The National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), India has launched the Advanced Research Training Seminar (ARTS) initiative to strengthen research capacity in psychology and allied disciplines. Conceived as a flagship training program, NAOP–ARTS is designed to raise the quality of research, publications, and applications of psychological science, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of human nature and the welfare of society.
Each ARTS focuses on a specific theme and is led by a team of experienced resource persons, who serve as mentors throughout the program. They engage participants through lectures, focused discussions, and one-on-one consultations to refine research manuscripts and proposals. Resource persons also provide guidance on methodology, data analysis, scientific writing, and course development, thereby building practical skills that directly enhance participants’ scholarly productivity.
Participation in ARTS is highly competitive. Around 15 early-career faculty and doctoral scholars are chosen on the basis of academic merit and research potential. Applicants are required to submit a draft manuscript or ongoing research proposal, which is then revised and improved during the seminar under expert supervision. This hands-on format ensures that participants leave the program with strengthened research outputs ready for publication or funding consideration.
The program typically runs for five working days (with shorter Mini-ARTS options of three days) and is hosted by leading academic institutions across India. NAOP supports the initiative with financial assistance towards travel, accommodation, and organizational expenses, while host institutions provide additional infrastructure and local support.
NAOP provides substantial financial and organizational support, including covering travel and hospitality of resource persons and contributing towards participants’ accommodation and study materials. Host institutions are expected to extend logistical support, while participants may arrange their travel through fellowships or other sources. To encourage ownership and professional growth, ARTS participation is open only to NAOP members, thus also expanding the Academy’s professional network.
NAOP organize at least two ARTS programs annually, with the possibility of scaling up based on feedback and demand. By investing in capacity building, NAOP–ARTS aims to nurture the next generation of Indian psychologists, expand the Academy’s membership base, and promote high-quality, internationally visible research. Through ARTS, NAOP reaffirms its mission of advancing psychological science that is rigorous, socially relevant, and globally engaged.
NAOP warmly invites academicians and institutions interested in strengthening research and training capacity to apply to host an ARTS program at their institution. Proposals should outline the academic theme, logistical support, and potential impact, and must be submitted to the NAOP–ARTS Convener, Prof. Shagufa Kapadia (shagufa@gmail.com). Selected hosts will work closely with NAOP to design and implement a program that is both locally meaningful and nationally significant.
