Panjab University scholars to help in teaching, write para on social impact of research
Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig has approved per week teaching/research assistantship for the university’s research (PhD) scholars. Also, the research scholars have been asked to write a mandatory 500-word paragraph detailing the ‘societal impact’ of their research. The two approvals were made by the VC in anticipation of the approval of the Senate and the Syndicate.
In the first approval, a clause has been incorporated in the UGC Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree Regulations-2022 into the Panjab University PhD guidelines 2023. It has been incorporated under the heading ‘Course work-credit requirements, number, duration, syllabus, minimum standards completion and others’ as clause 9.9.
“All PhD scholars, irrespective of discipline, shall be required to train in teaching/education/pedagogy/writing relating to their chosen PhD subject during their doctoral period. The PhD scholars may also be assigned four-six hours per week of teaching/research assistantship for conducting tutorial or laboratory work and evaluations,” read the approval.
Another approval stated: “It is mandatory for all PhD students to write a paragraph of approximately 500 words at the end of both their synopsis and thesis, detailing the societal impact of their research under the heading ‘Societal Impact’”.
In recent past, the Centre for World University Rankings ranked Panjab University among the top 4 per cent of higher education institutions globally for 2023-24. Globally, it attained research rank of 794, with an overall score of 71.6. In the research ranking of the National Institutional Ranking Framework, the university slid to 35th spot from last year’s 33rd. For the last couple of years now, the university is putting stress on improving various research parameters and facilities for scholars.
“Research helps in continuity and creating connects between the past, the present and the future. This move of PU is in furtherance of the UGC guidelines and aims to focus on meaningful results and findings. It is important that research being done in universities is productive for society,” said Vig.
Prof Harsh Nayyar, Director, Research and Development Cell, added, “Every year around 500 thesis are submitted at the university. The societal impact of the research work will act as an instrument of human welfare. When we talk on economic or financial front, the result of the study can affect policy makers. Any scientific prelude is always fruitful for the present as well as future generations.”
“The voyage of research is a systematic exploration aimed at uncovering new insights, challenging existing paradigms and solving complex problems. Learning is thriving and research propels humanity forward. It is a fundamental driving force behind the advancement of knowledge and the progression of society,” added a senior professor at the university.
