In a significant boost to the quality of higher education in Kerala, the state government has unveiled plans to establish seven ‘centres of excellence’. This initiative is designed to enhance research capabilities and academic standards, aligning with international benchmarks.
On Monday, Higher Education Minister R Bindu addressed the media, outlining the ambitious project which will see a total investment of Rs 11.4 crore this year. The seven centres are set to span various academic fields, including science and technology, social science, language, and culture. Each centre is envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge research and advanced studies, contributing to the state’s growing reputation as a leader in higher education.
The seven centres to be launched are:
- Centre of Excellence for Teaching, Learning and Training: Focused on improving pedagogical methods and professional development for educators, this centre aims to innovate and enhance teaching strategies across disciplines.
- Kerala Institute for Science, Technology, and Innovation (KISTI): Dedicated to fostering advancements in scientific research and technological innovation, KISTI will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries and technological solutions.
- Kerala Institute of Advanced Studies (KIAS): This institute will concentrate on high-level research and advanced studies in various academic disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly excellence.
- Kerala Network for Research-Support in Higher Education (KNRSHE): KNRSHE will provide essential research support and resources, creating a robust network to facilitate and support higher education research initiatives.
- Centre for Indigenous People’s Education (CIPE): CIPE will focus on the education and preservation of indigenous cultures, promoting research and learning about traditional knowledge and practices.
- Kerala Institute for Gender Equality: This institute will address gender issues through research and education, working towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in academic and social spheres.
- Kerala Language Network: Aimed at the study and preservation of regional languages, this centre will support research in linguistics and cultural studies, enhancing the understanding of Kerala’s diverse linguistic heritage.
Each centre will be equipped with a top-tier faculty, researchers, and industry representatives. Additionally, a five-member core academic team will lead each centre, supported by a group of doctoral and post-doctoral students. The centres are planned to be situated on university campuses to foster academic collaboration and integration, leveraging existing resources and infrastructure.
In conjunction with these developments, the Kerala government is also launching the ‘Study in Kerala’ programme. This initiative is designed to position Kerala as a premier educational destination for international students. Under this programme, foreign students will be offered innovative courses and unique academic experiences in areas such as Kerala’s traditional art forms, indigenous knowledge, tourism, and culinary traditions. This effort aims to attract students from around the globe, furthering Kerala’s stature as a global educational hub.
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Minister Bindu also announced that a higher education conclave would be held later in the year, scheduled for November-December. This conclave, to be jointly hosted by various higher education institutions across the state, will serve as a platform to discuss and showcase the comprehensive reforms and advancements in Kerala’s education sector.
These initiatives represent a significant step towards transforming Kerala’s higher education landscape, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting academic excellence on both a national and international scale.
