New Delhi/Bhawanipatna: Maa Manikeshwari University (MMU), Bhawanipatna, has reportedly become the only university from Odisha to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) for research collaboration. The MoU was signed as part of the G20-linked University Connect Hub Programme, during an international academic gathering held in New Delhi on June 3 and 4.
The agreement was signed at the “International Conference on Global and Triangular Cooperation: Emerging Facts,” organized at Hotel Taj Palace. The MoU was part of the “University Connect Hub” initiative, which brought together vice chancellors and academic leaders from across India for high-level discussions on education, development cooperation, and global partnerships.
Present at the signing ceremony were Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of RIS; Professor Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR); and Dr. Nibedita Nath, Vice Chancellor of Maa Manikeshwari University, among other dignitaries including vice chancellors and research leaders from across India.
Maa Manikeshwari University was one of only 21 institutions across India selected for this collaboration and the only university from Odisha to meet all four evaluation criteria established by RIS. This selection has been hailed as a proud moment for both the university and the broader academic landscape of the Kalahandi region.
The MoU is expected to strengthen research capacities at the university, promote high-quality scholarly output, and encourage policy-relevant studies. It also aims to provide newer researchers with institutional support, access to broader networks, and opportunities for international collaboration.
Over recent years, Maa Manikeshwari University has taken several forward-looking steps to promote research and foster a scholarly environment. This initiative marks another milestone in the varsity’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a center of academic innovation and excellence.
This collaboration is expected to inspire new generations of scholars and set the foundation for impactful, globally connected research initiatives from one of India’s newest universities.
