JITENDRA K. Pandey

There's a great deal of conversation surrounding the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in boosting research output. Yet, the 'how' often remains elusive. How do we initiate it? How do we equitably share the credit for research? How will the value-added be fairly distributed? Who will occupy the roles of authorship? And, perhaps most importantly, why should one pursue it? In this scenario, the need for a seasoned mentor, someone with experience and wisdom, becomes evident. Such a mentor can provide clear guidance on the work and its credit distribution. To facilitate this process, it is imperative to establish clusters with well-defined roles and responsibilities.

It's a challenging endeavor, not just words. Bringing research funding to a university is no easy task. Many organizations heavily rely on government funding agencies, often pressuring researchers to submit projects. This traditional approach has yielded limited success. It's essential to shift the focus towards industry-centric research, which demands dedicated efforts to deliver according to specific demands. This approach may appear challenging initially, but once set in motion, it promises desirable outcomes and opens up vast opportunities for funding.

Practical experience has shown that it's nearly impossible for a single university to possess an exhaustive array of research facilities and resources, including equipment, laboratory facilities, extensive literature databases, and case study centers. Consequently, there will always be some gaps in available facilities. The most effective approach is to pinpoint specific focus areas and establish collaborations with national and international organizations to bridge these gaps. This endeavor demands a sincere commitment to cultivate meaningful partnerships, with a willingness to share credit in joint publications openly.

Such partnerships are undeniably crucial for a sustainable research ecosystem. Nevertheless, it demands a long-term strategy and a deliberate focus on specific areas. Building a network should be a gradual process achieved through masterclasses, joint workshops, and brainstorming sessions. It's imperative to involve experienced personnel from both government and industry on various advisory boards to enrich knowledge in diverse fields.

The visibility of research output in a university is of paramount importance as it serves as a reflection of the institution's commitment to knowledge advancement. It not only enhances the reputation of the university but also attracts top talent, fosters collaboration with external partners, and paves the way for securing research funding. Furthermore, visible research output contributes to societal progress by sharing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. In this competitive academic landscape, visibility is the bridge that connects research excellence with global recognition and impact.

Research and academic output must have a positive impact on society because it is a tangible expression of the university's mission to contribute to the betterment of the world. It's through research that innovative solutions are discovered, problems are solved, and knowledge is advanced. When research positively affects society, it improves lives, addresses pressing challenges, and drives economic growth. It not only demonstrates the institution's commitment to the public good but also fulfills a fundamental responsibility of academia to create knowledge that benefits and enriches the communities it serves.