Manipal Academy of Higher Education Research Policy

Rapid growth in scientific knowledge is an indication of quest for discovery and has an impact on economic and societal development. Science, technology and innovation is often initiated at the University research environment and it is also the mission of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Research and developmental activities creates and disseminates new knowledge in range of fields, promotes innovation and these will motivate better learning and teaching among faculties and students of our University as these are often incorporated in the courses. Research is the foundation of knowledge that brings new energy, builds state of the art facilities, promotes research publications, develops collaborations and becomes part of active community that shares the mission objectives. Taking these into considerations, following Manipal Academy of Higher Education Research Policy is implemented.

Purpose

The purpose of the Research Policy is to create a vibrant atmosphere of research among faculty and researchers in Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The policy shall serve as an overall framework within which research activities may be carried out.

Scope

This is a University wide Research Policy. It is implementable in all campuses of Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India and can serve as guideline for overseas campuses.

Objectives

• To create an enabling environment within the University in order to foster a research culture as well as provide required support through research framework and guidelines.
• To ensure high level of efficient and effective support system to facilitate faculty and researchers in their research activities.
• Ensure publications in quality journals, indexed in Scopus/Web of Science and/or with impact factor.
• To nurture an environment of undertaking socially useful research with potential for commercialization.
• Establish Research Centers within University with potential for Excellence.
• Forge interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships nationally and globally.

Custodian of Policy

The implementation and updating of Research Policy shall be carried out by Directorate of Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The Research Policy shall have a research advisory body to function under Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and administrative committee, to assist and advise in matters related to research within Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Policy and Guidelines

1. Undertaking Research
   Faculty members of Manipal Academy of Higher Education and research departments are expected to undertake research, leading to quality publications, presentations in National/International conferences of repute, generation of Intellectual property with potential for commercialization, socially useful outcome and other similar research activity.
2. Obligations of faculty and researchers (including post graduate researchers)
   Research output will be considered one of the criteria for faculty recruitment and promotion along with other academic responsibilities.
3. Recruitment and Promotion
   The University shall recruit such faculty members and researchers who have demonstrable/demonstrated capability in research. Faculty promotion may significantly depend on research undertaken. The quality of research output, especially research publications, may be assessed on the established yardsticks such as Impact Factor (IF) and which will be revised from time-to-time as appropriate.
4. Research Management
   Overall management of research activities may be coordinated by Directorate of Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education under direct supervision of Vice Chancellor. Research advisory body and administrative committee shall be responsible for overall functioning of research activities within the University. Each Institution research activities will be coordinated by HOI or the nominations from each Institute.
5. Academic Dishonesty and Disciplinary Committee
   It is expected that each member involved in research – faculty, researchers and postgraduate researchers  - will adhere to highest ethical standards of conduct. Highest ethical standards of conduct include data integrity, adhering to ethical guidelines, given from time to time, for carrying out research. Each faculty member and researcher shall follow academic honesty in his/her research work. Faculty and researchers shall be careful not to fall prey to academic dishonesty. A disciplinary committee, on instruction of Vice-Chancellor, shall be formed in order to carry out inquiry when academic dishonesty is reported against an individual/group. Suitable disciplinary action may be initiated, if found guilty, against such individual/group.
6. Resources for research support
   The University provides intramural funding through seed money and Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair based on the quality and impact or research. University will extend facility by supporting publication charges, where manuscripts are communicated to quality journals. Such requests will be scrutinized through a committee appointed by Vice-Chancellor. Directorate of research will facilitate awareness regarding potential funding. The University may also provide additional manpower in departments with higher research intensity and research output, depending on specific justifiable requirements while adhering to regulations of statutory agencies.
7. Student Research
   To enhance quality research output, student mentorship/internship shall be facilitated to encourage undergraduate/postgraduate students to pursue research activities leading to tangible output.

Quality of Publications

The research carried put in university system should be of good quality adhering to highest standards of ethics. In order to recognize the research contribution, currently Manipal Academy of Higher Education considers Impact factor provided by JCR@ of Thomson Reuters. University encourages publications in journals indexed in Scopus/Web of Science. University may revise such policy as deemed necessary in future.

Ethics in Research (Data Integrity and Management)

Please refer Ethics Committeee (Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital – Institutional Ethics Committee).

Intellectual Property and Commercializations

Please refer to Manipal Academy of Higher Education Intellectual Property Policy.

Research Incentive Policy

Revised research incentive policy to be implemented from October 1, 2015. Please refer the revised research incentive policy.

Periodic Review of research Output

Periodic review of research output shall be carried out by each institution/department and provide such information to Office of Directorate of Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, periodically (preferably quarterly) for assessment and required corrective actions, if any.