INPARMA (Indian Network for Program and Research Managers & Administrators) is a newly formed national initiative that brings together professionals involved in the management, coordination, and administration of research and academic programs across India.
Established on 25th September 2025, INPARMA aims to build a recognized professional community for Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs) and Project/Program Managers (PMAs)—a group that plays a vital role in driving India’s research and innovation ecosystem yet has remained largely unstructured and underrepresented.
The idea drew momentum from the DBT/India Alliance IRMI initiative, which helped spotlight the need for a collective identity for RMAs and PMAs.
Our Mission
To build a vibrant RMA–PMA community for India by fostering connection, professional identity, and capacity development, while enabling collaboration that strengthens the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Why INPARMA?
- Until now, RMAs and PMAs in India had no formal platform to represent them.
- To create a professional identity for RMAs/PMAs in India.
- To provide a community for learning and peer support.
- To advocate for recognition of RMAs as a profession within institutions, funders, and policy bodies.
- To connect India’s professionals with global networks.
- To offer opportunities for career development, leadership, and mentorship.
Our Values
- Inclusivity – We welcome all roles connected to research and program management, from early-career professionals to experienced leaders.
- Collaboration – We believe in collective strength and shared learning across institutions and geographies.
- Recognition – We advocate for RMAs and PMAs as essential contributors to India’s research ecosystem.
- Capacity Building – We aim to provide opportunities for training, growth, and leadership.
- Global Exchange – We learn from international networks while shaping solutions unique to India.
Acknowledgement
We gratefully acknowledge the DBT/India Alliance IRMI program for creating the initial momentum that encouraged this group of RMAs and PMAs to come together. INPARMA is independent but stands on the foundations of awareness and community-building that IRMI Program initiated.
The concept of INPARMA originated as part of Dr. Sneha Joshi’s WomenLift Health Leadership Journey project proposal, a leadership development initiative supporting women in global health.