Indian Research: Far from a bouquet of ORCIDS yet. Why?

Indian brains are universally, and globally, applauded for their 'horse sense' - whether we look at our laser-sharp unicorns and wide-bracket start-ups or pride in the unshakeable global confidence placed for many decades in our IT industry. And yet, when it comes to top-drawer academic research, we are still considered by many as either a 'one horse town' or a 'one-trick pony'. Why this ever-widening gap against our global counterparts?

- Pratima H

"Nah! I don't think that's a right criticism." He said candidly and passionately. It was nice to hear him say that. After all, he steers so many minds on the path of innovation at a staggering scale and impact.

When we asked the good-old question in a chat with Dr. Sundar Krishnamurty, Ronnie & Eugene M. Isenberg Distinguished Professor in Engineering and Department Head, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, his answer was different, reassuring and fresh.

The question, of course, has stayed the same: Why does India look pale when compared to international universities- what makes them do so well and so consistently on academic research?

Dr. Krishnamurty was both quick and sure to argue that Indian institutes are not necessarily back-benchers in the area of research. "I was at IISc Bangalore for a conference some time back and the faculties I met there were quite impressive. A few institutes - 10 to 15 in India- are, in fact, exceptionally good. Like IISc, IIT Kanpur etc."

He, however, did aver that the breadth of work is missing here and the research quality is not comparable when we go down to tier-2 institutes. The A-grade research is not populated enough. "I hope we encourage Indian faculties to get access and learnings with enough resources and time for quality research."

What he suggested here is worth a lot of peer review'. It is much more than a staple citation. Especially if Indian institutes want to break free from the moth-balled cobweb of average and nonconsequential research.

THE WEAK ABSTRACT