In a significant move to strengthen its academic research capabilities, Utkal University has announced the establishment of four new Centres of Excellence during its 83rd foundation day celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
New Research Hubs for Advanced Studies
University Vice-Chancellor Jagneshwar Dandapat revealed the ambitious plan on Thursday, outlining the four specialized centres that will soon become operational. The new CoEs include the Centre for Clean and Sustainable Energy, the School of Indian Knowledge Systems and Multidisciplinary Studies, the Centre for Cultural Heritage and Conservation, and Abha: The Holistic Healing and Wellness Centre.
"Research remains the cornerstone of the university's academic mission and the key driver of its progress," emphasized Dandapat during his foundation day address. He expressed confidence that these new centres would significantly enhance the institution's research output and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Existing Research Infrastructure and Future Vision
The university currently maintains a robust research ecosystem with eight CoEs funded by Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and three additional CoEs supported by World Bank under the Odisha Higher Education Program for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) project.
"These CoEs have significantly strengthened our commitment to interdisciplinary research and I am pleased to share that four new CoEs will come up soon," the Vice-Chancellor added, highlighting the institution's continuous efforts to expand its research footprint.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem
Beyond academic research, Utkal University has also made remarkable strides in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The university's Centre for Innovation and Incubation Foundation has emerged as a vital hub for entrepreneurial growth, currently supporting 18 startups from diverse sectors through its incubation program.
Additionally, 27 students from various postgraduate departments have been recognized as student startups, demonstrating the institution's success in nurturing ground-level innovation. "This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation and enterprise among our students," Dandapat stated.
Recognition and Future Directions
The foundation day ceremony saw P Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, attending as chief guest. He commended Utkal University's substantial contributions to academic research across various streams and interdisciplinary studies.
Babu highlighted the significant reforms in higher education, particularly the implementation of NEP-2020 which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. He urged the university to focus research efforts on critical areas including tribal empowerment, linguistic diversity, sustainable livelihood, gender equity and disaster management.
The event also featured the distribution of seven gold medals to meritorious students, recognizing academic excellence and outstanding performance across various disciplines.
