KU’s research findings to benefit industry, policymakers, community: VC

Srinagar, Oct 23: To review the progress of projects under RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) 2.0, the University of Kashmir (KU) held a meeting of the external expert committee here. The meeting focussed on research, innovation and quality improvement assessing the varsity’s achievements and planning future actions to enhance research and innovation.

The external review panel, comprised of Prof R Uma Shaankar and Prof L S Shashidhara who commended KU for its progress under the centrally sponsored scheme (CSS.

On the occasion, KU VC Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the critical role of women faculty in various research projects while highlighting the milestones achieved under RUSA, including in entrepreneurship mainly focusing on fashion technology, arts and crafts, among other sectors.

“The RUSA 2.0 grant has been effectively utilised and we will be taking these projects forward. The research findings from our university will benefit key stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers and the community at large,” Prof Khan said.

She noted that these centres have successfully trained individuals who have now started their own businesses and are financially independent.

VC, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof Shakeel A Romshoo, underlined KU’s role in setting a benchmark for other institutions across the country.

“Under RUSA 2.0, many endeavours have been undertaken including research projects tackling regionally significant issues such as climate change, glacier hydrology, biodiversity, and microplastic pollution in water bodies,” he informed.

Dean Research, KU, Prof M Sultan Bhat, who deliberated upon a robust two-way monitoring mechanism for RUSA projects, including both internal and external assessments, said: “Over the last five years, we have significantly improved our research output and increased the h-index,” he said.

KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, acknowledged the varsity’s success and pointed out that there is always scope for improvement. “We have done well, but we can always push the boundaries further. Our aim is to make the most of the resources and opportunities available to us.”

Professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra), Bangalore, Prof R Uma Shaankar (external expert), congratulated the university for its achievements, stating: “The University of Kashmir has made remarkable progress under the RUSA grant in just five years. The institution is upholding excellence in research, innovation, teaching and outreach.”

Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, Prof L S Shashidhara (external expert), encouraged KU to use these research projects as a foundation for collaboration with other institutions. “Moreover, these important research findings should be used to generate awareness among the general public,” he suggested.

RUSA Programme Coordinator, Prof Manzoor A Shah, expressed gratitude to the external experts for their constructive feedback. “The inputs provided today will help us advance our projects further.”

A 15-minute documentary, produced by the varsity’s Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), was also screened during the session, providing an overview of the research projects conducted under the RUSA 2.0 grant. Dr Tariq Abdullah, Senior Producer at EMRC, who directed the documentary, represented EMRC on the occasion.