Introduction:
STRIDE is a major initiative launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India to promote high-quality research in the field of social sciences and to strengthen the research ecosystem in Indian universities and colleges. Established in 2019, STRIDE seeks to fund research projects that have a significant impact on society, encourage innovation, and promote interdisciplinary research in social sciences. This note provides an overview of the STRIDE program, its objectives, key features, and significance in advancing research in social sciences.
Objectives:
- Promote Research Culture: STRIDE aims to foster a research culture in higher education institutions (HEIs) by encouraging faculty and researchers to engage in high-impact research.
- Strengthen Research Ecosystem: It seeks to strengthen the research ecosystem in India by providing financial support and resources to HEIs for research activities.
- Interdisciplinary Research: STRIDE promotes interdisciplinary research in social sciences to address complex societal challenges.
- Community Engagement: The program encourages research that directly benefits local communities and addresses their needs and concerns.
Key Features:
- Grants for Research Projects: STRIDE provides research grants to individual researchers, faculty members, and HEIs to conduct research projects in social sciences.
- Research Themes: The program supports research projects in various themes, including education, healthcare, environment, social inclusion, governance, and technology.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: STRIDE encourages researchers to collaborate across disciplines and departments to address complex social issues.
- Community-Based Research: The program emphasizes community-based research that has a direct impact on local populations and addresses their challenges.
- Capacity Building: STRIDE offers training and capacity-building programs to researchers and faculty members to enhance their research skills.
Impact and Significance:
- Research Advancement: STRIDE has contributed to the advancement of research in social sciences in India by providing financial support and resources.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program promotes collaboration between different academic disciplines, leading to innovative and comprehensive research outcomes.
- Community Benefits: Research projects funded by STRIDE often have a direct and positive impact on local communities, addressing their needs and improving their quality of life.
- Enhanced Research Culture: The program has encouraged HEIs to develop a stronger research culture and infrastructure.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of research projects beyond the funding period is a challenge.
- Equity: Ensuring that research opportunities are accessible to HEIs in remote and underserved areas is essential for promoting equitable research development.
- Quality Assurance: Maintaining the quality and rigor of research projects funded by STRIDE is crucial for achieving meaningful outcomes.
Conclusion:
STRIDE is a significant initiative by the UGC to advance research in social sciences and strengthen the research ecosystem in India. By providing financial support, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and emphasizing community engagement, the program has contributed to the generation of knowledge that addresses critical social issues. STRIDE aligns with the government’s vision of promoting research and innovation for societal development and represents a significant step toward achieving research excellence in social sciences.