UGC issues guidelines for establishment of research and development cells at HEIs

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formulated guidelines for the establishment of research and development cells (RDC) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

According to UGC guidelines, the RDC will be governed by a Research Advisory Council (RAC) headed by the vice-chancellor or principal or their nominee. “The establishment of Research and Development Cell (RDC) in HEIs will enable attainment of targets of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat and is expected to play a pivotal role in catalyzing multidisciplinary/ transdisciplinary and translational research culture mandated in NEP 2020,” said a statement from UGC.

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UGC suggests the establishment of a Research Information Management System (RIMS) to collect and manage research-related information, databases, publications, research projects, fellowships, collaborations, patents, thrust areas, innovations etc.

In order to create a resilient research ecosystem in the RDCs, the UGC suggests re-employing or designating experienced retired and eminent faculty as mentors. UGC also stressed that the research promotion activities at the HEI should be aligned with the mandates of different national missions by the Union government, sustainable development goals, Start-up India etc. so as to make India self-reliant.

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New HEIs are asked to connect with RDCs of established HEIs for research purposes. The guidelines instruct HEIs to collaborate with other institutions and organizations for joint research, exchange of students, scholars, and faculty.

Institution of Excellence Awards will be awarded for the HEIs for their achievements. UGC also stressed establishing a standard plagiarism check and making the software accessible to all researchers. RDC is also expected to spread awareness among the research community on dubious research and publishing practices and predatory journals.