IGNOU to bring changes in research policies

According to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, the University is heading for a paradigm shift in its research policy and research facilitation processes.The shift would be in the context of the global scenario of full-time research, part-time research and systemic research under the open university and distance education systems.

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