Research and Development Cell (RDC)

INTRODUCTION:

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages the promotion of quality research within the Higher Education System. Research, innovation and development are important aspects to enhance quality education by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Societal challenges of our country can only be addressed by having a strong and vibrant higher education ecosystem with an emphasis on research, innovation and technology development. The integration of Research, Innovation and Technology Development is the foundation of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).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 catalysing research culture mandated in NEP 2020.

The Research and Development Cell of the GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women (GSSSIETW), Mysuru, facilitates and encourages the research culture among the teachers and the students. The establishment of the RDC is to develop and strengthen the research environment in the departments and to align it with the educational policies of India. The RDC would provide a favourable environment for productive research, Industrial and Institutional collaborations and mobilise the resources and grants. Research and innovation are the pillars of quality education.

RDC encourages faculties to conceive ideas through enhanced industry-academia interactions and prepare research proposals for funding from various agencies and it organizes events like capacity-building programs and specific research theme-based workshops and Research Internships that will motivate the students, scholars, and faculties to participate actively in the process of ideation and innovative research in emerging areas.

In this regard, as per the guidelines from the UGC and AICTE with Vide Circular No. AICTE/RB/2025/01/01/RD Cell Dated on 03/01/2025, Research and Development Cell (RDC) is being established in GSSSIETW, Mysuru. The objectives of RDC are as follows:

OBJECTIVES

• Fostering High-Quality Research for a Self-Reliant India: We are committed to promoting impactful research that aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India, addressing both national and global challenges.

• Cultivating a Robust Research Culture and Integrity: Our aim is to foster a thriving research culture at the institute, reinforcing the principles of research integrity. We strive to build a comprehensive research hub that enhances the institution's research capabilities.

• Encouraging Core, Interdisciplinary, and Multidisciplinary Research: We actively support and promote research activities across core disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary fields, to encourage innovation and cross-collaboration.

• Facilitating Resource Mobilization for Research: We emphasize the importance of resource mobilization to fuel research initiatives, ensuring the availability of necessary funding, facilities, and expertise.

• Integrating Research with Education: We aim to seamlessly integrate research with education, creating an environment where students and faculty engage in cutting-edge research that enhances the academic experience and broadens knowledge horizons.

• Strengthening Collaborative and Extension Research Initiatives: We encourage collaboration both within the academic community and with external partners, including industry, to enhance research outcomes. Additionally, we aim to extend research activities that actively involve students and faculty in community-based projects.

• Developing State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure: We are dedicated to continuously developing and upgrading research infrastructure to support world-class research activities and ensure that our researchers have access to the best tools and facilities.

GOVERNANCE

To enhance the research ecosystem at GSSSIETW, the Research and Development Cell (RDC) has been established in alignment with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The RDC is designed to create an efficient and robust governance framework that will strengthen the institute’s research capabilities.

A key element in the success of this initiative is the establishment of strong leadership and an effective administrative structure. The active involvement of experienced researchers, coupled with a dedicated and supportive leadership team, will play a crucial role in ensuring the RDC to operate efficiently and drive impactful research outcomes. This collaborative approach will foster an environment that promotes innovation, research integrity, and academic excellence, thereby laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth in research at GSSSIETW.

Structure of the RDC

The research governance will have a Research Advisory Council (RAC) chaired by the principal as the apex body of RDC. The Director of the RDC, nominated by Principal among the distinguished researchers from the institute, will head various committees to drive the governance and monitor all research activities. RDC may form multiple committees to smoothen its functioning with respective committee members nominated by the Director-RDC and approved by RAC. The RDC shall meet twice in an academic year to review the progress of the committees. To add or remove committee members, the approval of the chairperson is required, ensuring a structured and authorized process for changes in committee composition. The organizational structure of RDC comprising of various committees and their specified functions are as follows.

Research Advisory Council (RAC)

Finance Infrastructure Committee – 1

Research Program, Policy Development Committee – 2

Collaboration Community Committee – 3

Product Development, Monitoring Commercialization Committee – 4

IPR, Legal Ethical Matters Committee –5

RESPONSIBILITIES OF RDC COMMITTEES