Edu-leaders

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is heading for a paradigm shift in its research policy and research facilitation processes, Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said.

"The shift would be in the context of the global scenario of full-time, part-time and systemic research under the open university and distance education systems," said Pillai.

According to Pillai, the varsity has a research project scheme and paid research study leave, in addition to the sabbatical leave scheme, available to teachers and academics.

Participation in national and international research conferences is facilitated by travel grants.

"IGNOU has a faculty strength of over 1,000 with doctoral and post-doctoral qualification who are occupying permanent full-time positions as assistant professors, associate professors and professors or equivalent academic positions as assistant directors, deputy directors and directors," said Pillai.

About 800 teachers and academics with PhD and higher-level research qualifications are working in the university. An exclusive research unit was created in the university recently to coordinate research activities, added Pillai.

Source: igovernment