Promotion System in place that recognizes Interdisciplinary Research amongst science disciplines
In universities, now-a-days, there is a growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary research, particularly in the sciences where complex problems often require collaboration across multiple disciplines. MRIIRS has established “RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CELL” (RDC) for research promotion that explicitly value interdisciplinary research, under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC Guidelines for Establishment of Research & Development Cell In Higher Education Institutions vide Letter No: F.No.1-5/2021 dated 8/6/2022 through its Research Advisory Council(RAC), which acts as think tank to support inter- disciplinary ,trans- disciplinary and multi- disciplinary research. This RDC also has specific committees and review processes in place to evaluate interdisciplinary research for promotion purposes, ensuring that it is appropriately valued and considered alongside traditional disciplinary research.
The various criteria which reflect inter-disciplinary approach with outcomes are as given below:
- Research Publication – by researchers at the university often reflects the interdisciplinary approach in research, through co- authored publications.
- Research Funding and Grants – researchers collaborate across disciplines and submit joint grant applications. Few also receive grants from different funding agencies.
- Interdisciplinary research centers or initiatives- at university campus, interdisciplinary research centres have been established to boost collaborative work with researchers from other disciplines. Example:
- Centre for Health Innovation (CHI): –Computer Scientists, Nutritionist, Dieticians, Physiotherapists and biotechnologists all collaborate with professionals in field of Medicine.
- Centre for Advance Water Technology & Management (CAWTM):- Geologists, Hydrogeologists, Civil Engineers and researchers in Life Science work together to address several issues of water and biodiversity.
- Impact of Interdisciplinary Research – being carried out by researchers are is reflected in citations, patents, technology development, Start-Ups or contributions to solving real-world problems.
- Outreach, Service and Leadership – several conferences, seminars, workshops, guest lectures etc are organised regularly to recognise contributors of interdisciplinary research within institution and broader research communities, to bring in networking and exchange of ideas.
- Teaching and Mentoring – the curriculum has inbuilt courses as “Elective Baskets” that bridge multiple scientific and non- scientific disciplines across many programmes being run in the university. The students are also involved in interdisciplinary research projects and are mentored well through “Design, Thinking and Innovation” course in Engineering domain. Many of these students move further and establish their own Start-Ups which are incubated at NEW-GEN EDII Innovation and Incubation centre at the university.
