Collaboration on gathering data for the SDGs
KIIT’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident in its active participation in various research projects, consortiums, consultancies, and events. Through these initiatives, KIIT’s faculty and students are making significant contributions to addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Collaborative research projects are primarily focused on themes such as Poverty Alleviation, Food Security, Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Sustainable Cities, and the findings are effectively disseminated through publications.
The Centre of Excellence on Sustainability and Equity is engaged in organizing various events to promote awareness and discussions on SDGs, followed by review and feedback. They are also involved in gathering and measuring meaningful data for the SDGs through formal and informal collaborations. Although the primary focus is on SDG 9, 10, 11, and 16, the Centre contributes towards all SDGs collectively. The web-link of the centre of excellence:
Involvement with the Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR), Government of India
ICSSR was established in 1969 by Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country which has led to SDG policy development in the national context. Few of the KIIT’s themed based research are to Improve Agriculture, Groundwater Quality, and Women’s Well-Being and create a more sustainable and equitable future for the region. By maximising nitrogen utilisation, the Nitrogen Management in Agriculture initiative aims to reduce fertiliser costs and increase the use of natural resources. This provides a route to healthier and more successful farming methods throughout South Asia. The Anthropogenic and Geogenic Contamination of Groundwater in Bhubaneswar Urban Catchment Project investigates how waste disposal, population expansion, and industrialisation affect groundwater quality, and the results will help guide government policy regarding the preservation of groundwater resources. The Swachh Bharat Mission’s initiative in Odisha, “Relationship between Household Sanitation and Women’s Experience of Menstrual Hygiene,” focuses on the crucial connection between menstrual hygiene and household sanitation in underdeveloped areas. The findings offer insightful information to decision-makers, thereby promoting women’s economic empowerment and well-being.
More info about the projects can be found from the website:
KSFH Organizes International Conference on “Connecting Social Financial and Human Sciences for Sustainable Development”
“KIIT School of Social Financial and Human Sciences (KSFH) organized a three-day International Conference on “Connecting Social Financial and Human Sciences for Sustainable Development” from 4th to 6th May 2023. The objective of the conference was to reflect on sustainable development in today’s world driven by profit maximization and ambitions. At the inaugural session, Padmashree Ravi Narayan Bastia, CEO, Olimax Energy Pvt. Ltd. spoke on the cascading global crisis threatening the very survival of mankind. He spoke on energy diplomacy and steps to eliminate the threats of global warming, air pollution, water crisis and terrorism to achieve sustainable development in its true spirit.
Prof. Debabrata Das, Vice Chancellor, Tejpur University stressed the need for inclusive growth and its potential impact on sustainability of mankind and universe. Prof. A. B. Ota, IAS (Rtd.), Former Chairperson, SC & ST Research & Training Institute and OSTM, Govt. of Odisha, invoked images of the tribal world and their sustainability over the years, through forests.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. A. P. Hota, Former MD & CEO, NPCI explained the growth of Power/Public infrastructure in India leading to improved lifestyle of the people. Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Jayanta Kumar Parida, Director, KSFH explained the relevance of the conference’s theme. Dr. Pinaki Nandan Patnaik, Co-ordinator of the International Conference proposed the vote of thanks. The conference was attended by 429 delegates from India and abroad with 266 delegates presenting their research ideas.”
KIIT-TBI 9th Biotech Conclave Experts Call for Collaborative Industry-Academia Interface
“The 9th two-day Biotech Industry Conclave-2023 with a theme “Biotechnology and its Expanding Horizons” began at KIIT School of Biotechnology with the participation of more than 30 industry leaders, five-panel discussions, and 22 talks on the industry-academia interface and how to make students technology-ready for the ever-growing biotech sector.
In his Keynote address Sanjeev Vashishta, MD, Pathkind Diagnostics called for a vibrant industry academia cooperation to take the biotech industry to a new level. With India’s given credentials as a technology superpower and its strong base in the IT-driven sector, the biotech-digital collaboration would certainly make India a major player in innovations in healthcare, food production, building a knowledge economy, digital governance and ultimately bridging the socio-economic gap, as India still stands 139th in per capita income, though it’s the 5th major economy in the world with gross GDP, he said. He also added that Biotechnology in convergence with digital technology could bring in a sea change in creating a sustainable society in India.”
Collaborative Research with multiple Universities on bio-diesel as an alternative fuel
- A remarkable review of the effect of lockdowns during COVID-19 pandemic on global PM emissions (PIs & CO PIs: Swarup Nayak (KIIT), V.V. Le; Maritime Institute, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; T. Huynh; Institute of Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; A.T.Le; School of Transportation Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016236119314140 - Opportunities for Biodiesel Compatibility as a Modern Combustion Engine Fuel. (PIs & CO-PIs: Prof. Swarup Nayak & Prof. P C Mishra (KIIT); Dr. Sonil Nanda; The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Dr. M.M.Noor; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pekan, Pahang 26600, Malaysia)
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-1804-1_19#:~:text=Concerning%20the%20engine%20characteristics%20and,%2C%20exhaust%20gas%20recirculation%2C%20etc. - Biomass-derived 2,5-dimethylfuran as a promising alternative fuel: An application review on the compression and spark ignition engine (PIs & CO PIs: Swarup Nayak (KIIT); Dr. Xuan Phuong Nguyen; Institute of Maritime, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Dr. Van Viet Pham; Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Dr. Aykut I. Ölçer; Head of Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden)
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-1804-1_19#:~:text=Concerning%20the%20engine%20characteristics%20and,%2C%20exhaust%20gas%20recirculation%2C%20etc.
The University is an academic partner of The Institute of Engineering and Technology (The IET, UK). Several programmes of the University are also accredited by the IET, UK. We provide updates and obtain regular feedback from the academic experts of the IET in respect to our curriculum and pedagogy. The curriculum is offered to a wide spectrum of engineering students including those from economically and socially backward background and indigenous communities. This is aimed at providing Quality Education (SDG 4). Accreditation of Under Graduate Engineering Programmes of the University by IET, UK to develop updated pedagogy to deliver quality education has been extended in 2022.
https://www.theiet.org/involved/partnerships/academic-partners/academic-partnership-in-india/
Global Network for academic public health
KIIT School of Public Health (KSPH) has been making its presence felt at various international organizations and forums. Being the member of the two regional associations – Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), and South East Asia Public Health Education Institutions Network (SEAPHEIN) – the school has now been accepted as an active member of Global Network for Academic Public Health managed by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), USA. ASPPH is the voice of accredited academic public health, representing schools and programs accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). ASPPH is a 501c3 membership organization located in Washington, DC with a mission to strengthen the capacity of members by advancing leadership, excellence and collaboration for academic public health. Its members are CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health as well as schools and programs in applicant status for CEPH-accreditation. The goal of the Global Network is to enhance academic public health worldwide through mutual learning and collaborations between academic public health institutions globally in order to improve and protect the health of people and the planet (SDG 3, 4).
The Centre for American Studies, KIIT now hosts a newly unveiled SDG centre, featuring a full wall panel of the UN’s 17 SDGs as a visual reminder of the University’s commitment to work on the transformation of the world in keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our work in collaboration with KISS has taken the form of a silent revolution by transforming 150,000 indigenous people while contributing to nation building, and many of these projects are managed out of the SDG Centre’s office.
University signed a Statement of Intent with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 2nd November 2021 to work for tribal development and sustainable development in Odisha (SDG 10, 11). As per the provisions, the two organizations will undertake targeted analytical tribal research activities based on SDG and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), skilling through career guidance and counseling, management of natural resources especially water and biodiversity to ensure the overall development of the tribal areas.
KIIT is member of wide spectrum of international bodies
- Academic Partnership of The IET, UK https://www.theiet.org/involved/partnerships/academic-partners/academic-partnership-in-india/
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) https://www.acu.ac.uk/our-members/
- European Association of International Education
- International Association of Universities (IAU) https://www.iau-aiu.net/List-of-IAU-Members?lang=en
- International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)
- United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
https://academicimpact.un.org/sites/academicimpact.un.org/files/UNAI%20MEMBERS%20LIST%20MAY%202020.pdf - Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH)
- Association of University of Asia Pacific (AUAP)
- Eurasian Silk Road Universities Consortium (ESRUC), Turkey
- University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) http://umap.org/about/membership/#india
- School of Public Health, KIIT has also become active member of two of the regional associations – Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) and South East Asia Public Health Education Institutions Network (SEAPHEIN) in 2020. The goal of the Global Network is to enhance academic public health worldwide through mutual learning and collaborations between academic public health institutions globally in order to improve and protect the health of people and the planet.
Faculty Development Program - 2022 organised on “Building Humanity: Maintaining Resilience between Immediate Needs and Long Term Developmental Goals”
KIIT Deemed to be University hosted the Faculty Development Programme-2022 centered around the theme “Building Humanity: Maintaining Resilience between Immediate Needs and Long Term Developmental Goals.” The event, inaugurated on June 20, 2022, by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS, emphasized the pivotal role of teaching and learning in enriching academic environments. Prof. Samanta highlighted the importance of enhancing student satisfaction and urged faculty members to convey fundamental concepts innovatively, fostering student engagement in classrooms and labs. He underscored the parameters of an effective educator: quality teaching, publications, research, industry collaboration, administrative involvement, and mentorship.
Prof. Subrat Acharya, Pro-Chancellor of KIIT-DU, elaborated on achieving human development objectives. Prof. Acharya emphasized the need for education to address real-world challenges and encouraged faculty members to exhibit determination, passion, and ownership for future goals.The FDP not only provided a platform for professional development but also inspired educators to contribute meaningfully to society through their teaching, research, and engagement endeavors.
Seminar on “Relevance of Education in Building a Sustainable Society”
The seminar titled ‘The Relevance of Education in Building a Sustainable Society’ held on April 17, 2022, was a collaborative effort between the World Leadership Academy (WLA) and KIIT Deemed to be University. Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS, emphasized the significance of discipline in education and societal advancement. KIIT’s role in elevating educational standards through support for over a hundred state colleges and the provision of resources like e-libraries and e-labs was highlighted. Prof. Samanta shared a four-point development mantra for education. Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT-DU and WLA President, underscored the transformative potential of a robust education system and stressed the importance of human and intellectual resources in contemporary education. Over 20 MoUs were signed between KIIT-DU and participating colleges to enhance education. The seminar featured a panel discussion, hands-on training on digital libraries, interactive sessions, and tutorials by renowned publishers. Overall, the seminar served as a platform to exchange ideas and initiatives for advancing education’s role in shaping a sustainable society.