BEST PRACTICES
Title of the Practice 1: TAP -TRAIN -THRIVE
Duration: From 2021 till date
Objectives of the Practice: Centre for Applied Sciences (Biotechnology & Microbiology), Government Degree College for Men, Srikakulam, aims to establish itself as a leader in securing funds from external funding agencies. The primary objective of this practice is to foster the holistic development of both faculty and students
by:
- Tapping into diverse funding opportunities.
- Training faculty and students in research-oriented work to enhance their academic and professional capabilities.
- Enabling faculty and students to thrive in their academic and research pursuits, in line with the institution's vision and mission.
The Context: Recognizing the importance of external funding for academic growth and research development, the college has actively sought partnerships with various funding agencies. This proactive approach is essential for enhancing the quality of education and research activities within the institution.
The Practice: The TAP, TRAIN & THRIVE initiative involves a series of progressive training
programs, seminars, workshops, conferences, and lecture projects conducted each year. Key activities under this practice include:
- Establishment of the Foldscope Facilitation and Training Centre.
- Science popularization activities and research projects.
- Training sessions and events are designed not only for the college's students and faculty but also for those from neighbouring colleges in the Srikakulam District.
- Partnerships with esteemed funding agencies such as DBT, DST, Indian Academy of Sciences,
- SERB, UGC, INSPIRE, RUSA, Academy Trust (tAcT), and APCOST.
Evidence of Success: The TAP, TRAIN & THRIVE practice has yielded significant success:
The college has secured approximately 53 lakhs in grants from various funding agencies.
It is the only degree college in the state to organize Refresher Courses for faculty.
Extensive Science Popularization activities have been conducted
Over 3000 students and faculty have been trained and motivated towards science and research.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required: Despite the success, there are challenges to address:
Increasing student participation remains a key area for improvement.
Continuous efforts are needed to engage more students in these programs to maximize the
benefits of the practice.
By expanding and refining the TAP, TRAIN & THRIVE initiative, Government Degree College for Men, Srikakulam, aims to further enhance its research capabilities, secure more funding, and provide top notch training and development opportunities for its faculty and students.
1. Title of the Practice: .FOSTERING A RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM
2. Duration:From 2021 till date
3. Objectives of the Practice:
- To develop and embed strong research methodologies and practices to foster a unique research culture.
- To encourage both faculty and students to adopt a research-driven approach, promoting innovative thinking, experimentation, and critical inquiry.
4. The Context:Centre for Applied Sciences of GDCM has implemented a detailed policy framework designed to enhance research and development activities.
The context of this initiative includes:
- Creating a Conducive Environment: Developing an academic atmosphere that supports free thinking, rigorous referencing, and inquisitive exploration. academic freedom is respected.
- Forming Strategic Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with industries and research
organizations to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
- Encouraging Scholarly Work: Motivating both faculty and students to publish scholarly articles and engage in a variety of research projects.
- Providing Comprehensive Support: Offering a robust policy framework, adequate financial resources, and expert guidance to support and advance research activities.
5. The Practice:
GDCM has implemented its Research Promotion Policy through the creation of a dedicated Research Promotion Committee, focused on establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem. The key practices include:
- Establishment of a Research Centre: The Research Centre is dedicated to nurturing a culture of research among faculty and students. It serves as a central hub for all research-related activities and initiatives.
- Organizing Educational Events: GDCM regularly hosts a range of educational events covering essential topics such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), research methodologies, and emerging research trends. These events are designed to enhance Research Competency, Promote Knowledge and Foster Professional Growth.
- Access to Research Resources: Providing access to up-to-date national and international research publications, enabling faculty and students to stay informed about the latest developments through N-List and INFLIBNET.
- Resource Utilization: The college offers training on how to effectively navigate and utilize these resources to support research activities, ensuring optimal use of available materials.
6. Evidence of Success:
The implementation of the Research Ecosystem practice has led to notable achievements:
Funding Achievement: Secured ?20 lakhs in funding for various research projects, enabling the advancement of numerous research initiatives.
Educational Events: Organized 13 seminars on IPR and 14 workshops/webinars on a diverse range of research-related topics, contributing to the enrichment of the research community.
Faculty and Research Supervision: Recognized 7 faculty members as research supervisors and enrolled 13 PhD scholars, promoting high-quality research supervision and mentorship.
Awards and Publications: Awarded the Best Thesis Award to 2 faculty members for
exceptional research work. Published 80 research articles in prestigious national and international journals and contributed 33 papers to books and conference proceedings.
RSC Internship Training Programme for Girl Students: 4 M.Sc. (Organic Chemistry)
students participated in the RSC Internship Training Programme by Tina Life Sciences,
Bangalore, receiving hands-on training in organic chemistry from December 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023.
Patent: M. Pradeep received a patent for the invention of a diagnostic kit and method for
predicting post-surgical outcomes in focal cortical dysplasia.
Student Involvement: Encouraged students to undertake cluster and community service projects, enhancing their research skills and providing practical experience.
7. Problems Encountered and Resources Required:
Despite the successes, the initiative faces several challenges:
Maintenance Issues: Regular maintenance of laboratory equipment is required to ensure
functionality and up-to-date standards, which poses an ongoing challenge.
Digital Tools Training: There is a continuous need for training faculty and students in the latest digital research tools to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure effective use of digital resources.
By continuously expanding and refining the Research Ecosystem initiative, Government Degree College for Men, Srikakulam, aims to further enhance its research capabilities. This initiative not only strengthens the college’s academic and research output but also underscores its commitment to developing a dynamic and forward-thinking academic community.