Forerunner in research studies

The Energy Research Institute (TERI) School of Advanced Studies, deemed university has created a niche for itself in the area of research studies in India.
Director, TERI School of Advanced Studies, T P Singh says, "Presently, we are offering doctoral programmes (Ph D) in various disciplines. The subjects offered are unique, contemporary and inter-disciplinary in approach."
There are two faculties in the school - Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) and Faculty of Policy and Planning (FPP).The centres for Bioresources and Biotechnology come under the FAS and the centre for Regulatory and Policy Research comes under the FPP.
Singh says, "The centre for Bioresources provides the platform for research in the areas of tree physiology, eco-restoration, land and soil resource management, cloning of trees, joint forest management, forestry and climate change, ecological economics, and trade and environment."
He adds, "In the centre for biotechnology, one can pursue research in areas of soil health, microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial biodiversity, micro propagation and transgenics, plant tissues culture, crop improvement, plant molecular biology, microbial physiology, bio prospecting, plant protection, plant physiology, genetic engineering and microbial biotechnology."
Research in the areas of transportation, urban environmental systems and regional environmental planning, life cycle assessments, energy efficiency management, regulatory policy research, climate change, application of GIS and remote sensing in resource management, energy and environment economics and policy planning, developing policies in the areas of energy, can be pursued under the centre for regulatory and policy research.
According to Singh, most of these areas are untapped and provide immense scope for students to explore the subject. He adds, "There is no compulsion of pursuing these courses full time. There can be four categories of students - full time with assistantship or without assistantship, full time with UGC or CSIR or research scheme scholarship, sponsored and part-time candidates."
The school is unique in terms of its policies as well. For instance, all students need to undergo pre Ph D courses before starting their research work. Communication skills and statistics are the compulsory subjects.
The admission takes place once a year and a maximum period of seven years is allowed for completion of the research work.
An M Sc or M Phil in a relevant field or a bachelor''s degree in engineering or an equivalent qualification of the same is required to enroll for the programmes under the FAS.
An M A or M Phil in economics, statistics, mathematics, operational research or any allied field or a masters degree in science or bachelor''s degree in engineering or technology is required for pursuing research under the FPP.
Singh says, "One never knows that these research students can be the innovators of tomorrow. The present generation is very enterprising and focussed. I don''t see any career limitations for them in this field."
He adds, "We are introducing two master''s programme in the areas of natural resources and environmental studies this year. The M Sc programmes in the areas of regulatory studies and entrepreneurship and technology management will be launched in the following year."
Besides it''s own expertise and resource team, the TERI School of Advanced Studies has signed a memorandum of understanding with the La Trobe and Monash Universities of Australia and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, USA, to facilitate exchange programmes between the students of both the countries.