Khanapara, Feb 2: With the objective to boost up research culture, a Scholar Guide Conclave was held on Wednesday at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) where a brainstorming took place on the theme “Quality and Need Based Research” with participation of more than 200 research scholars and guides.The keynote speakers of the conclave included Dr. Saurabh Basu, Professor at IIT Guwahati and Prof G Ram, Professor of Sociology & Director, Centre for Studies in Human Development, Assam University, Silchar. The Conclave was organized by the Research Division and IQAC, USTM.

Addressing the scholars and guides, Dr. Saurabh Basu, Professor from IIT Guwahati said, “Students need to learn to research on topics that are relevant and applicable in society. We as guides must advise students to think out of the box which is very important in research. Knowledge and developing skills are important for all researchers.”

He said that USTM is on the right track to provide research support to inculcate the tradition of research culture in the university. Dr Basu gave an overview of the topics of research in IITG that are providing jobs and opportunities and said that research must give back to the society. He also talked about various government and non-government funding opportunities for research.

Speaking to the participants, Prof G Ram said, “Life is a struggle, looking for solutions to various problems. In this process, we create knowledge. So research is basically a problem solving activity.”

Citing the five components of research as research proposal, conduct of research, reporting of the research, sharing or publishing the research and ethics of research, he said that the ultimate aim of knowledge is to contribute to the society. He also said that mixed mythology- both qualitative and qualitative is more useful in any research.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM, stated, “Our focus is on involving researchers from different academic disciplines to promote a shared vision and understanding to answer complex questions and address broader issues”.

In order to make a Centre of Excellence, the contribution of scholars in research is highly anticipated. USTM being a research driven university has a duel mission—to educate students and to discover new knowledge frontiers through research, he added.

Earlier, welcoming the resource persons and all the scholars and their PhD supervisors, Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM said, “Our focus is on need based and interdisciplinary research. To encourage the research scholars, USTM is providing remuneration and recognition to scholars and guides every month for publication of quality research papers.”