BU tops state in MRIP faculty selections

Berhampur: Thirteen faculty members of Berhampur University have been selected to receive financial aid of Rs 98.84 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Programme (MRIP) for 2024-25. This marks the highest number of faculty members selected from a single university in the state.
"We are very happy that the highest number of faculty members to receive funding under this prestigious state govt-sponsored research programme have been selected from Berhampur University," said Geetanjali Dash, vice-chancellor of Berhampur University. According to her, the financial aid is expected to facilitate high-quality research, encourage interdisciplinary collaborations, and enhance the university's research ecosystem.
All in all, the OSHEC has chosen 60 faculty members from various state universities and colleges across Odisha to receive over Rs 4.32 crore under MRIP for 2024-25.
Of the total Rs 98.84 lakh allocated to Berhampur University, researchers from the varsity's science stream were awarded Rs 78.02 lakh, while faculty members from the social sciences stream received Rs 16.82 lakh. Last year, four researchers from the university received Rs 35 lakh under the same scheme.
Besides, at least three faculty members of different colleges affiliated with BU were also selected to receive Rs 24.84 lakh under the programme, sources said. After Berhampur, a total of 11 faculty members of Ravenshaw University were selected to receive Rs 78.83 lakh funding.
Under the scheme, researchers are required to complete their projects within two years and present their progress at the annual Odisha Research Conclave (ORC), organised in association with OSHEC. Last year, the ORC was hosted by Fakir Mohan University in Balasore. Berhampur University is planning to host the event this year, said Dash.