Mumbai University’s research funding jumps 3-fold in 3 years

MUMBAI: Research funding received by Mumbai University has increased over threefold in three years. Data submitted by the university to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) shows that funding received for sponsorship and consultancy projects went up from Rs 6.3 crore in 2016-17, to Rs 20.1 crore in 2018-19—an increase of over 220%. Over 85% of the total funding received was for sponsored research projects.
Funding from Rashtriya Uchchatar Shikshan Abhiyan (RUSA) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) have contributed to the positive growth, said officials.

In the data submitted to the ministry of human resource development, the number of patents published by MU faculty members has seen a jump over last year—from nine to 26. While universities have to do a self-declaration before the Centre, NIRF rankings are still awaited. The growth in research numbers may have a positive impact on MU’s rank, but is not an indicator. Last year too, MU failed to make it to the top 100 national institutions, but it did rank 81st in the universities’ category.
“A lot of awareness is being created among faculty members over the Centre’s funding schemes. It is a mandate for universities under the University Grants Commission (UGC). There is a more focus on interdisciplinary research too,” said pro vicechancellor Ravindra Kulkarni, adding that MU has received funding under various schemes from central and state agencies, NGOs and even from foreign agencies.
An attractive sum has been received for tribal policy research with a component on skill development, based on regional needs. For example, faculty members are working on development of nutritious products to tackle the problem of undernourishment in tribal areas. Asiatic Society has commissioned a project and foreign funding came in from Germany for an exchange programme.