Interdisciplinary Research Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose: This policy outlines the Galgotias University's commitment to fostering and supporting interdisciplinary research (IDR) endeavors by faculty, staff, and students.

1.2 Scope: This policy applies to all research activities conducted within the University, including those funded by internal or external sources.

1.3 Definitions:

• Interdisciplinary research (IDR): Research that integrates knowledge, methods, and perspectives from two or more disciplines to address complex challenges, create new knowledge, or develop innovative solutions.

2. Guiding Principles

The University recognizes the following principles to govern its approach to IDR:

• Support for collaborative research: Encouraging faculty, staff, and students from different disciplines to collaborate on research projects.
• Building an inclusive environment: Fostering a culture of openness, respect, and appreciation for diverse perspectives and methodologies.
• Promoting interdisciplinary learning: Providing opportunities for faculty and students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively in IDR.
• Enhancing research impact: Recognizing the potential of IDR to generate novel solutions and address pressing issues facing society.

3. Support Mechanisms

The University will provide various mechanisms to support IDR:

• Faculty Development:
• Workshops and training programs: Workshops on research collaboration, communication across disciplines, and IDR methodologies.
• Mentorship programs: Connecting experienced IDR researchers with junior faculty to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Seed funding: Grant programs to support the development and exploration of new interdisciplinary research ideas.
• Student Support:
• Interdisciplinary courses: Offering courses that foster collaboration and engagement across disciplines.
• Undergraduate research opportunities: Encouraging participation in IDR projects through research assistantships and fellowships.
• Graduate student support: Providing guidance and resources for interdisciplinary research within graduate programs.
• Infrastructure and Resources:
• Interdisciplinary research centers or institutes: Establishing central hubs for collaboration, resource sharing, and fostering connections between researchers from diverse disciplines.
• Shared research facilities and equipment: Providing access to specialized facilities and equipment that may be beneficial to IDR projects.
• Research support services: Offering dedicated staff support for research development, grant proposal writing, and project management for interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Online platforms: Supporting the development and utilization of online platforms for interdisciplinary interaction, resource sharing, and collaborative work.
• Networking events: Organizing seminars, conferences, and workshops that bring together researchers from various disciplines to share ongoing research and explore potential collaborations.

4. Evaluation and Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically, at least every three years, to ensure its effectiveness in fostering a vibrant and successful IDR ecosystem within the University. The review process will involve feedback from faculty, staff, students, external experts, and relevant university committees.

5. Conclusion

The Galgotias University believes that IDR is crucial for tackling complex challenges, generating novel knowledge, and advancing the frontiers of various disciplines. This policy aims to provide a framework and resources to facilitate and support successful IDR endeavors, ultimately contributing to academic excellence, societal progress, and positive global impact.