility and potential contribution to the field of forestry.

A total of twelve new project proposals and six change requests were placed before the expert committee for consideration. The proposed projects covered key research areas, including Managing Forests and Forest Products for Livelihood Support and Economic Growth; and Biodiversity Conservation. The participation of eminent forestry experts provided valuable scientific perspectives and inputs towards strengthening the proposed research initiatives. Their deliberations are expected to contribute to developing scientifically robust, innovative and application-oriented research programmes addressing emerging challenges in forest management, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

In addition to evaluating the new project proposals and change requests, the expert group also reviewed the progress of ongoing Plan Projects. The review enabled the committee to assess research outcomes, identify areas requiring further attention and provide guidance for strengthening the implementation and impact of ongoing projects.

The projects approved during the RAG meeting will be forwarded for further evaluation by the Research Policy Committee (RPC) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE).

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on promoting scientifically robust, innovative and application-oriented research, while creating greater opportunities for scientists to undertake intensive research with long-term relevance to sustainable forestry, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.