Improving PU’s global image: Involve industry more, resolves new task force

The panel, headed by the V-C, observed that more scientists should be encouraged for patenting their research work

With Panjab University (PU) continuing to slip in various national rankings, the varsity has constituted a special interdisciplinary task force to improve its image.

PU V-C Raj Kumar urged for more collaborations with the industry to increase the varsity’s visibility and to integrate interdisciplinary research on environment, health,disaster management, public health and public policy. (HT FILE PHOTO)

The special panel held its first meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor (V-C) Raj Kumar, which was attended by teachers from various departments. During the meeting it was discussed that the industry should be involved in the board of studies (BoS) and the board of controls for making of the syllabi and teaching to prioritise research areas, which will enable students to be industry-ready.

The V-C said, “The thrust areas should be listed out with the interest of society, global perspective and government priority in mind. The task force has been constituted mainly to enhance the global image of PU and to increase outputs for research/teaching for improving PU rankings.”

The panel also observed that more scientists should be encouraged for patenting their research work. For this, hiring a professional patent agent was suggested apart from exploring options of hiring government agencies who give free services for filing the patents.

“A nodal officer has been appointed to encourage the writing for getting the patents,” said Kumar.

During the meeting it was suggested that under the corporate social responsibility programme, the industry should be tapped into for funding research projects. Moreover, it was also outlined to have a science and technology hub on the PU website with thrust areas mentioned therein under which, the links for the faculty to be provided for better coordination. The industrial feedback will be taken for good research work .

Raj Kumar urged for more collaborations with the industry to increase PU’s visibility and to integrate interdisciplinary research on environment, health,disaster management, public health and public policy.