Research – Madhesh University

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PLAN FOR MADHESH UNIVERSITY

To establish Madhesh University (MU) as a leading institution for research and innovation, a comprehensive plan is essential. This plan will focus on fostering a robust research culture, enhancing collaboration with industry, and promoting educational advancements in line with the vision of the university and society at large.

Specific Objectives

Promote a Research Culture: Foster an environment that encourages faculty and students to engage in meaningful research that contributes to societal needs and technological advancements.
Industry Collaboration: Establish partnerships with local and international industries to ensure research is relevant and beneficial to the community and economy.
Innovative Educational Programs: Develop and implement career-directed educational programs focusing on innovative problem-solving in technology, and applied sciences.
Research and Innovation Centers: Create specialized centers for research in key areas such as medicine, tourism, Ayurveda, law, management, education, oriental philosophy, technology, and sustainable practices.
Support for Entrepreneurship: Encourage entrepreneurial initiatives among students and faculty through incubation centers and support programs as social learning management system in partnership with society.

Action Plan

Establishing a Research Culture

∙ Induction of Research Teams: Form research committees at both societal and departmental levels to promote collaboration and resource sharing among faculty and students in collaboration with different agencies.

∙ Workshops and Training: Conduct regular workshops to enhance research skills among faculty and students, focusing on proposal writing, research methodologies, and publication strategies.

∙ Incentives for Research: Implement a reward system for faculty and students who publish research papers and secure grants, fostering a competitive research environment.

2. Enhancing Industry Collaboration

∙ Industry Advisory Board: Create an advisory board comprising industry leaders to guide research directions and ensure alignment with market needs.

∙ Internship and Placement Programs: Develop strong internship programs that allow students to gain practical experience and contribute to ongoing research projects in collaboration with industries.

∙ Joint Research Projects: Initiate joint research projects with industries to address specific challenges, leveraging academic expertise to provide innovative solutions.

3. Developing Innovative Educational Programs

∙ Curriculum Development: Regularly update curricula to include emerging technologies and industry trends, ensuring that students are equipped with relevant skills.

∙ Interdisciplinary Programs: Promote interdisciplinary studies that combine Information Technology, Dairy technology, Sustainable human Actions, Sustainable Project Technology and social sciences to address complex societal issues.

∙ Virtual Learning Environment: Establish a virtual campus to facilitate online learning and collaboration, making education accessible to a wider audience through collaboration with national and international universities.

4. Creating Research and Development Centers

∙ Centers of Excellence: Establish specialized centers for research in medicine, tourism, Ayurveda, law, management, education, oriental philosophy, and technology, and sustainable practices, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in partnership with different agencies.

∙ Applied Research Focus: Encourage applied research that addresses local and national challenges, with an emphasis on practical solutions that enhance productivity and income.

∙ Community Engagement: Implement community-based research initiatives that involve local stakeholders, ensuring that research outcomes benefit the community.

5. Supporting Entrepreneurship

∙ Incubation Centers: Create incubation centers to support student and faculty startups, providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities.

∙ Entrepreneurship Education: Integrate entrepreneurship education into the curriculum, encouraging students to develop their business ideas and innovations. Students club will be established in collaboration with society for operating social entrepreneurship as nonprofit organization.

∙ Networking Opportunities: Organize networking events and competitions to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with industry experts and investors.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of research initiatives, including the number of publications, patents, and industry collaborations.
Regular Reviews: Conduct annual reviews of the research and innovation plan to assess progress and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms for faculty, students, and industry partners to continuously improve research initiatives and educational programs.

Impact Statement

Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the initiatives on community development and educational outcomes, allowing for continuous improvement and be the first university to publish impact of university on development.

Ranking of University

Ranking of university should be promoted through research. All research scholars should be requested to Register in following Social Research/ Research Indexing websites using MU official email address for ranking improvement:

1) ORCID-ID,

2) Google Scholar,

3) ResearchGate,

4) Elsevier’s SSRN

5) Microsofts Academic,

6) www.semanticscholar.org.

7) BASE.

Journal Recognition

University should recognize Scholarly Publications standards annually in line with University Grants Commission guidelines:

1) MU Journals with Copyright in Authors & MU name

2) Journals Indexed in Crossref.

3) Journals Indexed in DOAJ

4) Journals Indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, OpenAire etc.

5) Patents (Nepali & International)

6) MU should follow Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

Example Project 1: Unnath Tarai Abhiyan

In the context of Madhesh Province, the implementation of a project to serve as a model for fostering community development and enhancing educational outcomes should be initiated. This initiative can be tailored to the unique socio-economic landscape of Madhesh, focusing on the adoption of villages and schools, while promoting agricultural innovation and skill development.

Project Implementation: Madhesh Development Initiative

Vision and Objectives

Vision: To empower communities in Madhesh Province through education, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative solutions that foster self-reliance and economic growth.
Overall Objective: To enhance the quality of life in Madhesh Province by integrating educational initiatives with community development, focusing on skill development, agricultural innovation, and social entrepreneurship.

Key Activities

1. Village and School Adoption Program

Orientation for New Students: Organize programs where new students spend a few days in local villages to understand community needs and development prospects. This will also enhance their critical thinking and socialization skills.
Community Engagement: Facilitate discussions and workshops with villagers to identify local challenges and development opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.

2. Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Non-Profit Agricultural Company: Establish a non-profit company focused on agricultural production, employing local youth and school dropouts. This initiative will promote self-employment and skill development.
Hi-Tech Nursery Management: Develop hi-tech nurseries for the propagation of high-quality seedlings, incorporating modern agricultural techniques and providing training to local farmers.

3. Livestock and Crop Improvement

Genetic Improvement Programs: Implement programs for the genetic improvement of livestock herds such artificial intercourse, enhancing productivity and income for local farmers.

4. Capacity Building and Skill Development

Training Programs: Offer training on effective custom hiring systems, agricultural insurance, and subsidies to raise awareness and empower local farmers.
Establishment of Agricultural Development Centers: Create university-affiliated agricultural development centers to promote collective management production systems and support local farmers.

5. Technical Support and Organic Farming

24-Hour Technical Support: Provide continuous technical support to farmers, helping them adopt organic farming practices and improve their productivity in collaboration with Associations and Nepal Agriculture Research Council.
Organic Fertilizer Production: Establish facilities for the production of organic fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing dependency on chemical inputs.

Project Benefits

Research Centers: Establish dedicated research centers focusing on local issues such as agriculture, health, and sustainable development. This aligns with the university’s commitment to community-oriented research.
Funding and Grants: Seek partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to secure funding for research projects. Create internal grant programs to support faculty and student research.
Collaboration: Foster collaborations with other universities and research institutions both nationally and internationally to enhance research output and visibility.
Outreach Programs: Develop outreach initiatives that engage local communities, focusing on education, health, and sustainable practices. This could include workshops, seminars, and community service projects.
Skill Development: Offer vocational training programs tailored to the needs of the local population, enhancing employability and addressing local economic challenges.
∙ Cultural Integration: Incorporate local culture and languages into the curriculum and community programs, ensuring that education is relevant and accessible to all segments of the population.

Project 2

This proposal outlines a strategic initiative to adopt schools within the university’s catchment area, aiming to enhance educational outcomes and establish community learning centers that facilitate skill transfer to learners in the society. By leveraging the university’s resources and expertise, we seek to create a sustainable model for educational enhancement and community engagement.

Objectives

Enhance Educational Quality: Improve the quality of education in adopted schools by providing access to resources, training, and support from MU faculty and students.
Establish Community Learning Centers: Create centers that offer skill development programs, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities for community members.
Foster Collaboration: Build partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of educational initiatives.
Promote Lifelong Learning: Encourage continuous learning and skill development among community members, focusing on relevant skills that align with local economic needs.

Proposed Activities

1. School Adoption Program

Identification of Schools: Conduct a needs assessment to identify schools in the catchment area that would benefit from collaboration with MU.
Resource Allocation: Allocate resources, including educational materials, technology, and faculty support, to enhance the educational environment in adopted schools.
Training for Educators: Provide professional development workshops for teachers in adopted schools, focusing on innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and student engagement strategies.

2. Establishment of Community Learning Centers

Location and Infrastructure: Identify suitable locations for community learning centers within the catchment area, ensuring accessibility for community members.
Program Development: Develop a range of programs offered at the learning centers, including vocational training, computer literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills workshops.
Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partner with local NGOs and community organizations to deliver programs that address specific community needs and interests.

3. Student Engagement and Involvement

Volunteer Opportunities: Encourage MU students to participate as volunteers in the school adoption and community learning center initiatives, providing them with hands-on experience in community engagement.
Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where MU students can mentor school students, fostering academic support and personal development.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

Data Collection: Implement a system for collecting data on the impact of the school adoption program and community learning centers, including student performance, attendance, and community participation.
Feedback Mechanisms: Create feedback mechanisms for students, educators, and community members to assess the effectiveness of programs and identify areas for improvement.
Regular Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the progress of the initiatives, sharing outcomes with stakeholders and making adjustments as needed.

Conclusion of the Session

By implementing this comprehensive research and innovation plan, Madhesh University can position itself as a leader in technological education and research in Nepal. This plan not only aligns with the university’s vision but also addresses the pressing needs of the local community and economy. Through a focus on collaboration, entrepreneurship, and applied research, MU will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Madhesh Province and the nation as a whole.

Madhesh University

मधेश विश्वविद्यालय

वीरगंज, पर्सा

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