The India Research Tour 2025, one of India’s most ambitious research outreach initiatives by Springer Nature in collaboration with the ministry of education, reached Kolkata. The tour will engage with faculty, researchers, and students at four of the city’s most distinguished institutions – the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, Jadavpur University, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Kolkata, and Adamas University.
The tour covering 29 institutions, across 15 cities in 7 states, from 6 October to 13 November, is focused on advancing open access and open science, strengthening research integrity, encouraging e-book adoption, supporting editorial board member recruitment, and promoting diversity and inclusion in research.
Dr Sukanta Majumdar, minister of state, ministry of education, said, “The India Research Tour embodies the spirit of innovation and growth and aligns with the country’s priorities of advancing research and discovery. One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) are a historic leap for education and will catalyse research through various government and partnered initiatives. Our endeavour is to make research inclusive and globally inspiring. As a country, we have the capacity and capability to do much more and I urge researchers to pursue their work with passion and determination.”
Prof Dhananjay Singh, member secretary, Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), said: “The India Research Tour reflects the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem through collaboration, capacity building, and equitable access to knowledge. As a key partner, ICSSR recognises the importance of advancing Open Access, promoting research integrity, and fostering interdisciplinary engagement across institutions. Such initiatives complement our policy objective of creating a more inclusive and globally connected research environment that empowers scholars to contribute to India’s social, economic, and developmental priorities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, MD, Springer Nature India, said: “Kolkata’s institutions have been at the forefront of India’s intellectual and scientific journey. Engaging with researchers here reinforces the spirit of collaboration, integrity, and inclusivity that drives the India Research Tour.”
The India Research Tour 2025 was flagged off on 6 October at the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR) in New Delhi. Having traversed Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, the tour arrived in Kolkata today.