In total, 38 central universities have already established a Research and Development Cell (RDC), while at least six are underway, University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said in a tweet. As part of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, higher education institutions were mandated to establish RDCs to facilitate a multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary and translational research culture.
The UGC will arrange a meeting with many of these higher education institutions on August 23 to discuss how establishing the RDCs will improve the higher education research ecosystem in the country. Kumar added that the establishment of RDCs had so far been carried out at 83 presumed universities, 45 state-funded universities, 29 private state universities and 95 colleges.
UGC has issued Guidelines for the establishment of RDC in universities and colleges. Guidelines provide a clear roadmap for establishing RDC with its objectives and functions. These RDC guidelines are available on the UGC website.
— Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90) August 19, 2022
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In March this year, the UGC adopted the guidelines for establishing the RDCs in higher education institutions across the country. The RDCs will be governed by a Research Advisory Council (RAC) headed by the Vice-Chancellor or Principal or their nominee. The guidelines suggested establishing a Research Information Management System (RIMS) to collect and manage all research-related information.
The committee emphasized the development of a standard plagiarism control mechanism and making the software available to all researchers for smooth operation. Furthermore, the RDCs were also expected to create awareness about questionable research and publishing practices and predatory magazines.
The new guidelines asked higher education institutions to step up their cooperation with other institutions to conduct joint research and exchange students, scientists and teachers. The committee had also suggested that HEIs re-engage or appoint experienced retirees and senior educators as mentors to develop a resilient research ecosystem in the RDCs.
RDCs can formulate a Corpus for the financing of the research activities from the government, the business community and other financiers. They may also explore the possibility of channeling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds or approaching venture capitalists and angel investors to fund research and innovation.
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