Research & Innovation Publication

About the Research Innovation and Publication Cell

Research and Development are the catalyst for creativity and innovations. They play a crucial role in the context of Higher Education which faces the challenges of globalization and competition in the present day context. Since its inception in the year 2009, Research, Innovation and Publication Cell of the college has played a major role in encouraging research and innovation through projects sponsored by the college. Major reasons for constituting the Cell are (a) helping develop an improved proficiency in the knowledge of research methodologies and (b) providing its learners with assets which would be helpful in other areas, be it teaching, market research, conducting public opinion poll, communication studies, advertisement, book publishing, developmental projects administration, personnel management, clinical, occupational and educational psychology amongst others. It is an undisputed fact that in the pursuit of knowledge, research plays a vital role. Recognising the need for improving the research proficiency of the teachers as well as the students, Shillong College established the Research Innovation and Publication Cell on 3rd July 2009, under our Former Principal Dr (Mrs) M.P.R. Lyngdoh. The main objectives of the Cell are to promote critical thinking and enable use of techniques to enrich analytical capabilities. The Cell organises awareness programmes and workshops aiming at a heightened awareness of the relevance of Research and Publication. Such workshops help develop a temperament in research. There is currently a growing professional and commercial demand for graduates who have qualifications to carry out research. The reason for such a demand is related to the fact that the global spread of industrialism coupled with technological revolution in the present day has vastly expanded the scope of Research. Keeping these factors in mind and in the ever changing ever evolving dynamics of research particularly in academia, the Research Innovation and Publication Cell Shillong College aims to encourage and inculcate in its faculty as well as students the scientific temper.

NEP 2020 and Significance of Research in the Policy

The National Education Policy 2020 proposes to revise and revamp all aspects of the education scenario in the country to suit the aspirational targets of 21st century education. The policy lays out many principles that outlines this new era of education that not only focuses on development of cognitive capacities but also on development of social, ethical, and emotional capacities and dispositions. The main thrust of the NEP 2020 is a total revamping of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and student support moving towards faculty and institutional autonomy. The policy aims to promote a multidisciplinary approach across the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities and sports and encourages a multilingual classroom where local or Indian languages may be the chosen mediums for instructions in place of English. NEP 2020 outlines a holistic approach in education for undergraduate programs in vocational, professional and technical disciplines. Curricula of all HEIs shall include creditbased courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education. The undergraduate degree will be of either 3 or 4-year duration, with multiple exit options within this period, with appropriate certifications, e.g., a certificate after completing 1 year in a discipline or field including vocational and professional areas, or a diploma after 2 years of study, or a Bachelor’s degree after a 3-year programme. The 4-year multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme, however, shall be the preferred option. The 4-year programme may also lead to a degree ‘with Research’ if the student completes a rigorous research project in their major area(s) of study as specified by the HEI. NEP envisions Higher Educational Institutions to evolve into multidisciplinary institutions of higher learning in accordance with twenty first century learning. The NEP 2020 lays equal emphasis on teaching as well as research. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has also brought to the forefront the importance of collaborative research and research in general. In fact, the National Education Policy 2020 has strongly emphasized the importance of Research in academia. It highlights that Higher Education should intrinsically promote and involve active research. Research promotes critical and analytical thinking leading to new knowledge and better understanding of one’s field of study. Further, the significance of research is compounded by the fact that it often leads to innovation which in turn contributes to a growing national economy. Research and Development is a crucial aspect of a country’s progress in the new millennia and the NEP seeks to promote R & D by establishing a vital link for research between the government, higher educational institutions, research institutes and industries. As an impetus for Research, the NEP 2020 guarantees the establishment of a National Research Foundation to facilitate “merit-based but equitable” peer reviewed research funding. The NRP seeks to promote research and innovation in HEIs by setting up start-up incubation centres, technology development centres, centres in frontier areas of research, greater industry academic linkages, and interdisciplinary research including humanities and social sciences research. The NEP thus gives new dimension to research in HEIs as it promotes the culture of research and knowledge creation.

The Aims and Objectives of the Research and Publication Cell are:

1. To promote research activity amongst students and teachers.

2. To help acquire more research based knowledge.

3. To open opportunities to collaborate with institutions, organisation, corporates in and outside the country.

4. To help develop analytical, practical and observational skills in the young minds to promote scientific research.

5. To create a capacity for innovation.

6. To develop and improve skills not restricted to book learning.

7. To promote the spirit of scientific enquiry among teachers and students.

8. To create awareness about the various Schemes and Sponsorships provided by the State and Central Government agencies for Major and Minor research projects for teachers.

9. To encourage students to participate and present their findings in scientific gatherings such as seminars, workshop, exhibitions national and international.

10. To facilitate learning outside the classroom through field work, study tour, projects among students.

Founding Members (2009)

At its inception in 2009, under the leadership of former principal Dr. (Mrs.) M. P. R. Lyngdoh, a dedicated "Research Committee" was created to pursue research goals across various college departments. The founding members of this pioneering committee were:

Standard Operating Procedures & Guidelines

The Research Innovation and Publication Cell maintains strict operational rules to ensure transparency, academic integrity, and financial accountability for all college-funded minor projects:

1. Application Access: Project proposals are invited from both teachers and students. Application forms can be obtained from the RIPC office or downloaded from the college website [https://shillongcollege.ac.in/storage/246/formatresearch.pdf]

2. Project Classifications: Projects are awarded in two distinct categories: (a) Teachers' Project, and (b) Teachers-Student Project (aimed at cultivating research interest directly within students).

3. Pre-sanction Screening: All submitted research proposals must be thoroughly scrutinized by a dedicated Screening Committee before any funds are released.

4. Screening Committee Composition: The Screening Committee consists of the RIPC Convener & Joint Convener, the IQAC Coordinator, one teacher member from IQAC, Vice Principals, and the HOD (or a senior teaching faculty member) of the concerned department. External expert counsel is sought if necessary.

5. Final Administrative Approval: All proposals recommended by the Screening Committee are submitted to the College Principal through the Fund Allocation Committee for final approval and release of grants.

6. The 120-Day Execution Rule: If a Principal Investigator (PI) is unable to initiate project work within 120 days (4 months) from the date of fund release, they are liable to refund the entire sanctioned amount along with a formal written justification.

7. The 5% Simple Interest Rule: The grantee must ensure that the funds are utilized solely for the purpose for which they were sanctioned. In cases of non-utilization or partial utilization, the grantee must refund the unutilized amount with a 5% simple interest levied for the period the funds were retained.

8. Academic Non-Overlapping Rule: Teachers or students with an incomplete ongoing project are strictly barred from applying for or receiving grants for new projects.

9. Presentation & Final Accounts: On completing the project, the researcher is required to deliver a formal presentation of the study, its analysis, and findings before the Screening Committee. Only after successful presentation and evaluation of accounts will the final 20% grant be released.

10. Closing Reporting Deliverables: Researchers must submit two hard copies and one soft copy of the completed project report, alongside original vouchers and a signed Utilization Certificate, within 45 days of project completion.

11. Supervision of Student Projects: Departments are required to ensure that Honours students submit project proposals strictly under the direct supervision of a designated departmental teacher.

12. Retention of Acquired Assets: Any equipment, instruments, or assets acquired using the project grant cannot be disposed of; they must be permanently retained as departmental assets.

13. Outcome Publication Mandate: The outcome of every research project funded must be published. Researchers are advised to ensure their findings are published in peer-reviewed national/international journals of repute.

14. Five-Year Compilations: The RIPC is mandated to compile all completed minor research projects into a single bound volume once every five years.

Research Cell Performance Index

Recent College-Funded Performance (2016–2022)

Over the last decade, funding has significantly modernized, with multiple project cohorts active across diverse disciplines. The financial performance of these cohorts is summarized below:

Figure 1: Visual Representation of College Funding for Minor Research Projects (2016–2022)

Research Publications & Academic Output

The direct output of RIPC's nurturing environment is a strong track record of faculty publications in national and international forums. This research spans across the Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, highlighting a major institutional push towards knowledge creation.

Publications in UGC Notified Journals (2016–2021)

Faculty members from nine major departments published a total of 51 research papers in journals officially notified on the UGC website during the 2016-2021 period:

Publications in Peer-Reviewed ISSN Journals

In addition to UGC notified lists, faculty across twelve departments published 22 papers in independent, double-blind peer-reviewed journals with registered ISSN codes:

Books, Edited Chapters, and Conference Proceedings

Faculty members also produced a massive amount of longer-form scholarship, including full-length books, chapters in edited national/international volumes, and peer-reviewed conference proceedings:

"Echoes from the Hills" Interdisciplinary Journal

Under the aegis of the Research, Innovation and Publication Cell (RIPC), Shillong College launched its own peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal, "Echoes from the Hills" (ISSN: 2581-5253, RNI: MEGENG/2017/74683), first released on 24th July 2018. The journal showcases and publishes innovative, peer-reviewed scholarly writings from established and emerging academicians and professionals to promote institutional dialogue, critical reflection, scientific inquiry, and research dissemination.

The historical timeline of issues and themes of "Echoes from the Hills" is cataloged below: