The status of the Institution of Eminence (IoE) and the execution of programmes under the initiative has made a qualitative difference to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), according to its Vice Chancellor, Prof B J Rao. 

“We have been implementing various programmes under the IoE for more than three years and it is a project where spending is entirely goal oriented and results oriented,’‘ Rao told businessline. 

The Union Government had accorded IoE status to UoH in September 2019, in recognition of its standing, ability and potential to move into the league of the world’s best institutions.

The IoE tagline ‘national needs, global standards’ is to be geared towards academic, financial and administrative support for all its stakeholders, faculty, students and non-teaching staff. As part of Its UoH has earmarked special funds for implementing various initiatives. 

“The university views IoE as a good opportunity in its history to leverage its existing reputation, practices and services to catapult itself into the best and highest leagues globally. We have spent ₹450 crore so far on achieving IoE goals,’‘ the Vice Chancellor said. 

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The objectives of UoH in implementing IoE include sprucing up of infrastructure, securing high-end equipment for various laboratories of different departments, building new infrastructure and encouraging research projects of the faculty by extending funds. 

“Most of our infrastructure and lab equipment were almost 50 years-old. Similarly, there is a need to encourage research projects of the faculty and their exposure to create an ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship and translational research among the students and faculty members through start-ups and public-private partnerships,’‘ Rao said. 

A substantial part of IoE funds of ₹450 crore spent so far went into creation of new infrastructure including hostel, upgrading of equipment and research support.

“More than 200 faculty have been benefited so far by way of IoE research funding so far. We are also providing ₹1 lakh travel assistance to attend seminars and conferences abroad if abstracts/research papers are accepted in foreign countries,’‘ the Vice-Chancellor said. UoH has also lined up renovation of existing student hostels and employee quarters apart from adding new ones.

The initiative is helping in facilitating exposure of UoH faculty to their international counterparts, Rao said adding that the focus was also on supporting students and research scholars from the socially-disadvantageous sections by extending non-NET fellowships.

“We have touched almost all stakeholders of the university with IoE support and are now drawing up plans for the non-teaching staff.

On the impact of the IoE status and initiatives being taken, Rao said: “There has been visible positive impact already. I also believe that there will be greater impact in the long term even after I leave the system.’‘

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